Political unrest shuts down hotels in Yemen
Published on 14 May 2012 by Samar Qaed in Report
Terrorist attacks, sporadic violent clashes dating back to 2008, and last year's political impasse have all deeply affected tourism in Yemen.
1544, Section: Report
Report
Escape from boredom and idleness
Published on 14 May 2012 by Safiya Al-Jabry in Report
“Where are we chewing qat this weekend?” nineteen-year-old Mohsen asked his friends as Wednesday came to a close. Mohsen asked the same question that most Yemeni youth ask as they wonder how to pass their weekends. “There is nothing else to do or places to go to; so chewing qat and smoking shisha are the only way to pass the time we have,” Mohsen said.
Yemen’s Interim Government: Now What?
Published on 10 May 2012 by Sama’a Al-Hamdani in Report
In February 2012, Yemen held presidential elections with Abdu Rabuh Mansour Hadi as the sole candidate. The aim of post-revolution Yemen is to be more democratic after being ruled by the same man for the past 33 years. Thus, the new system must be inclusive and engage seriously in negotiations with a broad set of stakeholders.
Military presence in the Capital Sana’a
Published on 3 May 2012 by Ashraf Al-Muraqab in Report
The Military Committee, which was formed in early December, 2011 in line with the GCC power transfer initiative is tasked with removing all signs of the military from the capital Sana’a.
Five months since its mission began, many streets and neighborhoods of the city are still occupied by either tribal fighters or military units of the conflicting parties.
Yemeni parliament passes USD 65 million 2012 tribal leaders’ budget
Published on 5 May 2012 by Yasser Ezzi in Report
Sheikhs (tribal leaders) have a large affect on different areas of life in Yemen. Sheikhs are not often elected, the title usually being conferred by family succession. They represent a large percentage of Parliament and Shura Council members. Sheikhs in Yemen are always male, there are no female sheikhs.
Sexual harassment goes unpunished in Yemen
Published on 30 April 2012 by Ghaida Al-Ariqi in Report
Zainab, a young woman in her 20s, lives in Ibb governorate with her conservative family. She decided to visit one of her relatives in Taiz. After a tedious journey, she arrived at a taxi station at 7pm and was shocked when a man wearing a traffic police uniform started to harass her.
Hadi, from the shadows to the limelight
Published on 30 April 2012 by Mohammed Al-Samei in Report
SANA’A, April 29 — After the election of President Hadi on February 21, Yemenis have begun to feel that Yemen is witnessing political progress and have seen the election of Hadi as an end to the regime of Ali Abdullah Saleh, who ruled Yemen for over three decades.
Financing the jihad: Al-qaeda & kidnappings in Yemen
Published on 30 April 2012 by Haykal Bafana in Report
The kidnappings in themselves do not stand out – they represent an age-old tribal practice in Yemen, where the hostages are used to strengthen a tribe’s bargaining position with the power of the day. Usually, negotiations between the Yemen government & the tribe are rapidly commenced, and once a mutually agreeable settlement is reached, the hapless hostage is released unharmed.
Yemen’s Elite: Different views on the uprisings in Syria and Bahrain
Published on 26 April 2012 by Ahmed Dawood in Report
Tunisia’s Jasmine revolution started in Dec. 2010 and led to the ousting of longtime President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali in Jan. 2011, eventually leading to another revolution in Egypt.
Yemeni army reorganizing is top priority
Published on 19 April 2012 by Mohammed Al-Samei in Report
After they succeeding in bringing down the former President Ali Abdullah Saleh, protesters in squares across the country stress the dire need for reorganizing the army, considering it a top priority.
On February 21, Yemenis headed to polling stations across Yemen and voted for the sole presidential candidate, Abd Rabu Mansour Hadi, to officially put an end to the 33-year-rule of former president Ali Abdullah Saleh, whose son, Ahmed, still runs the Republican Guard, and whose nephew, Yahya Mohammed Abdullah, commands the Central Security Forces, among other high-ranking family members.Child rights organizations silent on child military recruitment
Published on 16 April 2012 by Amira Al-Arasi in Report
The number of children being recruited as soldiers in Yemen has risen significantly during the recent wave of violence sweeping the country.
Activists struggle to ban qat chewing in public facilities
Published on 16 April 2012 by Sadeq Al-Wesabi in Report
A new campaign aiming at banning qat chewing from public facilities has drawn the attention of thousands of employees in several governmental facilities in Sana'a, Ta'iz, Aden, Ibb and Hodeida governorates.
Different armed groups govern Aden
Published on 16 April 2012 by Samar Qaed in Report
Aden is witnessing an unprecedented security vacuum. Previously, it was one of the safest cities in Yemen, but now robbery and killing has spread everywhere. The local authorities are completely absent in Al-Mansura and Al-Muala.
