Solver LiningInstitutionalizing Yemen-US security relationship [Archives:2008/1134/Opinion]
Dr. Mohammed Al-Qadhi
Everybody was astonished by the appearance of Jaber Al-Banna, one of the FBI's 26 “most wanted” for terrorism, at a session of his trial in the state security court on Saturday, February 23. Accompanied by bodyguards, Al-Banna attended a session of the trial, which was held for him and other Al-Qaeda members charged with committing a series attacks on oil facilities in September 2006. However, after making his statement, Al-Banna walked free, apparently not subjected to any form of incarceration.
It seems that U.S. confidence in the Yemeni regime and its cooperation in the fight against terror have been greatly undone following the release of Jamal Al-Badwi. This is why the US has been relentlessly demanding his extradition. Yemen feels the request is not constitutionally possible and might incite a serious reaction from the public. Likewise, Yemen has accelerated its demands concerning the release of its prisoners in Guantanamo, in addition to Mohammed al-Moyad and Mohammed Zaid, both serving jail sentences in the U.S. following their conviction on terrorism charges.
The maneuvering between the two sides is acceptable up to this point. However, the appearance and swift departure of Al-Banna in court this way is an indication of a serious crisis in the Yemeni-U.S. cooperation in the war on terror.
By this move, the Yemeni regime wants to send a strong message to the U.S., which has been relentlessly asking for the extradition of Al-Badwi, who was convicted in the USS Cole bombing case.
Al-Badwi appeared in a similar way in Aden, enjoying full freedom late last year, much to U.S. dismay. This is not a manipulation but challenge to the U.S., using some of the most dangerous instruments: Al-Qaeda and terrorism. It's like playing with fire. This harms not only U.S. interests but also hurts Yemen's reputation and interests. The two men were both convicted by a Yemeni court and escaped from prison in 2006.
This incident shows there have been mistakes in keeping all agreements in fighting terror a top secret between the security people in Yemen and the U.S. government, without involving all political forces in this exercise.
Al-Banna, who was convicted to 10 years in prison during the preliminary hearings, said openly before the court that he did not commit any crime and that he surrendered to President Saleh. Yes, to the president – but not to the government.
The Yemen-U.S. cooperation in the fight against terror in most cases has involved institutions rather than individuals. Even former U.S. deputy head of mission at the U.S. embassy in Yemen, Nabil Khoury, once underscored the importance institutionalizing security cooperation between his country and Yemen. The security relationship should be transparent and people should feel that their cooperation with the U.S. is not just a kind of subjection to blackmail and fright as it is understood by many people now, but a strategy that serves Yemen's interests.
For responses based on individual temperament in such serious things like terrorism and with such a superpower like the U.S. is very serious and might jeopardize the national security of the country large. Hey guys, this game isn't played with tribal sheikhs. This is the U.S. and therefore the consequences of this game should be considered.
Dr. Mohammed Al-Qadhi ([email protected]) is a Yemeni journalist and columnist.
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