The Dean

Bahrain opposition asks for UN protection from "occupation"

Cairo/Manama/London (DPA) -- Members of Bahrain's opposition on Monday appealed to United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon for protection, amid reports that Gulf troops were deployed to the kingdom in the wake of anti-government protests.
The opposition described the deployment as "an occupation."
Reports said the troops were to help Bahraini authorities restore order after violent clashes erupted between the protesters and security forces over the weekend.
Ban had earlier called for "meaningful dialogue" between the government and opposition groups.
A military official from a neighbouring Gulf nation, who wished to remain anonymous, told the German Press Agency dpa that soldiers were sent to Bahrain from several countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
The six-member regional bloc consists of Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Oman.
In London, meanwhile, the British Foreign Office said it had reports that the Saudi National Guard was poised to enter Bahrain, prompting it to warn all British tourists there to remain indoors.
However, witnesses said no foreign troops were seen in the capital Manama as of Monday.
According to the Bahrain News Agency, a number of parliamentarians on Monday called on the king to impose martial law after clashes on Saturday and Sunday left a number of people seriously injured.
Seven protesters have also been killed since demonstrations began in Bahrain on February 14.
The parliamentary bloc asked for three months of martial law, which would lead to an army presence in the streets and a curfew.
There are growing fears in Bahrain that anti-government protests calling for constitutional reforms and greater rights have shifted into a sectarian conflict, with the country's Shiite majority clashing with the ruling Sunni minority.
There are also concerns in neighbouring countries - such as Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, which both have small, but significant Shiite populations - that Shiite-led Iran may be meddling in the affairs of Gulf countries.
GCC Secretary General Abdulrahman bin Hamad al-Atiya said the council rejects any foreign interference in the Gulf region's internal affairs, adding that attempts to sow discord among citizens represents a dangerous encroachment on security and stability.

flares

maybe Bahrain could pay an ad agency to rebrand itself using the London 2012 font.

The Iranians will then see the Zionist link and refuse to enter the Kingdom

heartofdarkness

Demonstration Notice #1 March 14, 2011
At approximately 1530 hours (3:30 PM) local time on 14 March, Embassy Manama received confirmation that foreign military elements are entering Bahrain along the King Fahad Causeway from Saudi Arabia.


U.S Embassy website

markinbahrain

[QUOTE=saudiflares;9238879]maybe Bahrain could pay an ad agency to rebrand itself using the London 2012 font.

The Iranians will then see the Zionist link and refuse to enter the Kingdom[/QUOTE

A nice thought flares, I like your style. Yep Iran always says that Bahrain belongs to them anyway, I guess the Saudi's are being deployed to strategic positions only as it would not go down well having a Shiite shot fighting for democracy on the roundabout by a Saudi soldier. I think the Iranian government in any case will now say, what is good for the goose is good for the gander, and will now start spouting off.
Their is thousands of protesters at pearl roundabout now, my mate called to say that a tannoy announcement went out to them that any attack on expats as retaliation against the mercenaries is wrong and unacceptable hence one dead and 4 stabbed last night, he said he is scared but he wants democracy, they all believe that it will kick off in the next 2 days as the police/ army will not want another weekend like last!!!

PICTURES OF SAUDI ARMY COMING OVER CAUSEWAY THIS AFTERNOON
http://bit.ly/fPVzxW http://bit.ly/gS1FgI http://bit.ly/fpjvwf http://bit.ly/h0TNLc

WHAT A CRAP DAY EH!!!

Ronnie Biggs

We legged it out of Saudi at around 1130 today (about 2 minutes after hearing the words "martial law") - it seems they closed the border at around 3pm. I was just talking to a friend who got stuck and won't be back until tomorrow now. Anybody else get caught out?

norsk

[QUOTE=markinbahrain;9238984] The crappiest thing is that since they completely shut the causeway for the time being I'm stuck in Saudi while my family is in Bahrain!

All expats living in Bahrain at my company have been booked into a hotel for the night, but where to stay is the least of my concerns to be honest. I just spoke to my son on Skype and he is being brave and agreed to be the man of the house for the time being, but he obviously has no idea what's going on.

By the way, I wouldn't be surprised if evacuation orders were issued from the major western countries over the next few days...maybe even tomorrow!

norsk

From what I gather this is the same opposition who refuse to negotiate unless their preconditions are met (ie they are dictating the outcome so what is the point of negotiating). I personally believe they are the ones stirring in the background. Getting the youth to do their dirty work basically...

heartofdarkness

Five guys with baseball bats fifteen yards outside my building in Hoora...My kids getting SMS that Marshal Law is in effect and roundabout will be cleared. Public holiday tomorrow.

shiftdelete

100percent correct...demographics prove this- this is a hundred-headed monster of breathtaking cunning and deception- these buggers (both sides) have willfully destroyed something amazing they will now never ever get back- FOOLS !!.

MrMark

[QUOTE=markinbahrain;9238984]
WHAT A CRAP DAY EH!!???

A fellow Canadian?

markinbahrain

Have just been informed that Muharraq is kicking off with Sunni's I guess taking advantage off the situation and going through the main street with swords and wooden sticks, a girl who works for me has just informed me, bless her really upset !! Keep off the streets !!

Tockalosh

[QUOTE=norsk;9239086] If your family need anything besides Gin which I am desperately short of then get them to walk across mate. Got my wife and wee one out tonight so can help as required

1967tazz

[QUOTE=MrMark;9239180] All my thoughts and prayers are with you all, I can't imagine being separated from my wife and kids in a situation like this - trusting that you will be re-united very soon.

Tockalosh

By the way Norsk, they only closed the causeway whilst the convoys came over and then opened them afterwards so you could always make a run for home now

norsk

yeah, i know. i got home about an hour ago.

thanks for offer of help though. fortunately no need for gin as i rarely drink it. I have plenty of beer, vodka and champagne though (not sure what i could celebrate though).