While headlines and video have moved elsewhere (Japan, mainly), events in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) continue to provide a nervy backdrop for investors.

The Wall Street Journal reports this morning, citing a Saudi official, that the kingdom has sent more than 1,000 Saudi soldiers into Bahrain to help protect key facilities amidst widespread antigovernment protests. The move is part of a wider Gulf Cooperation Council effort to shore up the Bahrain government which has been facing unrest for the past few weeks.

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