National Yemen - Issue 08 by National Yemen Newspaper

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40 Days of Ceremonies to Celebrate Birth-Giving

Qatar and Yemen

Yemen signs $100 Million

NationalYemen The Facts As They Are

The Danger of AlQaeda Expansion Sunday, July 18, 2010 Volume 01 - Issue 08 Price: YER 30 www.nationalyemen.com

WASHINGTON — The US government placed Anwar al-Awlaki, a key leader of AlQaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, on its list of terrorism supporters. In so doing, it froze his financial assets and banned any transactions with him. The measures were outlined in Executive Order 13224 issued Friday by the US Treasury Department.

pect of the supply chain of terrorism -- fundraising for terrorist groups, recruiting and training operatives, and planning and ordering attacks on innocents.”

“Anwar al-Awlaki has proven that he is extraordinarily dangerous, committed to carrying out deadly attacks on Americans and others worldwide,” said Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Stuart Levey. “He has involved himself in every as-

Awlaki, now based in Yemen, rose to prominence last year after it emerged he had communicated by email with Major Nidal Hasan, a US army psychiatrist accused of opening fire on colleagues at Fort Hood, Texas, killing 13. Continued on ( 3 )

Yemen arrests 30 al-Qaida suspects Yemen had arrested over 30 al-Qaida suspects during the recent security sweeps in two provinces, state-run Saba news agency reported on Friday. Security operations against al-Qaida resulted in detaining more than 19 suspects in Marib province and 11 others in Hadramout province,” Saba quoted Interior Minister Mutahar al-Masri as saying. “The ministry handed over a list of wanted al-Qaida suspects to tribal chieftains of Marib province,” al-Masri said, adding “despite the death of the provincial councilman Jabir Ali al- Shabwany, the chieftains were very supportive and played a very distinctive role in combating al-Qaida affiliates.” The minister said “Jihem tribe in Marib handed over two al-Qaida affiliates to the security departments.”

According to Saba, al-Masri revealed that his ministry cooperated with tribes of Bani Abidah, al-Juda’an and Jihem, and has cordoned off Marib and Jawf provinces in a bid to prevent further al-Qaida assaults after the group attacked oil pipelines and security personnel in Marib recently. On May 24, an air strike killed one of the tribal elite Jabir Ali al-Shabwany, who also served as deputy of Marib province and a councilman, sparking a huge anger against the government and led to attacks by the armed tribesmen on oil facilities in revenge. The Yemeni government is facing resurgent al-Qaida militancy and growing voices in the south calling for disengagement from the north. It is also trying to cement a ceasefire deal that was signed with northern Shiite rebels on February 11.

3 Houthis Shot Dead in Harf Sufyan A citizen murdered three Houthis in Harf Sufyan directorate, Amran governorate. The security authorities in Harf Sufian told the Security Information Center that the three Houthis are Ahmed Hassan Jamilah, Sami Ahmed Salim Jamilah, and Ahmed Ali Molhi. These had blocked the road in the area beyond Al-Madrag. As they attempted to capture

the citizen, he fired on them in self defense. The security authorities explained that the dead Houthis were wanted by the security authorities in Amran governorate for pending murder cases and other serious criminal offenses. The authorities noted that they opened an investigation into the incident to uncover its circumstances.

Photo Rasheed bin Shibraq

US Freezes Assets of Key AlQaeda leader (AFP)

Al Baldah Festival is a well known astronomical event in the province of Hadramout. It is here people celebrate this event annually from the 15th till the 30th of July. This year the Festival is skillfully organized by local authorities for more entertainment and fun than ever. It will surely satisfy both families and individuals. Don’t miss it! It only comes only once a year!! Book your ticket to Mukalla and enjoy this exclusive experience. The official launch is on Sunday 18th, 2010

Detained Muslim praises FBI for making US safe WASHINGTON: A Virginia man arrived back in the US Friday afternoon after being stranded in Egypt for two months after the FBI put him on a no-fly list. Yahiya Wehelie, 26, of Burke, Virginia, found that his travels to Yemen caught the attention of the FBI. Since Yemen has become a hot spot in the war on terror, the FBI wondered why the US citizen chose that country to study in. The bureau put him on the US no-fly list, leaving him stranded in Egypt for two months.

FBI agents questioned Continued on ( 10 )

Al-Mukalla Security Reveals Details on the Arrest of Fuoah Terrorist Cell Al-Mukalla security authorities in Hadramout governorate said they arrested yesterday 9 suspects of Al-Qaeda from the Fuoah terrorist cell. It was a quantitative process starting with combing Al-Motadharireen Valley, and then gradually narrowing the area until under the pressure of pursuit and tracking led to the capture of a number of terrorists were caught in a hideouts on the outskirts of the city of Mukalla. The security swoop paralyzed

Parliament Gives the Government Two Months to Reform the Security Institution and Establish supremacy and control of the State Security Information Center

them, and prevented them from resisting or fleeing. The security authorities said to the security information center that the arrested terrorists’ ages are between19 and 35. Suspects include a Yemeni born in Kuwait who was working as a motorbike mechanic at the age of 27. Also capture was a university student and a seaman age 20. Continued on ( 3 )

At its meeting today, the Parliament commended the formation of a special committee to supervise the release of all the detainees in the Political Security, National Security and private jails who are held without legal justification. The committee will supervise their coming to justice, and will hold responsible those who detained them. In the session presided by Chairman of the Parliament, Yahya Al-Ra’ee, discussions and reviews were presented by the PMs on the security situa-

tion in the country. In the commendations, the Parliament mandated that the government pursue offenders, murderers, kidnappers and bandits, and those who wreak mayhem and destruction, and bring them to justice. It also commanded the government to establish supremacy and control of the state, secure the roads and the lives of citizens, as well as to implement the provisions of the Constitution. They expect a detailed progress report within two months. Continued on ( 3 )

Sunday, July 18, 2010 www.nationalyemen.com

ADVERTISMENTS

Yemen Senior Accounts Officer For Yemeni National Only The finance department of KEC (Yemen) Ltd. for Oil and Gas Exploration and Production is looking for a competent professional to work as Senior Accounts Officer (Male). The candidates should be in an age of 35 years and above. The ideal candidate should demonstrate successful performance with the following skills in oil and gas sector. The candidates from other industry will be given second preference during the selection process. Job Duties

The ideal candidate shall: • Study and interpret contract, various conditions, compensation schedules and other critical terms and conditions of the agreement, approve Invoices / vouchers / processed and enter in the system and monitor AP Closing independently. • Possess complete knowledge about operations of IDEAS accounting system used by KEC. This is one of the most important conditions for successful enrolment. • Be conversant with financial report writing and year end rollover of GL balances in the accounting system IDEAS. • Assist Manager Finance in Preparation of annual Planning & Budgeting document and regularly monitoring the actual performance. • Possess complete knowledge of Production Sharing Contract, Joint Operating Agreement its conditions and applicability in E&P Industry. •

Be able to identify, prepare and finalize reports under the support and guidance of Manager Finance to be filed with MOM / PEPA.

