Selected published work
Ancient City Anchors Political Standoff in Yemen
Nov 2, 2011
Taiz, Yemen — This ancient city among the steep cliffs of central Yemen, once known as the commercial and intellectual hub of this south Arabian nation, has emerged as the violent center of a long political standoff between a president who refuses to step down and demonstrators who want him out. (MORE)
Yemen General Says Opposition Will Be Ally Against Terrorism
June 22, 2011
SANA, Yemen — As the Arab Spring has turned to summer, this impoverished nation has fallen into chaos, raising fears in Washington that it will become the next headquarters of Al Qaeda — particularly with the declining influence of President Ali Abdullah Saleh, one of America’s staunchest allies in the fight against terrorism.
But Maj. Gen. Ali Mohsin al-Ahmar, long one of Yemen’s most powerful military commanders and now a prominent opposition figure, says that familiar scenario has it just about backward. (MORE)
U.S. Shifts to Seek Removal of Yemen’s Leader, an Ally
April 3, 2011
SANA, Yemen — The United States, which long supported Yemen’s president, even in the face of recent widespread protests, has now quietly shifted positions and has concluded that he is unlikely to bring about the required reforms and must be eased out of office, according to American and Yemeni officials. (MORE)
Weakening Web of Tribal Support Softens Yemen Leader’s Grip
March 23, 2011
SANA, Yemen — About 20 men were crammed into a corner of a large green tent at the protesters’ encampment here in the capital. Sitting on foam mattresses, they leaned on one another in a Yemeni sign of affinity, despite coming from two dueling tribes back in their home province. (MORE)
Are Yemen’s protests going to bring another revolution?
January 27, 2011
Sanaa, Yemen
Two days after Yemen’s political opposition called for a national uprising against the leadership of President Ali Abdullah Saleh, thousands of protesters took to the streets in the capital city of Sanaa, calling for the removal of what they view as a persistently corrupt regime.
(MORE)
Yemen diverted US counterrorism aid meant to tackle Al Qaeda, WikiLeaks reveals
December 6, 201o
Yemen’s delicate dance between US pressure, Al Qaeda threat
November 2, 2010
At heart of Yemen’s conflicts: Water crisis
November 5, 2009
Why Yemen could become Al Qaeda haven
July 31, 2009
Yemen’s fishermen caught between Somali pirates and pirate hunters
June 17, 2009
Al Qaeda bombings, drive-by shootings, and penalty kicks?
November 9, 2010
SANAA, Yemen – International sporting events can be a great way for a country to rehabilitate its image. For two weeks in 2008, for instance, the world focused not on China’s treatment of Tibet or economic policies, but on its stunning Olympic facilities and the spirit of apolitical international competition. This summer, South Africa used the World Cup to put forward an image of an emerging “rainbow nation” unencumbered by racial tension or poverty. But compared with Yemen, which plans to host the Middle East’s largest soccer tournament later this November, those countries had it easy. (MORE)
Iraqis who worked for Army denied US entry
July 27, 2008
CAIRO — Kareem Ali Hussein was stunned when he read the Department of Homeland Security letter that branded him ineligible for refugee status in the United States: “It has been determined that you ordered, incited, assisted or otherwise participated in the persecution of others,” the letter stated. (MORE)