Bahraini Shi'ites Lament U.S. Support

Hundreds of Shi'ite opposition supporters today gathered outside the U.S. Embassy in Bahrain's capital, Manama.

The protesters say Washington is showing less support for the campaign for change in Bahrain than it did for the uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt.

The protesters are seeking to loosen the grip on power held by Bahrain's Sunni monarchy.

Bahrain holds particular importance to Washington as the host of the Navy's 5th Fleet, the main American military counterweight to Iran's expanding influence in the region.

Bahrain has been shaken by demonstrations calling for political reform since February 14.

On March 6, thousands of demonstrators held a protest rally outside the government's building.

compiled from agency reports