• Assist Manager Finance in preparation of Cost Recovery Statement, Cash Calls, and Financials Statement as per international GAAP. •

Independently perform Accounts Payable, Materials Management System and Month End Closing Process.

• Act as Mentor and assist Senior Officer Accounts in Processing / Using MMS Inventory system, generating reports till he can independently performing monthly closing. •

Ensure inward / outward remittances and accounting of payable for imports of material and services.

•

Complete Knowledge of MIS, Cash Flow / Fund Flow / Working Capital Management etc.

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Post Graduate / Intermediate C.A. / MBA in Commerce or Equivalent.

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National Yemen

LOCAL

High prices... W h e r e To ? world to decipher it. Our distinguished government has failed, along with the World Bank, to resolve this problem. What adds salt to injury is that it is the majority of the population which suffers from this problem. Yemen is one of five countries in the world where 7.5 million+ people suffer from the deprivation of the basic elements of life.

Fakhri al-Arashi Publisher & Chief Editor

The alarming high prices of basic food commodities today is of real concern and places Yemen on a path towards an unknown fate. Yemen is already crushed by extreme poverty and plagued with a rampant corruption that spreads like wildfire and eats everything in its path. This rise in prices is serious and its severe consequences burden people of developing countries like Yemen. Statistics indicate that Yemen is already 7% below the poverty line since 2008. 47.6% of the population earns an income of less than two dollars a day meaning half the population of Yemen is below the extreme poverty line. I believe that 90% of the remaining half is susceptible to fall below this line in the near future due to limited—if not a complete lack of—employment opportunities. The unemployment level is outrageous. This alarming rise of prices haunts Yemeni citizens. A colleague commented that the issue is so complex that we definitely need political economists not ignorant politicians, and sociologists from another

What makes Yemen’s fate so unknown is the 3% annual population growth rate—one of the highest in the world. This growth requires quick treatments in food, clothes, residence, medicine and basic supplies. This mad rise in commodity prices—commodities essential for people’s lives—has to be stopped urgently because it is a crime committed against hopeless people. We elect a government that claims it has guardianship over every inch of Yemen. It must reflect this guardianship through deeds, not just by words. They must come up with solutions to this disaster. If left untreated, stark consequences await. People are fed up with repeated arguments, justifications and fallacies. People want to be secure in their livelihoods. Everyone knows that Ramadhan is coming, and on this occasion the state has to deal seriously with traders, who tend to raise prices. I am not sure if the government is serious enough by irresponsibly justifying that high prices make a comprehensive economy.

Continued from (1) US Freezes Assets of Key Al-Qaeda leader (AFP) The imam has also been linked to Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, a Nigerian student accused of trying to blow up a Detroit-bound flight with explosives in his underwear on December 25.

Awlaki was imprisoned in Yemen in 2006 on charges of kidnapping for ransom and being involved in an Al-Qaeda plot to kidnap a US official but was released from jail in December 2007 and subsequently went into hiding in Yemen.

A US official said in April that President Barack Obama’s administration had authorized the targeted killing of Awlaki, after American intelligence agencies concluded the cleric was directly involved in antiUS plots.

“Awlaki has sought to encourage his supporters to provide money for terrorist causes,” Levey pointed out. “Those who provide material support to Awlaki or AQAP violate sanctions and expose themselves to serious consequences.”

Continued from (1) Al-Mukalla Security Reveals Details on the Arrest of Fuoah Terrorist Cell The security authorities added that by arresting the 9 terrorists, they have successfully captured the entirety of the Fuoah terrorist cell. The dismantling of this terrorist cell

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is an outstanding achievement. It emphasizes Yemen’s security authorities’ capability to confront and combat terrorism efficiently and professionally.

Fakhri Hassan Al-Arashi Publisher & Chief Editor

Sunday, July 18, 2010 www.nationalyemen.com

British Council Organizes a Workshop on Quality of Academic Programs for Leaders of Thamar and Amran Universities From 19 – 21 July 2010, the British Council will organize a 3-day workshop on the “Quality of Academic Programs” for 35 academic leaders of Thamar and Amran Universities in Thamar. The workshop aims to refresh the skills of participants in developing relevant learning outcomes and evaluation strategies. It will also shed light on

the quality of teaching, learning, specifications, and evaluations in academic programs. Trainees will be engaged in sessions offering practical training exercises. The workshop will be led by international expert, Professor Abdullateef Al-Hakimi. He currently serves as an academic and educational consultant in Yemen. He was Dean of the Faculty of Education for the United Arab Emir-

ates University. Professor Haider delivers training for higher education institutions within the Middle East and beyond.

Algerian Delegation in Sana’a SANA’A, July 16—The Algerian preparatory committee for the 10th session of the Yemeni-Algerian Joint Ministerial Committee arrived on Friday to partake in the committee’s meetings, scheduled to begin on Saturday. Head of the Yemeni representation on the committee, Nabila al-Mujahed, told Saba that during the meetings the two sides would evaluate and review the level of implementation of outcomes from their 9th session, as well as to discuss

The commendation also included recommendations mandating the government to annul all the law-violating decisions that have been issued that appointed a number of local council members as heads of executive offices in some provinces. The Parliament discussed the interrogatories submitted by PMs, Abdo Mohammed Bishr, Abdul-Aziz Jubari and Ahmed Saif Hashed, addressed to the

draft agreements, protocols and memoranda of understanding for cooperation between the two countries in the areas of customs, tourism, youth, justice, higher education, and archiving.

Four people were killed and 34 others had multiple injuries in 30 traffic accidents on streets throughout the governorates of the Republic.

