Manama–Bahrain's king is calling for an Arab summit to discuss efforts to calm the region amid widening protests inspired by the toppling of Tunisia's iron-rule regime.
The state-run Bahrain News Agency says King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa urged the emergency Arab meeting in a telephone call with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak.
The agency's report said Thursday that the king pledged support for Mubarak, a key Western ally who has faced ongoing street protests demanding an end to his nearly 30-year rule.
Major anti-government demonstrations also have broken out in Yemen.
Bahrain is among the most volatile nations in the Gulf. Last year, majority Shiites staged widespread riots after a security crackdown by Sunni rulers.
