Bahrain’s king has ordered the release of a number of prisoners and closed cases against several leaders accused of plotting against the kingdom. According to Bahrain’s official news agency, orders have been issued considering the need of national unity. In a separate statement, Crown Prince of the country Salman, who has been entrusted to conduct talks with opposition, has said that the dialogue will include everyone.

Meanwhile anti-government protesters are camping at Manama’s Pearl Square calling for sweeping political reforms. Due to ongoing crisis, government has cancelled Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix on March 13.

In Yemen, President Ali Abdullah Saleh’s supporters clashed with students in the capital Sanaa on Tuesday wounding five. Police had to intervene to bring the situation under control. About 1,000 students had spent a second night camped at a square, which they have dubbed Al-Huriya (Liberty) Square, near Sanaa university demanding Saleh’s ouster.

Thousands of protesters also took to the streets in several neighbourhoods of the southern city of Aden. Country’s president Saleh has rejected demands of his stepping down. He however renewed calls for talks with the protesters.

Jordan’s King Abdullah faces unprecedented calls by opposition for moves towards a constitutional monarchy. King Abdullah has called for quick and real reforms to give the public a greater role in governing and to eliminate corruption. Activists are demanding a stronger role in politics and greater political freedoms.

Iraqi parliament yesterday suspended work for a week and sent lawmakers to their areas to help soothe rising anger over corruption, food shortages and poor services. Iraq has been hit in recent weeks by a growing wave of protests demanding local officials to step down.