Yemen needs aid, but propping up its ailing regime will only perpetuate its problems
Brian Whitaker
guardian.co.uk, Monday 4 January 2010
".....Saleh has had opportunities before for reconciliation with the Houthi rebels in the north and he could have headed off the secessionist movement in the south, but he squandered them. He has made symbolic gestures against corruption while allowing it to flourish. His security services seem more interested in pursuing critical journalists than religious fanatics. He has, to his credit, allowed a multi-party system and regular elections (well, fairly regular anyway) while ensuring that his own party is the only one to get a serious look-in.
Saleh's fate is a matter for Yemenis themselves to determine and foreign powers should not frustrate that process by prolonging his stay in power through ill-judged "assistance". It will only come back to haunt them when he's gone. Yemen certainly needs sustained, long-term help, and the most helpful way to start is by not helping Saleh."
Brian Whitaker
guardian.co.uk, Monday 4 January 2010
".....Saleh has had opportunities before for reconciliation with the Houthi rebels in the north and he could have headed off the secessionist movement in the south, but he squandered them. He has made symbolic gestures against corruption while allowing it to flourish. His security services seem more interested in pursuing critical journalists than religious fanatics. He has, to his credit, allowed a multi-party system and regular elections (well, fairly regular anyway) while ensuring that his own party is the only one to get a serious look-in.
Saleh's fate is a matter for Yemenis themselves to determine and foreign powers should not frustrate that process by prolonging his stay in power through ill-judged "assistance". It will only come back to haunt them when he's gone. Yemen certainly needs sustained, long-term help, and the most helpful way to start is by not helping Saleh."
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