On Yemeni unity and justice be done [Archives:2006/949/Opinion]
Most of us still remember the joy and the blessings we saw in the achievement of Yemeni unity in May 22, 1990. In retrospect however, we should take a few moments to reflect on this most important event in the history of Yemen. It is clear to many Yemenis that we are to be overjoyed at the achievement of this long-sought after goal and anyone who has any doubts or questions or misgivings would really be traitorous to the national interests of Yemen.
However, it should be borne in mind that Yemeni unification had come with more than just the elimination of borders and the issuance of a uniform ID card for all Yemenis. Thanks to some of the factions that played a major role in this important event (and history should not forget that this was due primarily to the insistence of the Yemeni Socialist Party, which prior to that date ruled in the South), democracy was introduced and even applied to a limited extent in the institution of the new Republic of Yemen,. Moreover, unit opened up new horizons for the Yemenis that could never have materialized if it wasn't for Yemeni unity.
These horizons included the sharing of resources, the inclusion of new Yemeni emigrant communities to the roster of Yemeni emigrants that could contribute significantly to the growth and development that Yemen will need in its economy to be able to cope with the major changes in the international arena and to be able to sustain a rapidly growing population. Furthermore the territorial extensions now added to the country will provide for new habitats and economic territories that would cover the needs of the largest population agglomeration in the Arabian Peninsula.
Many will say that because Yemen did not go fully as desired by all those who took part in making this important moment of Yemeni history and some might even say that some parts of the country were better off in pre-unification days. To those we say, no matter what feelings we may have about the current situation in Yemen, there is no way that not being united would make us better off than we are now. The fact is that unity has occurred and it is here to stay for eternity only to be replaced by further Arab cohesion.
Muftah's and Dailami's Release:
One can not help but rejoice at the correction of a major injustice that was done in the cases of Mohammed Muftah and Hussein Al-Dailami, the two Yemeni scholars who were known for their piety and humility and who, for the record, never harmed, or threatened to harm anyone, let alone betrayed their country or their righteous beliefs. These two preachers of a middle and moderate course of Islam were true to the credible missionary genre, who believed in tolerance, universal peace and justice for all and for this reason many people were very displeased with the treatment they were accorded upon arrest and the equally disrespectful undue length of their apprehension, not to mention the unjust trial proceedings they were subjected to. It is indeed to the credit of the mercy and kindness of HE President Ali Abdullah Saleh that this very kind gesture of redirecting justice in its right path that this joyful news is attributed to and for this he will be praised by not only the constituencies that these two pious individuals belonged to, but by all freedom loving and human rights advocates in Yemen and overseas. Indeed this is a rewarding gift to the people of Yemen on their most important National Day and all one can say is we thank you Mr. President. We really counted on you to give this great gesture of mercy and kindness and you did not fail us.
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[archive-e:949-v:14-y:2006-d:2006-05-25-p:opinion]
