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March 15, 2011

Bahrain Declares State of Emergency; Saudi Forces Arrive to Quell Protests 
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In news from the Middle East, the King of Bahrain has declared a state
of emergency for three months following weeks of pro-democracy protests.
The King's announcement came one day after about 1,000 Saudi troops have
crossed into Bahrain to help defend Bahrain's ruling family.
Pro-democracy protesters have described the Saudi presence on the island
as a declaration of war. In a statement, Bahraini opposition groups
said, "We consider the entry of any soldier or military machinery into
the Kingdom of Bahrain's air, sea or land territories a blatant
occupation." Bahrain is a close U.S. ally and home to the U.S. Navy's
Fifth Fleet.



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