Hadi Asserts Power in Yemen

Yemen’s President Abdrabuh Mansur Hadi asserted his power over the military in what was perceived to be a bold move. General Tariq Mohammed Saleh, had caused problems after refusing to step down from his post as head of the President’s Guard. However, recent reports emerged that he has finally agreed to leave his position.

The International Committee for the Red Cross released an operational update nothing the escalation of violence in the south. The ICRC has increased its operations committed to humanitarian aid in Arhab, which has seen extensive violence, and expanded its focus to aid flood victims in the north.

Francisco Martin-Rayo writes for Foreign Policy that the U.S. has put more emphasis on fighting Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula than on promoting democracy. He acknowledges that the increased drone strikes have had some success, but adds, “the administration has not followed up these short-term security gains with counter-radicalization programs or engagement with the communities being targeted.” Martin-Rayo says it is obvious that taking out the leadership of AQAP has not been effective in dismantling the organization. “t is time for the U.S. to stop undermining democratic values and long-term stability in Yemen in exchange for short term counter-terrorism gains and a half-hearted continuation of the status quo.”