Surf Arab States

Arab States Weekly Review 12th – 18th March 2011

Forces loyal to Muammar Qaddafi regained control of rebel towns in the east and west of Libya. Western powers discussed the imposing of a no-fly zone over Libya. The move was endorsed by the Arab League together with Britain and France. Russia and others are still voicing doubts.

Saudi Arabia sent 2,000 troops to Bahrain to help curb a growing protest movement. Martial law was declared after police opened fire on a crowd of mainly Shia demonstrators.

Protests continued in Yemen against the regime of President Ali Abdullah Saleh, but were met with a fierce crackdown.