Yemen, country of peace! [Archives:2000/42/Viewpoint]

The current circumstances force us as a country to reconsider our calculations about the future. We have been doing relatively well, although slowly but we were advancing towards development. Whats happening today is really a draw back. Something that could take us miles behind form where we stand now.
The reputation Yemen has now in the western world portrays it as an unsafe country full of terrorism and crime. As if it wasnt enough what role the American film Rules of Engagement played in tarnishing Yemens image outside, now these happenings in our country give it an ugly image and we find ourselves being accused of being terrorists.
Its not easy to rule a country. We have often complained that it could have been better, but today we realize what a huge responsibility it is to be a president of a country, and that too one with a strategic location like Yemen.
Just when our relations with America and England was on a high wave, these incidents took place and caused a setback. Many Americans expressed their anger and rage regarding what happened. Their support for their fellow citizens is quite remarkable and worth admiring. What I dont understand is why we are not understood when we do the same with our fellow people in Palestine likewise.
What next? The mystery of the American ship will be revealed in due time. Investigations are taking place every minute and as if the Yemeni authorities can not do it on its own, Aden has been flooded with American soldiers with their guns and dogs taking care of the issue. What happened at the British embassy will also be cleared in due time.
But then, it will take the world a long time to forget what has happened. And to look at Yemen with different eyes, to start believing that Yemen is a country of peace. A country which proudly welcomes its guests and takes good care of them. However, we should admit that these two incidents have caused damage to Yemen and its economy, for now lots of people including tourists and businessmen who were interested in Yemen have reconsidered other options.
We did make progress lately in minimizing kidnapping incidents and tried to preserve peace. But now, the challenges facing this country are more than ever.
We need not only to overcome the drawbacks but also push further ahead, in order to catch up the rest of the world and live up to the mark we set for ourselves.

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