The New York Times runs a longish feature on the tiny Arab Kingdom of Bahrain, where the internet is being used to challenge the authorities, which are led by a Sunni Muslim King who rules over Shia Muslim subjects. As in much of the Arab world, those seeking democratic change have to confront minority rule by a family, sect or a military clique. In the words of one online writer, "In Bahrain, glorifying the king means glorifying the nation, and opposing the king means betraying the homeland and working for foreign countries."

"Should we be loyal to the king or to Bahrain?" he asks.