Bahrain opposition leader: Hopes fading for talks as violence increases

AP- The head of Bahrain’s main opposition group says envoys from the U.S. and other countries are acting as intermediaries with the Gulf nation’s rulers, seeking to ease 21 months of unrest.

Sheik Ali Salman says there is little hope for breakthrough dialogue.
He also told The Associated Press on Sunday that Bahrain’s main anti-government factions, including his Al Wefaq group, are unable to rein in breakaway protesters using increasingly violent tactics, including homemade firebombs.

Government officials also blame protesters for deadly explosions.

Bahrain’s deepening crisis has led authorities to expand deployment of its paramilitary National Guard in the strategic nation, home to the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet.

More than 55 people have been killed since February 2011 as majority Shiites seek a greater political voice in the Sunni-ruled kingdom.

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