Bahrain is a nation of only 1.2 million people, but it stands as an exemplar of the power struggles which are pulling the Arab Spring this way and that.

The state has been in a process of supposed reform for 10 years, and even those from opposition parties are not calling for the overthrow of the monarch.

To add to the complex mix, powerful neighbours Saudi Arabia and Iran are using the protesters and politicians to ensure their own ends are met.

As James Naughtie reports, no one in which is sure where these currents in the Gulf will sweep them next.

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