The story: Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa on Jan. 20 issued a royal decree that gives both Shiite and Sunni religious endowment (waqf) councils the power to nominate and dismiss their own administrators. Previously, this was the task of the Shari’a courts. The measure has been praised by Bahraini pro-government and state media, while pro-opposition outlets say it fails to address the key concerns of the Shiite community.  

The coverage: On Jan. 21, the state-affiliated Shiite waqf published a statement on its official website praising the royal decree for “strengthening the powers” of the two endowment councils...