Obama urges Bahrain's king to show restraint
WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama is condemning the violence in Bahrain and urging the country's king in a phone call to show restraint after a series of bloody protests.
Obama discussed the situation with King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain on Friday evening. Obama asked the king to hold those responsible for the violence accountable.
Obama says Bahrain must respect the "universal rights" of its people and embrace "meaningful reform."
Security forces opened fire on Bahraini protesters for a second straight day, wounding at least 50 people as thousands defied the government and marched in an uprising that sought to break the political grip of the Gulf nation's leaders.