The discussions would also deal with areas of bilateral cooperation in the areas of oil, endowments, industry, trade, health, electricity, agriculture, fisheries, transport, and vocational training, al-Mujahed said

According to a statistics report of the Security Information Center, the traffic accidents are divided as follows: 9 rollover accidents killed 3 people and injured 16; 8 striking accidents claimed the death of 4 people and injured 8 oth-

ers; 13 cars crashes caused 10 various injuries. The report attributed the reasons of traffic accidents to the heavy rainfall on long roads, excessive speed, recklessness, negligence, and non-abidance of traffic rules. The General Traffic Administration had earlier warned all drivers to take caution when driving during heavy rain.

Training course on productive economies launched in Aden

Vice Prime Minister for Defense and Security Affairs and Minister of Local Administration and the Minister of Interior. The parliament also heard commentary from a number of PMs on these responses, based on the provisions and of Law No. (1) from 2006, and of the parliamentary bylaws. ADEN, July 17 - A training course on productive economies and operations started on Saturday in Aden refinery.

The interrogators explained the contents of their interrogatories, and the two ministers in question responded to them. Later, the interrogation members commented on the responses. PMs then rebutted these responses.

The course organized by the Training and Rehabilitation Center of the refinery in cooperation with the Egyptian International of Training and

Development House. The one-week course aims to provide 15 technicians and engineers in the productive units with technical and scientific information on productive economies of petroleum derivatives.

CBY injects $ 80 mln into market SANA’A, July 17 (Saba) Central Bank of Yemen (CBY) injected $ 80 million into the market to meet growing needs of foreign exchanges. Since the beginning of this year, the central bank pumped 927 millions dollar to the ex-

change market. Director of public relations of the bank Yahya al-Kostaban told Saba that the central bank is monitoring the market and would cover needs of the exchange market continually.

121 is the Death Toll in traffic accidents during the 1st half of July 121 people of different age groups were killed and 712 others injured in traffic accidents during the 1st half of July. Statistics by the Security Information Center based on daily reports from the traffic authorities that the period from July 1st to 15th 502 traffic ac-

Mohammed Al-Asaadi Editorial Consultant

Khaled Al-Sofi SeniorTranslator

This workshop is organized as part of the British Council Programme which aims to contribute to the development of higher education standards in Yemen. Most Yemeni public universities and a few private institutions have already participated in similar training workshops

Death and Injury of 34 in Traffic Accidents, Yesterday Security Information Center

Continued from (1) Parliament Gives the Government Two Months The parliament gave the government a deadline to reform security institutions and bring them back to normal. Doing so will serve the nation and citizens.

tives of the trainings in their respective schools.

Leaders of universities who serve as deans, vice deans, and heads of academic development units coordinated amongst themselves to select 35 participants. These participants were recognized as being in the best positions to implement objec-

Mansoor Al-Rdaei News Editor

cidents occurred on the roads of the governorates of the Republic. They were divided as follows: 188 run over pedestrian accidents resulting in the death of 44 people and wounding 165 others, and 217 car and vehicle crashes claiming the lives of 43 people and injury of 333 others,

Fuad Al-Qadhi Business Editor

87 vehicle overturning accidents killing 30 people and injuring 204 others, in addition to 10 incidents of falling off cars and vehicles that killed 4 people and injured 10 others. The statistics attributed the reasons for such accidents to excessive speed, carelessness of

Dr. Ahmed Al-Qoyadhi Education Editor

Najeeb Abdulwahed Technical Director

Wardah Al-shawesh Graphic Designer

Hind Al-Eryani P.R & Marketing

drivers and pedestrians, wrong overtaking, cellphone use, Qat chewing while driving, noncompliance with wearing safety belts by drivers, heavy rainfall on the roads, and other reasons related to rules of traffic on roads

Najla’a Al-Shaibani Social Editor

The Facts As They Are Abdul-Karim Mufadhal Sports Editor

Collin Stevenson Assistant Copy Editor

Ali Abdullah Ajlan IT Editor

e-mail: info@nationalyemen.com wibsite:www.nationalyemen.com address:al-qiada st.

Jihan anwar Staff Journalist

Sunday, July 18, 2010 www.nationalyemen.com

National Yemen

SOCIAL

40 Days of Ceremonies to Celebrate Birth-Giving in Yemen Najla’a A. al-Shaibani Beginning of Ceremonies Birth-giving in Yemen is highly celebrated with many customs and traditions that honor the newborn of the family. They reflect the people of Sanaa’s respect for the sanctity of life, and at the same time, they pay their tribute to the mother who gave birth. Celebration is not limited to the first newborn, and families continue to celebrate with each new child. The amount of celebration is tied to the level of joy family members have for the birth. The cost of these celebrations is high. A popular expression, “two wedding parties are far better than one birth-giving celebration” is often used after hearing news of a birth. Two wedding celebrations in the span of a week are still less expensive the celebrations for the birth of a child—with activities lasting for 40 days. In Sana’a and nearby cities, the onset of the ceremonies begin with arranging the newborn’s clothing and wrappings and a swaddle. A small stove and bowl are used for preparing mustard oil. This oil is used daily to massage the body of the newborn and the mother. They also prepare a small pad composed of cotton cloth, salt, black seeds, and myrrh. This pad is used for warming the body of the newborn before he or she sleeps in the morning and evening. Three kinds of incense are used throughout the forty days. They are placed over the fire in the bathroom for the mother as she bathes. Additionally, families prepare

Al-Masbarah—a stone pot, divided into three or four section, used for holding black dried cactus soaked in water. A drop of this liquid is put on the forehead of the mother and child. If the newborn is female this liquid is used for tattooing the name Allah on her forehead. If it is a male, then a crescent-like shape is tattooed on his forehead. This is how visitors determine the sex of the newborn without the need to ask.

and cold incensed water. They also have to provide local chicken, red meat for lunch, and honey for dinner. They supply the mother with jujube (Al-Annab) coffee, certain spices, as well as some kind of rue ‘fragrant herbs’ called Shadab throughout the 40 days. Extravagance and Curse Huda Al-Zubaidi, an employee, says some parts of Yemen do not celebrate in this manner. “Others only celebrate for seven days and conclude with a simply party. They do this to avoid a waste of money that could be unfair to the upbringing of the baby. The baby is a blessing, not a curse.” She swore that if she would be responsible for such a costly celebration lasting 40 days, she would never bear a child.

A net is also prepared. This cover acts like a mosquito net and is embroidered with a number of Quranic verses, prayers, greetings, and depictions of flowers. A special talisman is suspended over the indicating the newborn’s gender. If the newborn is male, then it is rectangular and named Haykal. If the newborn is female, then the talisman has a triangular shape and called Qahtah. This talisman is filled with black seeds and salt sewed together in a piece of cloth.

