NYT Magazine: “Yemen on the Brink of Hell”

Robert Worth, writing in the New York Times Magazine, recently authored a captivating and in-depth profile of the opposition in Yemen. His piece focused on non-violent efforts, led by Bushra al- Maqtari, in the city of Taiz. Her non-violent efforts were met with overwhelming violence by forces loyal to President Ali Abdullah Saleh in late May. On May 29, scores of soldiers loyal to President Saleh stormed the central square of Taiz, sprayed gasoline on the protesters tents, and lit them on fire. Scores of peaceful protesters were killed. Al-Maqtari is not hopeful that non-violent methods of protest will continue.

Worth also focused on the family of Sadiq al-Ahmar and his decision to defect to the opposition. Worth was granted access to al-Ahmar who discussed the attack on his compound and the troops he has ready, within Sana’a, should he need them. al-Ahmar noted the Saleh family is still in control of the security apparatus, and it does not appear that these family members would relinquish their control without a fight. Worth noted the conflict will likely be determined by the side with the most cash to spend on maintaining tribal loyalties. He explained that Saleh has been quickly spending his family’s billions to appease fighters and maintain what support he still has.

Worth also discussed the threat posed by militants, perhaps al-Qaeda, to the city of Aden. He noted the rapid deterioration within Aden and the fear constantly felt by many in the city. Worth met a man whose nom de querre was Mullah Zabara and who unsuccessfully attempted to negotiate a cease fire with al-Qaeda leaders who recently took control of nearby Zinjibar. The al-Qaeda leaders insisted their next target would be Aden, and with that access to the sea.