As long as you understand, Dead Pan, that the troubles in Bahrain should not be seen to be a natural follow on, or in any way similar to, troubles in other parts of the Middle East. As has already been explained, Iran claim Bahrain as their own and have been stirring up trouble there for years, the very last thing Saudi, or any of the Gulf states want is an Iranian presence on that side of the Gulf. By brining in the forces of the GCC, plus the existing presence in Bahrain of the American 5th Fleet, a timely message is being sent to Iran to butt out.