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May 27, 2011

Saudi Arabia Rallies Other Nations to Form Sunni Alliance 
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The Wall Street Journal is reporting Saudi Arabia is rallying Muslim
nations across the Middle East and Asia to join an informal Sunni
alliance against Iran and Shiite protesters in Bahrain. Critics warn the
Saudi effort could further destabilize the region and spark sectarian
violence. Saudi officials have approached Pakistan, Malaysia, Indonesia
and Central Asian states to lend diplomatic support—and potentially
military assistance—to help stifle a majority Shiite revolt in
Sunni-led Bahrain. A Pakistani battalion has been in Bahrain since
before the unrest began to help train Bahraini forces, but reportedly
has not taken part in the crackdown.



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