A prominent Iraqi Shia cleric, Moqtada al-Sadr, visited Doha and met the emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, on May 5th, triggering speculation about Qatar's bid to resolve the Bahraini crisis through mediation. Quoting Mr Sadr's website, a number of international news agencies have reported that the emir has promised to participate personally in the mediation effort and ''meet with Arab presidents and kings to resolve the crisis''. The emir has also suggested that Qatar and Mr Sadr should form a committee to find a solution to the crisis and follow up on the situation. Mr Sadr's visit came at the invitation of the emir and followed an exchange of visits between the Qatari crown prince, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, to Tehran and a reciprocal visit by the Iranian foreign minister, Ali Akbar Salehi, leading to suggestions that Iran may be willing to co-operate with mediation efforts. Mr Sadr, who is based in Najaf in Iraq, is one of the most influential religious and political figures in the country. He enjoys close ties with Iran, which is thought to provide his group, which controls 39 seats in the Iraqi parliament, with training and supplies for its militia.

Qatar, which employs mediation in regional conflicts as an integral part of its foreign policy, hopes to win Mr Sadr's support to persuade Bahrain's Shia majority to resolve their grievances with the Sunni-led regime through dialogue. According to the Bahrain Human Rights Society, at least 21 people were killed during demonstrations and rallies, which started on February 14th, calling for more democracy and civil rights in the kingdom. The island nation only came out of a state of national emergency on June 1st, having been placed under martial law on March 15th.