We pray to God to save Yemen [Archives:2008/1136/Opinion]
Fawaz bin Hamed Al-Fawaz
Yemen is a neighboring and brotherly country. So, its situations and circumstances are of crucial importance to the security and stability of the region's countries, specifically the bordering states of Saudi Arabia and Oman. As often said, the ideological politics may change while the geographical politics are impossible to undergo any change. This is why Yemen's situations have been very important to security and stability of the region since the Yemeni Unity was established in 1990 and prior to the unity, as well as during the post-unity age when people of the country resumed full rest while peace turned to prevail.
Following the establishment of its national unity, the Yemeni government has so far taken serious steps to join the Gulf Cooperation Council. But these days, we are shocked to see Yemen returning once again to the ground of political conflicts and congestions that may have their malignant influence on neighbors.
Prior to its unity, Yemen was experiencing three major problems, the first of which has something to do the economic management and health development obstacles. Such a problem may not be basically different from any persisting economic problems in the third world countries, except for the vulnerability of natural resources and rampant corruption to due to an urgent need for money in this country.
The second of the problems, which seems to be riskier, is manifested in the security situations of North Yemen, particularly as efforts expended in this area reached a deadlock. Yemen turned to suffer from guerrilla wars. If the Yemeni government doesn't adopt effective mechanisms in its fight with guerilla fighters until they force them to surrender, these fighters will eventually win the battle. The state of unconfirmed stability may be a troublesome factor in the future.
Currently, the phenomenon of recruitment is spreading in the southern areas of the country, specifically in Hadramout, until the extent of exercising treason and fueling violence and counter-violence. Thus, we fear that the central government may be unable to contain the inflaming situations. Amid these complicated situations, the government and opposition are advised to reduce sharpness of resentments and give the national interest precedence over the personal one.
The third problem is associated with waste of the mental and economic wealth by the consumption of qat leaves since this habit involves an obvious combination between pleasure and waste of time and money.
Such pressures on the central government threaten the top priority issues contained in the government's agenda. Therefore, this government needs to closely monitor the situation and its developments so that the neighboring countries can help it while the Yemeni people have to exert joint efforts with the aim of resolving their domestic problems.
The intervention of some regional countries in once North Yemen's affairs was evident, however, the then government of North Yemen managed to disclose any foreign interventions in its local polices and plans. The radical solution is still unreachable even f the situations returned calm and this calm period may determine permanent peace if the government and Houthis cease fierce talks about wars and exchange of accusations. The best option for the Yemeni government is to grant its localities more local authorities, connect the country's areas with good road networks and facilitate trade and human movements between the various parts of the country.
The phenomenon of qat cultivation and consumption has exacerbated over time, thereby becoming an essential part of the social fabric, and any alternative agricultural products or awareness campaigns failed to put a limit to such a destructive phenomenon. Nevertheless, Yemen's political leadership is required to work harder on suggesting sophisticated, but not traditional, solutions to the growing phenomenon.
Source: Newsyemen.net
The author is a Saudi writer who can be reached at:
[email protected]
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