Saudi Arabia says it's ready to help Bahrain's rulers"with all its capabilities"

[Ichingcarpenter]

MANAMA, BAHRAIN - Saudi Arabia said Sunday that it stands ready "with all its capabilities" to shore up Bahrain's ruling royal family if a standoff with the Shiite-led opposition is not resolved soon, underscoring the kingdom's deep concern about its neighbor's ongoing political crisis

It was unclear whether the Saudi comments indicated that the country was contemplating possible action in Bahrain or were merely meant to express growing anxiety among Saudi leaders. But some regional experts have long warned that a concerted Shiite challenge to the monarchy in Bahrain might prompt intervention from Saudi Arabia, which has its own restive Shiite minority population. The two countries are connected by a causeway.

The Saudi comments came as an uneasy calm prevailed in Bahrain's capital Sunday. Protesters pitched tents and held a peaceful demonstration at a central square as opposition leaders continued to rebuff the crown prince's invitation to engage in dialogue.

The statements from Saudi Arabia, which had been largely silent on the crisis in Bahrain since protests erupted a week ago, were issued in quick succession. The official Saudi press agency reported that the kingdom was following developments in Bahrain "with concern" and that it hopes to see a "restoration of calm and stability" under Bahrain's "wise leadership."
"The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia stands with all its capabilities behind the state and the brotherly people of Bahrain,"


http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/20/AR2011022002699.html?hpid=topnews


Saudi Arabia also has given refuge to Tunisia's X president
and Tunisia wants him back to stand trial.

[northoftheborder]

1. I thought Saudi Arabia did not have a real army.

That seems like a bad sign to me, if they start taking sides with these dictators.

[Ichingcarpenter]

2. They Gave Uganda's Mass Murder Pres Idi Amin Dada refuge

Where he died a few years ago.

[Ichingcarpenter]

5. The Army of Saudi Arabia has an Active personnel of 233,500

The army is composed of three armored brigades, five mechanized brigades, one airborne brigade, one Royal Guard brigade, and eight artillery battalions. The army also has one aviation command with two aviation brigades.<3>

The army’s main equipment consists of a combination of French- and U.S.-made armored vehicles: 315 M–1A2 Abrams, 290 AMX–30, and 450 M60A3 main battle tanks; 300 reconnaissance vehicles; 570+ AMX–10P and 400 M–2 Bradley armored infantry fighting vehicles; 3,000+ armored personnel carriers, including the Al-Fahd, produced in Saudi Arabia; 200+ towed artillery pieces; 110 self-propelled artillery pieces; 60 multiple rocket launchers; 400 mortars; 10 surface-to-surface missiles; about 2,000 antitank guided weapons; about 200 rocket launchers; 450 recoilless launchers; 12 attack helicopters; 50+ transport helicopters; and 1,000 surface-to-air missiles.<3>

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armed_Forces_of_Saudi_Arabia

[northoftheborder]

6. Thanks for the information, I didn't know that. Guess they don't need the US to protect them, or...

....play mercenary for them.

[rpannier]

3. Isn't that what they said about Mubarak and Egypt?

I'd be worried if I were the government of Bahrain.

[Ichingcarpenter]

4. This little Sheikdom is right across their border

and the protesters say it an't about religion