Topic: Bahrain

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What is Russia thinking on Syria? A brief guide

As the crisis in Syria collapses into what looks like full-blown civil war, Russia's response stems from a complicated mix of principle, self-interest, mistrust of Western motives, and differing perceptions of the situation.
4 ways US and Iran can make nuclear talks work

The Moscow talks on Iran’s nuclear program ended in stalemate June 19, as both cynics and optimists anticipated. While low-level experts will meet in July, the next set of sanctions against Iran are scheduled to kick in within weeks, arguably restarting the whole negotiating process. The next time around, the parties should consider broadening their approach in these four ways.
Q&A: What's with the war talk surrounding Iran?

Tensions over Iran’s nuclear program have escalated in recent weeks as the US and Europe ramp up sanctions against the Islamic Republic.
Correspondent reflections: The 10 news events that shaped 2011
Getting the Strait of Hormuz straight: an FAQ

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Opinion: Who's to blame for rising oil prices? Speculators

Many blame Middle East turmoil or a weak dollar for rising oil prices, but they provide only a partial explanation. The chief culprit is speculation in oil markets. Fortunately, it can be stemmed with several regulatory steps.
Photos of the Day: Photos of the Day 04/26
Royal wedding: Who Prince William and Kate Middleton invited

Prince William and Kate Middleton have invited 1,900 people to join them when they tie the knot Friday at Westminster Abbey. Much of the invite list is dictated by tradition and diplomacy, but 1,000 attendees were also invited as "friends and family." Here's a look at some notables on the list, from Grammy-winners to representatives criticized by the international community for violating human rights.
Photos of the Day: Photos of the day 04/22
Opinion: Syria protests: Is there a peaceful path to democracy?

Can Syria make a transition to democracy without facing the deadly battles now seen in Libya, or the repression in Bahrain? Yes, if enough leaders within Syria show vision and restraint, and if they are open to some outside mediation from South Africa, Turkey, and the US.
In the end, did huge Gulf oil spill underwhelm oil-hungry Americans?

Predictions of 'Obama's Katrina,' millions of fish belly up on beaches, and an end to deep-water drilling all came to naught. High gasoline prices now seem more pressing to Americans than the Deepwater Horizon disaster that led to Gulf oil spill.
The Monitor's View: Slaughter in Libya's Misurata: Is this Obama's 'Rwanda'?

NATO admits it can't help keep Qaddafi forces from slaughtering civilians in Libya's third-largest city, Misurata, which is keey to the rebels' aims. Obama faces a humanitarian choice, as he did with Benghazi.
Why US silence on Bahrain's crackdown could backfire

For the fourth time in two weeks, a detainee died in police custody. Witnesses say his body, like the others, bore signs of abuse.
US officials: Iran helping Syria's Assad put down protests

The US has long been concerned about Iranian influence in Syria, which serves as the main conduit through which Iran sends weapons to Hezbollah and Hamas. Now, that influence could grow.
All foreign policy is local

France, Italy, and Saudi Arabia wrestle with their "near abroad" problems.
Global sports trade: athletes hurdle national borders for a better life

Runner Mohamed Marhum left behind poverty in Morocco to become a gold medal hopeful for Spain in the 2012 Olympics. The global sports trade is drawing more scrutiny as athletes trade talent for naturalization.
Yemen's neighbors step up role in pushing for Saleh's exit

The Gulf Cooperation Council is joining negotiations to end Yemen's political stalemate. Its role – especially that of Saudi Arabia, Yemen's largest donor – could prove far more influential than that of the West.
A fragile recovery – and five shocks that threaten it

This recovery isn't nearly as robust as previous upturns. Japan, Libya, and other crises could undercut it.
Arab leaders exploit their countries' divisions to stay in power

Arab leaders threatened by the region's uprisings may have finally hit on a tactic that can undermine popular support for protesters: playing on religious and national divides.
Qaddafi and rebels look for friends: April 4 Mideast update

Muammar Qaddafi's forces appear locked in a stalemate with the rebel troops, just east of Brega. Violent clashes within Yemen's protests reached a milestone. And the Gulf's economic bloc is in a tussle with Iran.
US officials weigh how to fight terrorism in a post-Saleh Yemen

Reports that US support for Yemen's President Ali Abdullah Saleh is waning raises the question of whether a new leader would continue helping the US fight the local Al Qaeda franchise.
Bahrain suspends opposition newspaper

Barhrain's government has suspended the country's only opposition newspaper, Al Wasat, accusing it of printing false information. The move comes amid a campaign to quell pro-democracy protests.
Bahrain's calculated campaign of intimidation

Bahraini activists and locals describe midnight arrests, disappearances, beatings at checkpoints, and denial of medical care – all aimed at deflating the country's pro-democracy protest movement.
Stocks end mixed. Best first quarter since 1998.

Stocks closed out the quarter with the Dow gaining 742 points, its biggest first-quarter point gain in more than a decade and its biggest percentage gain since 1994.
Photos of the Day: Photos of the Day 03/31
How Syria and other countries use emergency rule to quash dissent

The concept of emergency rule has been at the forefront of much of the Mideast unrest. Some countries have been in a “state of emergency” for decades, long after their citizens felt any threat still existed. Others have only recently implemented the emergency laws, in an effort to quell uprisings turned too large and violent for the governments to rein in. Although meant to help a country in times of danger, emergency law has sometimes been turned into a political tool.
Assad finally speaks to Syrians: March 30 Mideast update

Syrian President Bashar-al Assad blamed 'external plots' in his first speech since Syrian unrest began. Libya rebels lost ground. In Bahrain, 11 Shiite legislators resigned over the government's crackdown on dissent.
How Libya's Qaddafi brought humanitarian intervention back in vogue

The notion of humanitarian intervention went dormant after the Iraq war, but has now returned, championed by many of the same countries that were the greatest opponents of invading Baghdad.
In Oman, a young female editor exemplifies new boldness

Kawkab al-Balushi, a bold student newspaper editor, wants to challenge authority – but disagrees with the divergent approach of some of her more rebellious peers who just 'want a Blackberry,' she says.
Violent protests in Syria, Bahrain, Yemen – and now Jordan

Roughly 100 people were injured in Amman protests as Jordan – perhaps emboldened by the lack of retribution suffered by other US allies – became the latest Arab country to crack down hard.