MANAMA, Bahrain, May 22 (UPI) -- Bahrain Tuesday amended its penal code to provide for freedom of speech and expression in a bid to end year-long protests and preserve the monarchy.
On another front, the government is seeking to fast track a Gulf Cooperation Council union, an idea promoted by Saudi Arabia to create a federation for the six member countries to bring more stability to the region and counter Iran's interference, the Gulf Daily News reported.