"Bahrain's ruling family has defied mounting international criticism by ordering the army to turn on its people for the first time since pro-reform demonstrations erupted five days ago. As protesters attempted to converge on Pearl Roundabout, a landmark in the capital Manama that has become the principal rallying point of the uprising, soldiers stationed in a nearby skyscraper opened fire. Since they took to the streets, Bahrain's protesters have come to expect violence and even death at the hands of the kingdom's security forces. At least five people were killed before yesterday's protests. But this was on a different scale of magnitude.
As they drew near, they were met first with tear gas and then with bursts of live ammunition. Many fled the first salvoes, scrambling down empty streets as the shots rang out behind them. As they ran, terror and disbelief flashed across their faces. One man shouted: "They are killing our people! They are killing our people." Cowering behind a wall, a woman wept, her body shaking in fear.
But many refused to run, initially at least, determined to defy the violence being visited upon them. Some held their hands in the air and shouted "Peaceful! Peaceful!". The shooting resumed. One man crumpled to the ground, blood pouring from his leg; nearby a second was also felled. A scream went up: "live ammunition!" As security forces then began to fire anti-air craft guns over their heads and the air filled with tear gas, the protesters' will finally broke."
Bahrain's neighbors have pledged support for the Bahrain royal family and these actions, including Saudi Arabia. These states include most of America's allies in the region, and their (Sunni) leaders fear that a peaceful democratic uprising in (70% Shiite) Bahrain would lead to a Bahrain aligned with (Shiite) Iran.
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