Bahrain–Saudi Arabia relations
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Bahrain–Saudi Arabia relations are the relations between Bahrain and the Saudi Arabia.
History
Saudi-Bahraini relations go back centuries, to when the Al Khalifa clan from mainland Saudi Arabia conquered the island.
Today
Both are Sunni monarchies with a significant Shia population, and both are members of the Gulf Cooperation Council. This became particularly important during the Arab Spring, when long-serving strongmen were toppled across the Middle East, and the Bahraini uprising seemed to threaten to do the same to the Bahraini monarchy. Citing fears of Iranian influence, and its rights under the charter of the GCC, Bahrain's monarchy invited Saudi forces in to suppress the rebellion.[1][2] This was the first case of the GCC agreement on defense being used internally.
References
- ↑ Hawley, Caroline. "Gulf states send forces to Bahrain following protests." BBC News. 14 March 2011. Accessed 15 January 2012. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12729786
- ↑ Chick, Kristine. "Saudi troops arrive in Bahrain as protests escalate." The Christian Science Monitor. 14 March 2011. Accessed 15 January 2012. http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Middle-East/2011/0314/Saudi-troops-arrive-in-Bahrain-as-protests-escalate
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