Saudi troops sent to Bahrain ahead of Shiite cleric’s trial
Saudi Arabia sent troops to the Bahraini capital of Manama Sunday two days ahead of a court ruling in the case against Ayatollah Sheikh Issa Qassem. The regime fears a verdict against the sheikh will prompt the restive Shiite community to stage massive demonstrations and violence against the throne. The sheikh is accused of incitement against the Bahraini royal house, illicit ties with Iran and association with the anti-government Shiite underground.