Bahrain says foreign ‘plot’ thwarted

Bahrain said, on 21 March 2011, it had thwarted a plot to undermine security in the kingdom and neighbouring Gulf states, prompting claims the embattled royal family is alluding to Iranian involvement to justify its violent quelling of pro-democracy protests last week.

Analysts and diplomats on the ground have during the past couple of months reiterated there is little evidence Iran has played a role in the turmoil.
But there are concerns that the crackdown on protesters from 20 March 2011 could trigger a response from Iran after Gulf forces arrived in the kingdom.

Last week, troops from Saudi Arabia and police from the United Arab Emirates arrived in Bahrain in a show of support for the regime.

ESO: Background information: Ashton to host global conference on north Africa http://www.europeansources.info/record/ashton-to-host-global-conference-on-north-africa/

ESO: Background information: EU calls for dialogue as Bahrain, Yemen, Libya kill protesters http://www.europeansources.info/record/eu-calls-for-dialogue-as-bahrain-yemen-libya-kill-protesters/

EEAS: Regions: The EU and the Mediterranean, Middle-East & the Gulf http://www.eeas.europa.eu/mideast/index_en.htm

EUObserver, 23.3.11: Top EU official defends Bahrain crackdown http://euobserver.com/9/32038

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