Mrs. Samah Al-Shaddadi, a housewife, does not agree with Huda. She believes that the celebration is a tribute to the mother, who bore the burden of pregnancy and the pains of childbirth. Samah’s mother, smiled when asked if there was a difference between the celebration of babies now and in the past. She said many of the customs practiced today are the same of those of yesterday, with slight differences.

End of Ceremonies On the final day, the end of the celebration is announced through invitations to a closing party. At this party, women walk the mother in a glorifying and proud style amongst the other women to music. A special kind of incense is passed around. The mother typically perfumes herself with this same incense in the morning and evening to expel evil spirits. This final party is composed of the mother’s relatives. Occasionally, mothers prefer to celebrate the birth-giving their own way during these 40 days. They may serve a special kind of food called Banan.

After one week, Al-Suba’ah, the mother’s male relatives

must pay a visit. In this visit, they bring a sheep or more other gifts according to their financial

status. The husband’s family has to provide tobacco, hookah, coffee bean peelings (Qishr) s),

In those times, older women would knit with their lamb’s wool as they entertained the mother and attendees with funny stories and jokes. Many now opt for chewing Qat. They chat about their family problems, national and even international political issues. In the past, only married women attended the celebration. Now, even unmarried girls can attend.

Resta Hotel and Al-Qasr Hotel and Resort Announce Management Agreement Cairo- Resta Hotels & Resorts signed a contract for management rights to Al Qasr Hotel & Resort in Yemen. The Yemeni Hotel features 239 rooms and suites and is located in the southern city of Aden. Al Qasr Hotel is to host the 20th Gulf Cup Football Championship 2010, beginning November 22. It is designed to serve as luxury accommodations for spectators and organizers with the aim of promoting tourism in Yemen. Aden is marked by its outstanding scenic beauty and its spectacular landscapes. It has a coastline of sandy beaches, warm water and splendid gulfs and islands. The city is surrounded by high majestic mountains, frequented by tourists from the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany and the Arab world. Mr. Abdel Karim El Dhabee, the Chairman of Arabyl Holding and ASAS Real Estate Companies, (the owning company of the hotel and a subsidiary of the Arabian Yemeni Libyan Holding Company Arabyl Holding), expressed his pleasure with the contract. He believes that this will introduce opportunities for further cooperation between both companies in addition to investing in

a critical tourism industry. He went on to say, “Al Qasr Hotel and Resort is distinguished by its architectural

‘

“Our strategy is based on operating a hotel in every major city and global tourism destination in the MENA region. Furthermore, building up Resta’s portfolio by managing diverse categories of hotels and resorts allows us to meet international market demands”, said Mr Abdul Jawad.

style which is inspired by the cultural heritage in Aden. The hotel and resort serve as the first project of its kind in Yemen. It is a prestigious and deluxe ho-

tel with large green spaces and wonderful panoramic views”. Mr Mohamed Abdul Jawad, Resta’s Chairman of the Board, adds “We are proud to manage this luxurious hotel. This contract is in line with the company’s growth strategy aimed at operating15 hotels and resorts by 2013. The company was launched in June 2008 as one of the very few hotel management companies founded in the Middle East and North Africa. It was established through Arabian investments and business leaders with international experience”. “Our strategy is based on operating a hotel in every major city and global tourism destination in the MENA region. Furthermore, building up Resta’s portfolio by managing diverse categories of hotels and resorts allows us to meet international market demands”, said Mr Abdul Jawad. The signing ceremony was attended by his Excellency Mr. Aly Marriah, Ambassador of Libya in Egypt; Mr. Zayed Hassan Al Wareeth, Deputy Minister acting on behalf of his Excellency Mr. Abdel Wally Al Shameery, Ambassador of Yemen; and a host of figures and tourism officials from Yemen, Libya and Egypt

National Yemen

Photo SA

Sunday, July 18, 2010 www.nationalyemen.com

TOGETHER AGAINST CANCER Jihan Anwar - Hind Al-Eryani Sana’a,15 July- A charitable event united youngsters and adults, native and foreigners to stand up against cancer. The Amedeast hosted the event organized in collaboration with Access, NCCF, “Tomorrows Makers Association” and Youth Exchange and Study. Everything in the event was prepared by volunteers and various activities were set up with the attempt to inform, entertain and incite people’s contribution in supporting children affected by cancer unable to sustain the high costs of treatment and medicines.

Najla Amar wrote this heartfelt letter to be delivered to children suffering from cancer to encourage them and give them hope

Heitham Al-Haydari, teacher at the Seeds center, positively comments about the Charitable occasion defining it as an innovative activity, appreciated and enjoyed by everyone. Amideast, Access, YES,NCCF and “Tomorrows Makers Association” join forces to support cancer victim patients in an event titled “Who will be the next victim?”

Besides supporting the cancer patient the public has the opportunity to spend the day in a more society conscious manner and still have fun

A skilled Henna artist paints unique tattoos on visitors hands, another creative activity designed to raise money for the NCCF patient

Amideast, Access, YES,NCCF and “Tomorrows Makers Association” join forces to support cancer victim patients in an event titled “Who will be the next victim?”

Sana’a Summer Festival continues with its fabulous entertaining activities

Sunday, July 18, 2010 www.nationalyemen.com

CONGRATULATIONS

National Yemen

REPORT

Sunday, July 18, 2010 www.nationalyemen.com

Qatar and Yemen: Privileged Relations Political analysts described His Highness Emir Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani’s visit to Yemen as indicative of a new shift in relations between Yemen and Qatar, particularly in regard to Qatar’s support of the government’s strategy to face internal challenges. Abdul Al-Hameed Al-Hgaze

During his visit, His Highness the Emir of Qatar announced his support for a unified Yemeni state, and assistance in resolving problems posed by the insurrection in South Yemen. This role is nothing new, Qatar proved an important partner in 2008 - 2009 to end the Houthi rebellion. They noted that both leaders share common concerns on issues relating to the Horn of Africa. Yemen, in particular, holds a vital political position in this region. Qatar has succeeded in many of its diplomatic initiatives to conciliate conflicts in the Horn of Africa by bringing warring parties to a dialogue. Success comes from Qatari’s wise leadership that enjoys respect and trust of all parties involved. The advancement of Qatar Yemeni coordination, consultation, and cooperation can serve as a model for Arab bilateral relations and the prospects for join Arab action. It shows that dedicated concentration from the leadership of both countries can develop positive relations, and the importance of ideological commitment. By recognizing their profound mutual understanding, His Highness the Emir and the Yemeni President have emboldened the relentless pursuit of Arab solidarity. For example, Doha and Sana’a share the same stance in regards to addressing the interests of the people of Iraq and Palestine in restoring their freedoms. The two nation’s economies have also strengthened ties. Qatari investment opportunities in Yemen have been matched

