By Joanne Powers

The first official strike in the history of the Persian Gulf nation of Qatar has ended with a victory for workers. More than 300 Indian construction workers who went on strike last week returned to work yesterday when the companies involved agreed to pay them their back salary. Qatar's National Human Rights Committee and the Indian Embassy intervened to bring company officials and workers' representatives to the negotiating table. The employers also agreed to get workers' residence permits stamped and provide medical and other facilities. Afterwards, five strikers were reportedly fired on grounds of allegedly inciting workers and encouraging indiscipline.