Special to WorldTribune.com

ABU DHABI — Bahrain has deployed thousands of troops to quell
another Shi’ite revolt in part aimed at a largely Pakistani foreign labor force that also mans security and military forces.

Bahrain’s military and Interior Ministry have deployed more than 10,000
troops around Manama to stop plans by Shi’ites to storm the capital. The
Shi’ites, who comprise a majority of Bahrain, intend to march toward an area
termed “Freedom Square” outside Manama on Feb. 14.

The Shi’ite march was meant to commemorate the first anniversary of the Shi’ite revolt in Bahrain. In March 2011, the Sunni kingdom declared martial law and soon hosted more than 5,000 troops from the Gulf Cooperation Council to help fight unrest officials asserted was supported by Iran.

The Interior Ministry has also sought to increase protection of
Bahrain’s large foreign labor sector.

Over the last few months, Asians, particularly Pakistanis, have been attacked by Shi’ite gangs around Manama.
Pakistanis comprise a significant part of Bahrain’s military and security forces.

“Bahrain has given them a lot in terms of opportunities for work and life,” Pakistan ambassador Jauhar Saleem said. “It is a mutually beneficial relationship based on trust and that is how it should be taken.”

Officials said Bahrain has placed the military and security forces on
alert. They said Manama would also monitor Westerners who arrive in the
kingdom to ensure that they don’t help the Shi’ites. On Feb. 12, the GCC
country deported two Americans accused of joining the Shi’ite protests.

On Feb. 14, anti-riot squads fought with hundreds of Shi’ites who
marched toward Freedom Square, formerly known as Pearl Square. Witnesses
said Shi’ites, some of them chanting slogans against King Hamad, rushed the
demolished site, but were dispersed by police.

“Both the protesters and police must exercise restraint,” Faisal Fulad,
a human rights monitor, said.

The United States, which ordered the resettlement of diplomatic staffers
from Manama, has urged Shi’ite organizers to restrain supporters during the
anniversary march. U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Michael Posner said
Washington has been discussing the issue with the Shi’ite opposition
coalition Al Wefaq.

“We contacted Al Wefaq and slammed the escalating violence to the point
of becoming a daily phenomenon,” Posner said. “We urged Al Wefaq to assume
its responsibility and ask instigators to refrain from such practices for
the political crisis not to deteriorate further.”

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