Unrest in the Arab world

Latest developments in the Arab world’s unrest:

JORDAN

Protesters demanding reforms clashed with government supporters in the center of Jordan’s capital, pelting each other with stones until security forces charged in and beat protesters, as unrest intensified in the key U.S. ally. The clashes, in which more than 100 were injured, were the most violent in more than two months of protests. A government supporter died of a heart attack during the unrest.

YEMEN

Facing growing calls for his resignation, Yemen’s longtime ruler told tens of thousands of supporters that he’s ready to step down but only if he can leave the country in “safe hands,” while anti-government protesters massed for a rival rally. The president’s remarks recalled a similar statement by Egyptian leader Hosni Mubarak days before he was ousted Feb. 11.

BAHRAIN

Security forces fired tear gas at anti-government protesters after a prominent Shiite cleric vowed that their demands for the Sunni monarchy to loosen its grip on power will not be silenced by “brutal force.” Activists said one person died. Bahrain’s government, meanwhile, brushed aside suggestions for an international investigation into the deaths of protesters during the month of unrest or allegations that police attacked wounded protesters at a hospital.

SAUDI ARABIA

Several hundred Shiite Muslims protested in eastern Saudi Arabia to demand the release of detainees and show support for fellow Shiites protesting against the Sunni monarchy in nearby Bahrain, a Saudi news agency said. The protesters called on the Saudi government to withdraw its troops from Bahrain, where they are leading a 1,500-strong Gulf military force helping shore up the Sunni monarchy.

Source: Associated Press