Kingdom combines repression and hand-outs in effort to calm citizens

The authorities have cracked down on Shia protests in Eastern Province. Orders from on high – including a Ministry of Interior statement on 5 March saying that demonstrations, marches and sit- ins contradict Sharia law and a similar message from the Majlis Al-Shura on 7 March – appear to have prevented a possible ‘day of rage’ scheduled for 10 March.