Yemeni unity: Path and fate [Archives:2006/950/Opinion]
Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Maqaleh
It is futile to say that reunification was a prerequisite for Yemenis before becoming an economic, political and social necessity. Also, it is out of place to say that without reunification, Yemen would be a haven for internal and external conflicts and wars under meaningless and unreal justifications, whether in the past or present history.
Dividing a single country into two states and two governments, two armies and two administrations is illogical and cannot be approved by any divine or earthly legislation. From here, one can interpret the Yemeni people's happiness on the occasion of reunifying their country's two parts on May 22, 1990.
This happiness preserves all the dreams and expectations for a new Yemen, with its nationals heading toward construction and development activities. Nations cannot develop by talks, nor do they live or flourish via competition or conflicts.
If politics are part of some individuals' lives, it will be the same for all to restrict their efforts and waste their time. In some nations, one can find those living for the sake of politics and any conflicts or dialogue associated with it. But in most nations, one can find individuals pursuing work to help their countries develop and progress.
Where are we? Is it true that Yemenis have transformed into politicians discussing every big and small issue in their nation without reaching a solution or a consensus? This complicated matters more and erased all sight of the path Yemenis sought after restoring their country's unity.
On the 16th anniversary of Yemen's reunification, Yemenis stand to question themselves: “Where are we regarding serious political programs? Why do we become convinced of democracy via Byzantium discussions, which the Greeks knew in the final period of their civilization's era, the period of collapse?”
Yemen's reunification succeeded in bringing Yemenis all together, but loyal political nationals in different parties and organizations should have worked on achieving what their programs promised to improve the national economy and protect citizens from famine, disease and enemies. Those who say there is no animosity toward Yemen and its nationals are in a state of illusion, as events coinciding with the Huneish Islands occupation constituted a great shock.
We say to those excusing themselves by democracy and holding it accountable for any consequences, “Democracy is one of communities' motives toward development and freedom of choice, with citizens demonstrating work abilities apart from any fear, pressure or confiscation.”
If democracy in Yemen has turned into sharp controversies and heated debates, what kind of democracy would it have been? It is a victim of practices leading the country to an unknown destination. These words must be uttered with openness and transparency today and not tomorrow so citizens maintain hope in democracy and anything it leads to, including freedom of expression and peaceful transfer of power.
The country is for all and not for a certain person or class, while its nationals are required to overcome any political congestion and reach constructive solutions to their economic, social and political issues via logic and objectivity.
The only thing that has no solution – nor can world constitutions and democracies suggest a solution for them – are personal problems or, in other words, any problems associated with illegal ambitions. These ambitions force individuals to seek prestigious posts by any means and at any cost, even at the expense of the nation's unity, stability and security.
Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Maqaleh is a prominent Yemeni poet and intellectual. He is the director of the Yemeni Center for Studies.
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[archive-e:950-v:14-y:2006-d:2006-05-29-p:opinion]