Landmines trigger panic among Al-Hasaba residents
Published on 9 April 2012 by Ghayda Al-Ariqi in Report
The residents of Al-Hasaba district in downtown Sana'a are afraid to walk the streets of their neighborhood, the scene of fierce battles last year between Saleh's forces and opposition tribesmen, for fear of stepping on a landmine. Several landmines have already exploded in Al-Hasaba, leaving people maimed.
Yemen caught between Ansar Allah and Ansar Al-Shariah
Published on 5 April 2012 by Mohamed Bin Sallam in Report
Many opposites exist in complicated Yemen. Those in political power and the opposition parties, the state and the tribe, the civil state and the religious state. Another opposing tension is that between Ansar Allah and Ansar Al-Shariah.
Ethiopian refugees in Sana’a seek third country resettlement
Published on 5 April 2012 by Muaad Al-Maqtari in Report
The Ethiopian refugee Seble Yohanes told the Yemen Times that she is only thirty, but her pale face with wide eyes full of concern makes her looks as if she was 50.
Anti-Street Harassment Week
Published on 2 April 2012 by Nadia Haddash in Report
During International Anti-Street Harassment Week, held from March 18-20 under the banner of the local initiative “‘Aad Shi Akhlaq” ('Are There Still Any Manners?'), a number of symposiums on harassment were held in Sana'a.
Aden’s Marginalized Community (Part 3): Al-Shaibani Café: a platform for the black-skinned people
Published on 2 April 2012 by Muaad Al-Maqtari in Report
The Yemen Times presents the third part of a feature on the marginalized community in Aden known as the black-skinned people. The first two parts were published in issues no 1554 and 1555.
Yemen’s IDPs caught between harsh conditions and scant aid
Published on 26 March 2012 by Ahmed Dawood in Report
Conflicting reports on Al-Shabab fighters entering Yemen
Published on 22 March 2012 by Muaad Al-Maqtari in Report
First anniversary of “Day of Dignity”
Published on 19 March 2012 by Luke Somers in Report
With participation by the families of slain protesters and rights groups, the Council of Revolution Martyrs held a ceremony in Sana’a on Saturday. At the ceremony, it was revealed that four lawsuits had been filed against former president Ali Abdullah Saleh, in addition to many more against individuals seen as criminals in the context of the past year’s uprising.
Aden’s marginalized people: The black belt of Aden (part 2)
Published on 17 March 2012 by Muaad Al-Maqtari in Report
In the streets and public markets of Aden, pale brown faces largely dominate the human activity. The open city of Aden is located between two seas and an ocean, and appears as a large exhibition of all black-skinned mankind.
Ten private TV channels compete for the Yemeni Public’s attention
Published on 12 March 2012 by Mohammed Al-Samei in Report
Recently, media television competition in Yemen has significantly increased, with ten Yemeni non-governmental TV channels fiercely competing to attract the Yemeni public.
The marginalized community of Aden (Part one) Where boundaries fade and forgiveness is tradition
Published on 12 March 2012 by Muaad Al-Maqtari in Report
Ragged children play in open- sewages while others amuse themselves exploring garbage. Some of those children have never been to school while many of those who did eventually dropped out.
One Yemeni policeman: a victim of the terrorist game
Published on 8 March 2012 by Ali Saeed in Report
Nasr Ali Ahmed Ali Al-Faqih, a Yemeni policeman who thwarted an Al-Qaeda operation in 2005 targeting the UN office in Sana'a is now in Egypt seeking asylum.
Poor quality in vocational and technical institutes
Published on 5 March 2012 by Sadeq Al-Wesabi in Report
Students at industrial and technical institutes in Yemen suffer from a lack of modern equipment, proper workshops and skilled teachers and trainers.
Time to refocus on reconstruction in Sa’ada
Published on 5 March 2012 by Nadia Al-Sakkaf in Report
Since the Sa’ada Reconstruction Fund (SRF) was established in July 2007, its 37 staff members have been working hard to get the job done. According to the head of SRF, Mohammed Thabit, it needs more dedication and more money.
Web surfers suffer from internet monopoly
Published on 5 March 2012 by Fuad Al-Alawi in Report
Mustafa Al-Sabri is a young man who works in journalism. Each day he goes to an internet café to follow up news, check emails or file his articles.
Al-Hugrain: Yemen’s Treasure Trove
Published on 1 March 2012 by Saleh Al-Batati in Report
When you attempt to look over this ancient town, you are forced to look up because its high buildings perch on the side of a mountain. This strategic position has made Al-Hugrain appear as though it was ascending to heaven.
Arhab’s displaced return home
Published on 1 March 2012 by Ali Saeed in Report
Nageeb Al-Hanik and his 11- family members have finally returned home after living in a cave for seven months.
YSP leader Ameen Ahmed Qasim: ‘My party will rise again’
Published on 27 February 2012 by Mohamed Bin Sallam in Report
The failed assassination attempt against prominent socialist leader, Ameen Ahmed Qasim, earlier this month triggered several questions as to the party’s ability to withstand competition with its strong figures and reputation diminishing.