‘

Qatar has made large investment in Yemeni infrastructure, including projects geared to develop roads. Qatar had already committed 90 million dollars in aid to Yemen. Most of these funds will go towards construction of roads linking major cities in Yemen, in addition to some projects for the Yemeni Ministry of Construction Works. Additionally, the Qatar Foundation for Development is carrying out health projects in partnership with Al-Saleh Foundation for Health.

by thousands of employment opportunities for Yemenis in Qatar. Statistics indicate that the volume of trade between Yemen and the GCC had risen to 443,725,753 riyals in 2006. Qatar is currently Yemen’s fifth highest trading partner. Yemen held a positive trade balance by 1,130,524 riyals in 2005. Qatar has made large investment in Yemeni infrastructure, including projects geared to develop roads. Qatar had already committed 90 million dollars in aid to Yemen. Most of these funds will go towards construction of roads linking major cities in Yemen, in addition to some projects for the Yemeni Ministry of Construction Works. Additionally, the Qatar Foundation for Development is carrying out health projects in partnership with Al-Saleh Foundation for Health. Qatar Diyar Company is implementing a large real estate project on the heights overlook-

ing Sana’a. Work on this project was inaugurated in November of last year, and it will continue for four years at a cost of $600 million. The project consists of 172 villas and 60 residential apartments, a tourist residential village, a hotel, luxurious rooms and suites, an Olympic center for sports. It will be built on 440,000 square meters in the area of Fajj Attan. Culturally, there is a plan for excavation of archeological antiquities in Yemen. The Qatar Foundation for Museums is working in this aspect and has started workshops in Yemen. All these efforts are made by the Joint Commission and bilateral institutions. In May, wife of Emir of Qatar, Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al-Masnad, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Silatak Foundation, announced during her visit to Al-Amal Bank for Microfinance and Youth Work Development Services in

Sana’a that she would give a personal donation of $2 million to the bank. Her Highness also called for a stronger partnership between Silatak Foundation and Al-Amal Bank to deliver more loans for financing small enterprises and youth development services in Yemen through the establishment of a Joint Investment Fund worth $2 million. Each party will offer $1 million and these funds will provide support services to 50,000 young Yemeni businessmen. It is predicted to create around 75,000 job opportunities over the next three years. Sheik Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Emir of Qatar, arrived in Sana’a last Tuesday on a short visit to Yemen. He discussed with President Ali Abdullah Saleh aspects of their joint cooperation. Both leaders discussed ways to coordinate their efforts to promote solidarity and acting on the establishment of

the Arab Union. Such an idea was endorsed in the Fifth Summit held late last month in Tripoli. They also discussed ways of absorbing Yemeni labor in the Gulf market to reduce unemployment. President Ali Abdullah Saleh announced his agreement with His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, on reactivating the Doha Agreement (with five points) for restoring peace in Sa’ada. He said that his talks with His Highness were fruitful. His Highness the Emir of Qatar said that Qatar was and still is among the first countries to stand by Yemen to preserve its security, stability and unity. He noted actions taken by the Committee established by the Yemeni President to consider people’s grievances and address any errors. He also praised the steps undertaken by Yemen to ensure independence of the judiciary

Sunday, July 18, 2010 www.nationalyemen.com

BUSINESS

National Yemen

Head of the Islamic Bonds Unit in the Central Bank of Yemen: Islamic Bonds will Encourage Institutions and Individuals to Invest and Complete Strategic Development Projects Kamal Al-Rabee’, Head of the Islamic Bonds Unit in the Central Bank of Yemen, said the team assigned to prepare the Bonds Unit is currently working on bylaws and approving the establishment of the Legal Control Panel of the Islamic Bonds Unit. This entity will monitor financial mechanisms the Bonds Unit will be issuing to the market. Faoud al-Kadi The team is also working on forming the board of directors. The board, in cooperation with the Ministry of Finance and Planning, will draw up the general policy intended to guide development projects funded by such bonds.

Al-Rabee’ adds, “The objective of issuing bonds is to manage liquidity in the economy through fiscal and monetary policy. We are working on compiling national savings, and are encouraging individuals and institutions to invest. The goal is also to promote strategic development projects instead of putting those savings and interests in treasury bills. The bonds will be circulated in the market at the beginning of establishing the stock market.”

Al-Rabee’ said, “The board of directors will be appointed by the President of the Central Bank’s Board of Directors. They will then communicate with the Ministry of Finance on investment projects undergoing implementation”.

In relation to the success of such projects, Al-Rabee’ said, “We have visited Sudan where there is a bonds unit . We learned about their experience. We also visited a number of investment projects that had been funded

Al-Rabee’ said that Islamic banks will apply this system of bonds. Current law is related to Islamic openings in commercial and traditional banks for circulating these bonds in markets.

Vice-Minister of the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation Announces New Five Year Plan Developing human resources, focusing on human development, and paying attention to education outputs are major underpinnings of the 4th FiveYear Plan. Vice-Minister of the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation, Dr. Mohammed Al-Hawiri, said the 4th FiveYear Plan will focus on diversifying foundations of economic production and resources of national income. This is especially important given the decline of oil production. The Vice-Minister said that government efforts will be directed towards diversifying the economy by promoting non-oil production sectors including fish, agriculture, and livestock sectors. The plan also calls for strengthening the role of the private sector, as well as expanding trade and free and industrial zones. Mr. Al-Hawiri said that the 4th Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development and Poverty Alleviation, 2011 – 2015 will focus on dealing with major challenges faced by our country. Of great importance are the challenges of population growth and depletion of large water and environment resources.

