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Manama’s crackdown on opposition members combined with the intervention of military forces from Saudi Arabia and police forces from the UAE has left Bahrain’s opposition considerably reduced space to demonstrate. However, opposition members remain as resolute as before to bring about change

Amid serious sectarian unrest and growing suspicion of Tehran, the ruling monarchy is enlisting foreign assistance in a carefully orchestrated clampdown on the opposition.

Large crowds had chanted their support for the opposition in Bahrain, waving flags and protesting at Saudi Arabia’s deployment of Saudi Arabian National Guard (Sang) units to the island state.

Bahrain’s destruction of the iconic Pearl monument in Manama on 18 March, and the ripping up of grass at the roundabout, symbolises one of the state’s most aggressive acts against its people. The circular monument became the base for the opposition movement, acting as a public space where people could meet and share ideas, much like Tunisians did in Tunis’ 7 November Square (newly named Mohammed Bouazizi Square), and Egyptians in Cairo’s Tahrir Square.

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In a show of force, and an attempt to clear mass protests around Pearl Roundabout, the Bahraini security services with the help of its GCC 'brothers' have been deployed across the country. The long-term implications for Bahrain, politically, socially and economically, remain unknown; however, its ramifications could spread beyond the island's borders.

The oil-rich province has seen thousands of people demonstrating against the deployment of Saudi Arabia in Bahrain, and pushing for more reform in the Kingdom

Concern over sectarian tension increases as the predominantly Shia unlicensed opposition formally establishes itself. However, both unlicensed and licensed opposition members have told GSN that such fears are unjustified

A number of British citizens have been prevented from leaving the country after banks, including HSBC, obtained travel bans against them because they owe money

The streets of Manama remained tense as GSN went to press, though political opposition groups are beginning a national dialogue. Disagreement over whether the Al-Khalifas should stay or go threatens to undermine the process

Salman has emerged as a major player only in the past few years. As recently as 2007, it was thought he was marginal in shaping government policy and overshadowed by his powerful great-uncle, prime minister Sheikh Khalifa Bin Salman Al-Khalifa,

Bahrain has a long history of unrest, reflecting its complex sectarian, ethnic and socio-economic divisions. Of all the Gulf Co-operation Council states, it is perhaps Bahrain that has the longest history of organised political opposition

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With 24-hour news coverage following every move, the authorities have come under intense pressure to calm the situation on the streets. GSN examines the timeline of recent unrest

Manama has witnessed Jasmine Revolution-inspired demonstrations calling for political reform. The fervour of opposition has spread to many Gulf states, where aged leaders are being challenged by their youthful populations