While in Bahrain yesterday more protests targeted the residential area of foreign embassies, chanting slogans against the king, without any violence, in the city of Sohar, Oman the repression was tough. Police launched tear gas and rubber bullets at a pro-democracy movement, which called for greater participation in the affairs of the country. According to local sources, two people were killed and many injured. It is the first serious challenge to the government of Sultan Qaboos bin Said, whose country is positioned in front of the Strait of Hormuz. About 40% of the world's oil traffic passes in front of its coasts. The sultan tried to take measures to counter the protest and has replaced six members of the government, increasing the minimum wage by 40%.
In Saudi Arabia, King Abdullah, who had just returned from the United States and Morocco after a back operation, has decided to make permanent contracts – thus far part-time - of tens of thousands of government employees.
He also announced social measures amounting to 135 billion Ryals, equivalent to approximately 26 billion euro.