Al-Hawiri says the plan focuses on deepening and expanding economic and financial reforms, given the recent decline in revenues and growing budget deficit overseen by the Ministry of Finance. Reforms will seek to restore monetary stability by maintaining the exchange rate, developing a safe reserve of foreign currencies, and keeping the purchasing power from deterioration. He noted that the plan will expand cooperation with development partners, both regionally and internationally, in an attempt to mobilize resources to finance development projects included in the plan. Expanding the circle of donors and the volume of aid is critical. Boosting aid is critical. As one of the poorest nations, Yemen currently receives about $15 per capita in foreign aid, while other countries receive around $40 per capita The plan also seeks to strengthen the role of private sector through investment, as well as to steer more general development by creating a friendlier economic environment for private investment. Al-Hawiri stressed that developing human resources and focusing on human develop-

ment is a major part of the plan. The plan focuses on the quality of educational outcomes commensurate with the needs of development and labor market, including the regional labor and Gulf markets.

the airline will be providing the service 4 times per week on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays in both directions. With the service to Accra (Ghana), Turkish Airlines con-

also help to achieve a trade balance, and a healthy balance of payments to cover the budget deficit.” Al-Rabee’ said that many steps have already been made towards establishing the bonds unit with support of the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank governor. The Islamic Control Panel in the Central Bank has already been established. Soon, the Islamic Bonds Unit will operation

SANA’A, July 16- Yemen and the Arab Development Fund (ADF) have signed a financing agreement worth US$100 million.

The agreement was signed by Yemeni Minister of Planning and International Cooperation and SFD Executive Director, Abdul-Karim al-Arhabi, and

the ADF Legal Advisor, alFateh al-Shatheli. After signing the agreement, al-Arhabi valued the ADF continuous assistance to enhance development in Yemen, saying that the ADF is one of Yemen’s strongest partners in the development sector. Al-Shatheli asserted the fund’s readiness to present multiple forms of aid to Yemen’s development. He hailed the level of cooperation between Yemen and ADF.

Education Quality Improvement Project Launched with World Bank Support

In this context, the plan gives the educational aspect more attention to ensure high quality outputs. Such education creates increased opportunities for assimilation in local, the Gulf, and regional markets. The 4th Five-Year Plan also focuses on expanding the transition of authority to localities. Creating a more efficient system mechanism for mobilizing resources in each of the governorates will make the plan a useful tool for locally-guided development.

Turkish Airlines to offer new flights from Istanbul to Accra in Ghana Turkish Airlines’ customers will continue having more opportunities to experience the various cultures when the airline begins services to the city of Accra in Ghana. Flights to Accra starts actual operation on this Thursday, July 15th and

On how the idea originated, Al-Rabee’ said, “The idea started with communication between the Central Bank, the Ministry of Finance, and the International Monetary Fund to find new methods for transactions within the banking sector. The state began using treasury bills. Banks with large savings and bonds will assist in the process of investing. In doing so, they will help generate market income and boost the internal economy. Islamic bonds will

Kamal Al-Rabee’

Yemen signs $100 Million Deal with ADF

Under the agreement, ADF will provide $100 million in financing for the 4th stage of the Social Fund for Development (SFD).

Dr. Mohammed Al-Hawiri

by Islamic bonds. Among those projects is a dam that generates 75% of Sudan’s power among other successful ventures in Sudan. The experiment began in the nineties. Since then, more than 15 Islamic bonds have been issued”.

tinues to increase its extensive network and will serve 127 international destinations worldwide. Roundtrip airfares begin at 498 Euros (including all taxes) between Istanbul and Accra until 15th August 2010.

The Deputy Prime Minister for Internal Affairs, Sadeq Amin Abu Ras, launched a project to improve the quality of higher education. The World Bank will support this project with $13 million. This project is part of a broader package of policy reforms to improve education in Yemen.

The Ministry of Higher Education, the World Bank, local universities, experts, and the civil society cooperated in the launching of this project. It will strengthen and expand partnership between these bodies in various tasks and processes required for planning, implementation and coordination.

A ceremony was held commemorating the launch. In attended was Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Saleh Ba Surrah, the Minister of Culture, Dr. Mohammad Abu Bakr Al-Miflihi, and the Chairman of the Education Sector in the World Bank for the Middle East and North Africa, Dr. Murad, Al-Zein.

Dr. Mohammed Al-Mikhlafi gave a brief account on the project to familiarize the participants with full, explanatory, and illustrative backgrounds on the project’s preparation and approval phases. He also spoke of the system of management, objectives, main components, inputs and outputs, the final target outcomes, and arrange-

ments for planning, funding, control, implementation and evaluation of project activities. At the end of the launching ceremony, the Deputy Prime Minister for Internal Affairs and the Minister of Higher Education honored the Chairman of Education Sector in the World Bank for the Middle East and North Africa, the Director General of the World Bank in Sana’a, and the head of the working group for the project of Quality of Higher Education, Ms. Lian Wushang Wang, with shields of the ministry for their efforts in enhancing Yemen’s partnership with the World Bank in the field of higher education

National Yemen

SPORT

The meeting, chaired by Dr. Ebeid Al-Anzi, produced many decisions and recommendations which National Yemen has published exclusively. Dr. Al-Anzi reviewed the report of a field visit to Aden submitted by the Gulf Committee. The committee confirmed that Yemen has made great progress

Indisputably, the talent that God marked some of us with in many areas is a divine gift that flows within our blood. There is no intervention from mankind in such an innate part of humans. Of course, this does not obviate human intervention in developing these gifts. Talent alone will disappear and die out. Talent cultivated through hard work, hopes, and dreams will elevate its owner to the world of stardom and fame. in building facilities for Gulf 20, but it has not completed construction of the main hotel that will host delegations, nor had it finished the main stadium in Abyan Governorate. These two issues were the primary reason for the meeting in Kuwait. The security file regarding the Al-Qaeda attacks on the Yemeni intelligence headquarters in Aden was also reviewed. The event is used by some as a pretext for withdrawing Yemen’s bid to host the games. However, sources confirmed that the State of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE continue to stand with Yemen in strong support of its bid to host the Gulf 20.

Despite a media gag order, National Yemen produces the following outcomes:

I) Regarding the report on site visits 1 – The committee will conduct a thorough study of the visits outcomes in mid-July 2 – The committee recommends analysis of the security file. It will submit the results to the GCC interior ministers. They will determine Yemen’s ability to host the tournament at their next meeting.

II) Regarding holding the tournament in Yemen 1 – Yemen will have until August to prove its ability to host

the tournament by completing the facilities. The final decision will be made at the next meeting of the chairmen of the football associations in Kuwait. 2 – The final dates and locations of the tournament were confirmed: Nov. 22nd until Dec. 4th in Aden and Abyan 3 – The Committee gained assurances of its membership to make Gulf 20 a success.

