Saudi clampdown dampens ‘day of rage’

A SECURITY clampdown in the Saudi capital turned a planned ‘day of rage’ into a damp squib, while determined police action in neighbouring Kuwait and Bahrain also appeared to deflate demonstrators’ zeal.

Rallies after Friday prayers have proved decisive in popular uprisings that have overthrown the rulers of Tunisia and Egypt. But the heavy police turnout in some major Gulf cities managed to put a lid on discontent that has surfaced in the region.

Yemen, by contrast, continued to see massive, countrywide protests, with President Ali Abdullah Saleh struggling to maintain his 32-year-grip on power.