That could potentially highlight the hypocrisy in western "democracy" couldn't it.... Interesting times! Do we believe in encouraging the will of the people and real democracy, or do we believe in protecting our friends and allies and pet benevolent dictators?
Err, I think the gaping holes in our collective policy towards the arab Middle East were exposed some months ago, when it all kicked off in Tunisia.
Actually Bahrain will be the real teaser - I wonder whether Obama's sudden u-turn was driven by recent events there? Maybe he's finally realised that he can't pick and chose which uprisings he supports - he's now got to back them all, regardless of the consequences.