The Wall Street Journal is reporting Saudi Arabia is rallying Muslim nations across the Middle East and Asia to join an informal Sunni alliance against Iran and Shiite protesters in Bahrain. Critics warn the Saudi effort could further destabilize the region and spark sectarian violence. Saudi officials have approached Pakistan, Malaysia, Indonesia and Central Asian states to lend diplomatic support—and potentially military assistance—to help stifle a majority Shiite revolt in Sunni-led Bahrain. A Pakistani battalion has been in Bahrain since before the unrest began to help train Bahraini forces, but reportedly has not taken part in the crackdown.