III) In the case Yemen fails to prepare itself to host the bid 1 – The Committee will assign the Kingdom of Bahrain to organize Gulf Cup 20 in 2011 2 –Yemen will then organize Gulf 22 for the year 2014

Our National Team Resumes Preparations for West Asia Championship and Gulf 20 Our national football team resumed preparations for the West Asia Championship to be held in Amman, Jordan from Sep. 24th to Oct. 3rd. This is prior to the Gulf Cup 20 held in Aden and Abyan from Nov. 22nd to Dec. 4th this year. The national team includes 27 players led by the Croatian coach, Stritchko, and assistant coach Ameen Al-Sinaini. They are currently in training camp in Sana’a for 10 days, with plans

to train at a camp in Europe for 10 days. Yemen’s team is in Category 3. They will face Iraq and Palestine for the first time in the West Asia Championship. Our team will play Iraq Sep. 25th and Palestine Sep. 27th. The tournament includes nine countries: Iran, Yemen, Kuwait, Jordan, Palestine, Oman, Iraq, Bahrain and Syria. In an exclusive statement

to National Yemen, Captain Ameen Al-Sinaini, assistant coach, said that the internal camp aims to raise the players’ fitness and technical condition after they were granted a leave for a month. Intensive training sessions will raise players’ physical, technical, and tactical abilities through applied methods of modern playing that depend on a pre-planned offense approach, not the defense retreat.

He said that the external camp will be a real field experiment to assess the players’ physical, technical, and psychological potential. He noted that participation in the West Asia championship will serve as preparations for the championship of Gulf 20. We are up against a strong Iraq national team— four-time champion of West Asia 2004, Asia, and Gulf Cup.

Yemen is a world of sporting talents, seen in team and individual sports performances. Studies show that Yemenis have high physiological capabilities as a result of climate, terrain, and genes that make them predisposed to be great athletes. We see this also in Ethiopia and Kenya who have produced countless champions in long distance running. I became interested in studies, like that of a recent studies looking to account for the relative athletic excellence of Yemeni youth and the failure at senior levels of athletic competition. Results of a Yemeni study indicate that the muscle mass of the Yemeni player, which is the basis for building physical and technical skills, is distorted. It is something known as unregulated activity resulting from playing in the neighborhood, street, squares, and parks in an unregulated fashion. If the Yemeni player’s muscle mass is weak, the physical and skill structure will be fragile and is not able to bear more capability building. Therefore, the average Yemeni player is not developed as an adult due to the capillaries in his muscle mass. Unfortunately, Yemeni talents begin on their own, away from regulated organized activity by playing and showing off skills in the street and neighborhood, simply enough to attract stares of admiration and applause of family, comrades and friends. There talent flickers, unsupported by the government or youth sport infrastructure. There are a lucky few that achieve success after qualifying for the national team, or by moving abroad. Yemeni player Ahmed Al-Herdi was rejected by our youth national team early on. However, with

Football Association Blows Competition, Exposes Yemen to FIFA Penalties The Yemeni Football Association (YFA) often warns and threatens the Ministry of Youth and Sport as well as the Yemeni Olympic Committee of FIFA penalties in the instance that FIFA regulations are violated. However, the YFA is the only body that hypocritically ignores these threats, and exposes Yemen to penalties. There are countless violations committed by the Football Association.

Yemen Talents: Dying Out or Stardom?

National Yemen exclusively publishes decisions of Kuwait meeting on Gulf 20 Exclusive Media sources close to Kuwait, the Qatari Olympic Committee, and the media attaché from the Emirates said that a meeting of the Executive Office of the Olympic Committees and the Trustees Secretariat of the Gulf Football Associations, with exception of Yemen and Iraq, was held in Kuwait late last month.

Sunday, July 18, 2010 www.nationalyemen.com

When they seem to end, new violations emerge in the form of improvised, haphazard breaches that seem to agree only with personal interests. In just one month the Association breached FIFA rules three times, in what could be considered “cutting the nose to spite the face”.

of a government official. This is against the requirement that such unions are meant to be civil and not governmental. The second offense was a violation of item IV of article 33 in FIFA’s regulations, related to decisions of the Emergency Committee.

The first violation is that it joined the Supreme Coordination Council of sports associations under the chairmanship

The third offense was when the Association blew the most important and valuable championship—the President Cup.

It was held concurrent with the games of the South Africa World Cup. FIFA had mandated that all associations cease local competitions until the end of the World Cup. This decision left many in the media and public to completely ignore the President’s Cup. This angered many football teams in Yemen, who were more focused on following the World Cup than training for the President’s Cup.

Abdul-Karim Mofadhal Motahar

the assistance, facilities, and regulated training, he went on to shine in Cairo and in Qatar. Yemeni child prodigy, Malik, performs things with a ball that stars in the world cannot imitate. He leaves the ball on his back, takes off and put on his Tshirt without dropping the ball. But Malik may not achieve the success he is capable of due to the weakness and absence of physical education in schools, and facilities and institutes to help cultivate young talent. The majority of international clubs have their own sports education facilities so they can continue to develop and harness talents and creativity for the benefit of the individual and of society. They benefit by having national competitors in the international sports market, bringing economic benefit to their countries. Yemen has a large reservoir of talent. It is a real wealth left in the hands of irresponsible people who lack thought and reasoning to join nations that have long supported such talent. Yemen needs educational and systematic foundations to improve the physiological, physical, technical, psychological, and emotional potentials of Yemen’s talented youth. Yemen should implement Physical Education in all schools of the Republic. Yemen should invest in sports schools, and the government should develop centers for elite players in all sports from all areas of Yemen. Only then can we say, out loud, that our talents will see light. Then we can say that our country is a mine of talents and stars ready to be excavated. Doing so will increase the profitability of Yemeni sport, the national economy, and Yemen’s prestige.

Vice-Chairman of the Yemeni Association for Cycling Suffers a Stroke, Falls On Dead Body In a rather humorous, and incredibly rare incident, Ali AlSiwari, Vice-Chairman of the Yemeni Association for Cycling, had a heart attack during the burial of a friend’s brother. As members of the funeral escort lowered the body into the tomb for burial, one of them fell into grave and fainted over

the corpse of the deceased. It was discovered that it was our colleague, Al-Siwari, with one foot in the grave and unconscious. They administered first aid and rushed him to AlThawra Hospital in Sana’a, where he underwent cardiac catheterization. We wish him a quick recovery.

