Symposium: reasons behind kidnapping in Yemen [Archives:2006/923/Front Page]
By: Mohammed bin Sallam
SANA'A, Feb. 20 ) Yemen's Center for Studies and Research (YCSR) on Monday concluded a plenary symposium discussing the kidnapping phenomenon in Yemen and its negative impact on the country. Participants discussed the negative affects of kidnapping from political, economic and social perspectives.
Attendees also discussed some research papers tackling various matters related to the kidnapping phenomenon. The papers dealt with tribal norms, cultural and social roles, scientific terror, the phenomenon's causes and solutions and Westerners' impressions of kidnappings in this country.
Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Maqaleh, YCSR chairman and cultural adviser to the president, said in his opening address to the symposium, “The phenomenon of kidnappings in Yemen is the most dangerous one, for it indicates that Yemen is still in the cradle of backwardness, living in ages preceding civilization, religion, law, order and awakening of human conscience.”
He added, “Those who carry out kidnapping acts remind the world of ancient times when it suffered from highwaymen and sea pirates.”
YCSR researcher Abdulbari Tahir mentioned in his paper that, “The tribe has become part of the state structure, particularly since November 5, 1967. The state, which on previous occasions has dealt with the tribe by bargaining and granting kidnappers government posts and privileges, enhanced and encouraged this phenomenon, allowing it to establish itself firmly.”
In his paper, Dr. Fuad Al-Salahi said, “Kidnapping is a reflection of the nature of the Yemeni government, which has adopted taking of hostages as one of its means of governance. It still does this in one way or another.”
Dr. Tahir Mujahid Al-Salahi mentioned various reasons for the kidnapping phenomenon. “Arresting kidnappers is a kind of patching up the issue rather than solving it,” he said, “The solution lies in drying up the springs and causes of the phenomenon represented by weakness in enforcing laws; the spread of carrying, using and trading with weapons; absence of justice in wealth distribution and deprivation of basic services projects in remote regions. Not deciding crime and revenge cases or property disputes has pushed some to pressure the state via kidnappings. In addition to this, causes include security's instability and the dissemination of illiteracy in countryside areas.”
Al-Salahi indicated that tourism has been affected by terror incidents in general and kidnapping in particular. This was felt especially after the December 1998 kidnapping of foreigners in Abyan governorate, wherein four tourists were killed, as well as the bombings of the French Limburg and USS Cole warship afterward.
Dr. Ali Abdeh said in his address that absence of the state's real political will is the reason behind the kidnapping problem's continuation and its aggravation.
Minister of Culture Dr. Khalid Al-Ruwaishan explained kidnapping's dimensions on Arab, regional and international levels, as well as the deformation of Yemen's reputation. He affirmed that it is a transient and exceptional phenomenon, adding that kidnappers are unaware of the crime they are committing against their homeland, especially in that they are kidnapping the most beautiful thing in their country.
In his address, Ali Al-Ansi, director of the presidency office, referred to civil society's role in this regard and what it should do to awaken society about the dangers of kidnapping. He urged open discussion in society to protect it from negative phenomena openheartedly.
The two-day symposium, attended by numerous senior intellectuals, discussed papers presented by academics and specialists representing official institutions, as well as some independent specialists.
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