The first step [Archives:2002/17/Viewpoint]

The last series of bombings in various parts of Yemens capital of Sanaa once again drives the attention of the public to the issue of weapons here.
Whether those who committed those acts are sympathizers of al-Qaeda or any other group, it is easy to see they have taken advantage of the chronic problem of unchecked weapons.
Todays Yemen is a haven for all who want trade and use weapons of all sorts and kinds. The widely open Jehana market, just one hour away from Sanaa, is a clear example that there is no intention to cure Yemen from this disease.It seems the president is sticking by his opinion that weapons should not be reduced, but regulated.
The tribal structure of population may see weapons as essential for survival. But those same weapons could also be the means of our countrys destruction.
Ambassadors and intellectuals I know agree with me that the government is not taking decisive steps needed to reduce security threats. One concern is because it has not started any long-term plan to ban the trade and use of weapons in most of the countrys remote regions. By the countrys remote regions I specifically mean lawless regions such as Mareb, Al-Jowf, and other areas where thenumbers of weapons is double and triple than in the rest of the country.
It is sad to see that the leadership seems not to be convinced that weapons should be reduced. Again and again I continue repeating the fact that regulating 50 million pieces of weapons is an impossible task. Even though I respect our leaders decision not reduce the number of weapons but to regulate their usage, I still strongly disagree with this view.
Time has proven that it is not easy to regulate this huge amount of weapons. It is also not wise to bring weapons from one place to put them in another. There will always be a chance to reclaim them again.
Any nation that wants security, peace, and stability must know that weapons should only be in the hands of those who control the security of the country, not in the hands of everyone. I dont want those weapons to be destroyed. I only want them to be confiscated and kept with our armed forces so that they can be kept safe.
I sympathize with those slim, exhausted soldiers standing in crossroads for hours at night asking drivers do you have any weapons? and then letting them go. Once a powerful sheikh passes by, they let him go out of possible fear or perhaps respect. When another army-type vehicle passes with a driver wearing the army uniform, he is also let go without any questions. So, if the two groups that use weapons are let go without any questioning, who will ever be captured at those inspection points?
Useless measures have been taken and useless ideas have been implemented. They are all proving to be total failures.
After years of security measures, explosions, violence, and terrorism incidents are still in the rise. So would we want to continue in this way?
Even though I dont expect that we will have a secure country overnight, I am asking for the first step in the long road. I am asking for a signal from our leader. I am waiting anxiously for the day our president realizes regulating 50 million pieces of weapons is an impossible task. Will he ever change his mind?
I am sure that people everywhere would encourage and agree with a courageous presidential decree that orders the confiscation of weapons in the hands of tribesmen and other groups who should not have and use them.
Only when our president is convinced of that, will we see change. It is one mans decision, but no doubt, if he ever decides to take the first step, we will all work together to achieve a secure country.
Dear Mr. President, Just make the decision. Take the first step, and we will do the rest.

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