OP-ED

Sunday, July 18, 2010 www.nationalyemen.com

National Yemen

The Danger of Al-Qaeda Expansion Al-Qaeda is effective at placing Yemen in the international spotlight. Other terrible news in Yemen, including the devastating civil war in the north, the chaos in the south, poverty, and rampant corruption fail to bring the world’s attention to Yemen. However, any action, statement, or movement by AlQaeda, regardless of the targets or consequences, makes headlines in world media. Mohammed al-Asaadi I become depressed when I look around and see deteriorating situations all over Yemen. Our government has largely failed to effectively market Yemen’s development needs and challenges to international donors. The most significant reason is that the government has no understanding of the everyday needs of the people. Officials meet during Tuesday weekly cabinet meeting for few group photos and TV shots. They usually discuss instructions, directives, and orders coming from the president’s office to do this or that. They deviate from their constitutional task willingly or unwillingly. They must reassess their strategy for containing Al-Qaeda. Recent security lapses show that they are strong as ever, and that they face a government filled with internal challenges. Discussing issues of Yemen with international friends, I find it embarrassing to bring up the fact that Al-Qaeda managed to attack Yemen’s, supposedly, most secure units, namely the intelligence authority in Aden and Abyan cities. Local security authorities should be alarmed by this lapse in security, but I don’t feel that they do.

Regardless of the purpose behind the recent Al-Qaeda attack, as I recently told a CNN international Dubai reporter, it is very important to examine all the lapses in security during the operation: from their travel to Aden, their freedom to establish a fighting position, and the actual attack itself. Looking at recent history, it is clear that AlQaeda militants will not attack without studying all possible scenarios. They won’t sacrifice their men, unless they have a bigger target or an abundance of militants. Al-Qaeda is gaining momentum in several provinces in the south and east of Yemen where the central government control is very weak or absent. Tribes have served as satellite security buffers for the president where the government does not have a strong president. With the expansion of Al-Qaeda, tribal leaders in areas infiltrated by Al-Qaeda will become even more indispensible to the President. More cash will flow from the palace to tribal leaders, rather than to disadvantaged people who need it most. Another scenario may be that angry people in the south intersect with Al-Qaeda in opposing

the central government’s policies. Citizens may show sympathy with the militants, while not necessarily believing in their radical ideology. The tactics for defeating alQaeda are backfiring. The series of drone attacks against Al-Qaeda militants in Abyan, Shabwa, and Marib left dozens of civilians killed or injured. I am not sure if the US and the Yemeni Government realize that people may tolerate becoming part of the “collateral damage” of a vicious war. New York Times foreign correspondent, Thomas Friedman, recently asserted that the US has to build one school for each missile attack. I don’t think he thought through his equation very well. I don’t believe there will be enough willing children to attend a school built by the assassins of their parents and families. These numerous and complex crises in Yemen, including the increasing threat from Al-Qaeda, further expands the gap between the state and the people. The level of public confidence in the current government is drastically shrinking. This gap as already allowed Al-Qaeda

Continued from (1) Detained Muslim praises FBI for making US safe him there about his time in Yemen, Wehelie told reporters. He went to Yemen nearly two years ago at his parents’ urging to learn Arabic and “gain some direction in his life.” But it was when he tried to return home to finish his education and get a job, that Wehelie, who is of Somali decent, was stopped in Cairo. His brother, Yusuf Wehelie, 19, also traveled to Yemen and was questioned for several days in an Egyptian jail. He was eventually allowed to return to the US. Last month the American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the government’s no-fly list, saying that citizens are routinely placed on the list without good cause and without any recourse to clear their names. Wehelie’s predicament also attracted the attention of Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., who was alerted to Wehelie’s situation by a constituent and contacted the State Department, according to DeLauro’s spokeswoman, Kaelan Richards. FBI spokesman Michael P. Kortan told reporters that, as policy, the agency does not comment on who was on the watch list, but recent terrorism plots showed the need “to remain vigilant.” In an interview with The New York Times, he said: “The FBI is always careful to protect the civil rights and privacy concerns of all Americans, including individuals in minority and

ethnic communities.”

mom’s lasagna.

Wehelie told reporters in phone interviews Thursday that he does not know why US officials reversed course, but said he holds no ill will toward the government for its investigation.

“Until I see with my eyes, and then hug him and kiss him that this is Yahiya, then I’ll be happy,” his mother told reporters.

He added that he does not begrudge the government for conducting the investigation, and praised the FBI for its attempts to make the United States safe. “I’m not angry at all. I know who I am and I knew eventually I would go home,” he said. “They’re trying to find the bad people, so more power to them.” Wehelie said he lived in an inexpensive Cairo hotel and got by on fast food coupons provided to him by the US Embassy. Wehelie, who married a Somali woman while in Yemen, said he is looking forward to a home-cooked meal of his

The Council on AmericanIslamic Relations (CAIR), a Muslim advocacy group, had taken up Wehelie’s cause and questioned how Muslim citizens could be denied return to the country without due process. CAIR spokesman Ibrahim Hooper said Thursday he is glad that Wehelie’s case has been resolved. But the overall concerns remain. “It doesn’t alter the seemingly existing policy of barring Muslims from re-entry” to the United States and using the no-fly list to pressure Muslims into abandoning constitutional rights that would be afforded them if they were being questioned in the US, Hooper said.

to find sympathizers and safe refuge in southern and eastern provinces. Missiles will never solve this problem. If the governments of Yemen and the US really want to fight Al-Qaeda, they must uproot the underlying reasons that provide a healthily environment for terrorism. Al-Qaeda can simply recruit desperate unemployed youth, who are increasing in number every day. Al-Qaeda can recruit anyone who was unable to find justice in our current legal system. Al-Qaeda will find listening ears and embracing arms in places where no basic services exist. Al-Qaeda will be able to succeed in attacks if security and military personnel remain of the poorest social segments of society. As time passes and the crises multiply, I become increasingly worried that the whole of Yemeni society will become supporters of Al-Qaeda if things remain as they are. Yemen has arrived at a very critical juncture, but there is always a window of opportunity for reform. I am confident that we can thwart a collapse of the state if we took serious efforts at re-

form immediately. Yemen shall thrive and will make it through this dark passage. But to do so, it needs the help of the “Friends

of Yemen”. It will take time and resources, but keeping Yemen from descending into total state failure is worth it.

National Yemen

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