Yemenis voice appreciation for patrolmen
Published on 23 February 2012 by Marwa Najmaldeen in Report
The institutional revolution that took place over the past few months affected both service-based companies but also within the security sector.
Rapid population growth threatens Dhamar
Published on 16 February 2012 by Abdulkareem Al-Nahari in Report
‘Lack of resources or conflict is no excuse for violating human rights’
Published on 13 February 2012 by Amnesty International in Report
Yemenis are celebrating a year of revolution. Some chose Jan. 25, 2011, when protesters first marched to the Tunisian embassy, others celebrated February 3, while some chose February 11 – when protests began daily – to mark the anniversary.
The financial cost of the February 21 elections
Published on 9 February 2012 by Shatha Al-Harazi in Report
With the presidential election fast approaching, Vice President Abd Rabbo Mansour Hadi’s short electoral campaign is already in motion.
Women argue against the need for “mahram”
Published on 9 February 2012 by Marwa Najmaldeen in Report
“I have always dreamt to make my dreams come true. I wanted to study abroad, but because I am a woman, I cannot travel without a mahram,” said Laialy Muneer, a microbiology major who was the top student at Sana’a University’s Faculty of Science.
Yemen’s military air force uprising
Published on 6 February 2012 by Ali Saeed in Report
Colonel Mohamed Saleh Mahyoub is one of thousands of Yemeni air force personnel who have been on strike for more than one month, demanding the removal of air force chief Gen. Mohamed Saleh Al-Ahmar, brother of outgoing President Ali Abdullah Saleh.
Lost in Yemen’s streets
Published on 2 February 2012 by Marwa Najmaldeen in Report
In the Arab world in general – but in Yemen in particular – mental disorders are associated with myths, superstitions and misconceptions about magic and the supernatural world. Such associations in Yemen coexist with extremely trying external circumstances for the mentally ill. In Sa'ada, for example, shell blasts and gunfire, the fleeing of homes and visible corpses further damage peoples' psyches. Moreover, phenomena such as high levels of internal immigration, high poverty rates, and illiteracy only further compound the problem.
Extremism in the home
Published on 30 November -1 by Shatha Al-Harazi in Report
While the Yemeni revolution has its squares, marches and protest camps, it also has many unseen supporters who pray for success but are unable to actively participate in the revolution.
Arhab’s unfinished war
Published on 26 January 2012 by Ali Saeed in Report
Lacking safe access for media coverage, the war which erupted last May between opposition tribesmen and the Republican Guard in Arhab continues to be waged.
Yemen journalists see light at end of the tunnel, but grave dangers remain
Published on 24 January 2012 by Naomi Hunt Press Freedom Adviser for Africa & the Middle East in Report
A new coalition government is in place as Yemenis prepare for elections next month, which has been some cause for some optimism. Two Yemeni chief editors told IPI they were hopeful that nascent reforms within state media and the recent appointment of a new information minister, Ali Al-Amrani, could herald overall improvements for the media community.
The need for psychological support during times of conflict
Published on 24 January 2012 by Abdul Kareem Al-Nahari in Report
Professor Salah Al-Din Ahmed Al-Juma’ee, a psychological consultant at Sana'a University, has warned that Yemeni children in the range of recent armed conflict have sustained psychological trauma, including extreme fears and phobias.
Can the GPC survive?
Published on 16 January 2012 by Sadeq Al-Wesabi in Report
The ruling General People's Congress (GPC) was established by President Ali Abdullah Saleh in Aug. 24, 1982.
November 30 Independence: A story of glory?
Published on 7 February 2012 by Nasr Fadhel Abdullah in Report
Women’s Wall will not limit women’s role in Change Square
Published on 7 February 2012 by Shatha Al-Harazi in Report
Houthis look to establish Shiite state along Saudi border
Published on 11 February 2012 by Ali Saeed in Report
During the past six years, the armed conflict in Sa’ada, north Yemen, remained confined to the militant Houthis and the Yemeni army, with only the slight involvement of Salafis in the war-torn area.
The Yemeni opposition in Egypt
Published on 11 February 2012 by Shatha Al-Harazi in Report
It’s not only protesters at change and freedom squares in different governorates of Yemen who are putting pressure on the Yemeni regime. Yemenis aboard are working as organized opposition groups, playing different roles to bring together the same aim of overthrowing the regime. Egypt is one of the countries witnessing Yemeni opposition activities, with an estimated 20,000 Yemenis living in the country.
Intensive army recruitment feeds ongoing conflict
Published on 26 April 2012 by Nadia Al-Sakkaf in Report
Despite recent news of a truce between the state security and splinter army, recruitment of new soldiers from both sides has not stopped. Thousands of new recruits, mostly driven by poverty and many of whom are children, are being prepared for a feared civil war.
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