Iran war spurs crackdown on clerics in tiny Gulf state Bahrain

AI Summary

Bahraini authorities have arrested or targeted Shi’ite clerics they accuse of encouraging allegiance to Tehran, following Iranian attacks on the island. The government describes Iran’s influence as an existential threat to the Sunni-led state, whose population is mostly Shi’ite.

By Timour Azhari MANAMA, Nov 6 (Reuters) - Shaken by the accuracy of Iran's attacks on Bahrain and support for them among some Bahrainis, authorities in the Gulf island nation have launched a crackdown on Shi'ite Muslim clerics they accuse of fostering allegiance to Tehran at home. Bahraini officials have framed the move in existential terms, saying Iran seeks to undermine and ultimately topple the leadership of the only Gulf country that is ruled by a Sunni Muslim family but populated mostly by Shi'ites.