Bahrain Pulls Back Military Troops
Reuters reports:
Bahraini troops and armored vehicles on Saturday rolled out of a Manama square that had been a base for anti-government protesters, meeting one opposition condition for a dialogue proposed by the king.
But when a few protesters tried to regain their former stronghold in Pearl Square, police beat them back.
At least 100 riot police took up position, while a group of about 50 demonstrators stood about 50 meters (yards) away.
One man raced to the center of the traffic circle, fell to his knees to kiss the yellowed grass and began praying as other protesters celebrated. Moments later, 10 police cars pulled up and policemen beat up one protester and fired teargas.
At least 100 riot police took up position, while a group of about 50 demonstrators stood about 50 meters (yards) away.
Troops in tanks and armored vehicles took over the traffic circle on Thursday after riot police attacked protesters who had camped out there, killing four people and wounding 231.
Bahrain's crown prince announced that all troops had been ordered off the streets and that police would maintain order.
"That's a very positive step," Jasim Hussain, a member of the main Shi'ite Wefaq bloc that quit parliament on Thursday, told Reuters. "They're trying to ease the tensions. I don't know whether it will be sufficient."
Wefaq had earlier rejected a call by King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa for a national dialogue to end the unrest that has rocked Bahrain since Monday, saying troops must be withdrawn first, among other conditions.
Another Wefaq lawmaker said the troop pullout was not enough by itself. "There's no difference if people are killed by the military or by the security forces," said Ibrahim Mattar.
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