Bahrain's king gives out cash to families

MANAMA, Bahrain, Feb. 13 (UPI) -- In an effort to stave off anti-government protests, Bahrain's king has paid $2,650 to every family "as a sign of appreciation," an official statement said. "On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the National Action Charter and as a sign of appreciation for the people of Bahrain who have approved it, King Hamad bin Issa al-Khalifa has ordered 1,000 dinars ($2,650) to be paid to every Bahraini family," BNA, the country's official news agency, said.     (more)