On the Streets

Post by Admin

Walking the streets of Sana'a one can get a feel when things are getting bad. The usual bus chatter increases and heats up. But what we have on the streets and in the skies is something more telling - troop build-ups, extra armored vehicles, new road blocks, and the ever present thud of not to distant bombing.

State media recently reported Shaikh Sadeq Al-Ahmar to have ordered civilian evacuation of al-Hasaba. This is NOT true and life continues, though after the report aired on Saba-TV, the market on the street disappeared a few days.

Fortifications in the suburb have increased, one street is blocked off by a bus body filled with sand bags, and exchanges of gunfire can be heard especially at night.

Petrol prices have risen a little after decreasing to 3000 from 10,000. But everyday items of food are getting harder and harder to afford and some people have taken the step to drink tea with only half the sugar! Now that is a rare thing!

The Change Square sit in is as strong as ever and the tents have undergone renovations such as being put up on stilts to avoid the rain run-off. English translations of coalition signs and handouts remains awful at best. Protesters are still marching around town shouting slogans and chanting the downfall of the regime, and at the end of it, one can only wonder where it is all going.

School and university terms are planned to start on 17 September. It is unclear how term will start at Sana'a and Science and Technology universities with main entrances still blocked off by tents and an uncertain security situation. Almost all schools have had high numbers of unenrolments, especially high end private schools.

Sh#% Rolls Down Hill

It has been 2 months since the anti-government sit in started at the front of Sana'a University, slowly growing and extending along the adjoining streets. The protesters have remained patient and not retaliated violently to violence metted out to them by government forces and their affiliates.

I applaud the audacity of the original sit-inners, but now the situation has become way too big for the youth and well, quite frankly they have bitten off more than they can chew and now need support, help and guidance from those older and more experienced.

Hearing statements from youth expressing disappointment that America has not been more helpful is one such naive idea I have found amongst youth activists. Or the call for democracy and freedom, not realising that democracy does not equate to freedom, but is a system that bends with the desires of the people, which may not always be in keeping with Islamic principles. A move further away from Islam is not a desireable outcome for Yemen or for the Ummah in general.

In fact no matter what system is in place after Saleh leaves, the situation for the people is going to be desperate. Poverty will increase, long with unemployment and lack of opportunities while the new leadership slowly combs out all the knots tied up by the current regime. The patience of the sit-inners will have to continue as all Yemeni hands work to clean up the mess, something that could take an entire generation, pending no future internal conflicts or messy foreign interventions.

Protesters have recently  taken to taking walks en masse around the areas near university and have attracted attacks from pro-government affilliates. Yesterday 4 were killed on the Sitteen not too far from Al-Eman University (which is in an Ali Muhsin army area), while on one of these walks. The protesters are frustrated that it is taking so long to dislodge the President and so need to push the point further. Continued killings have prompted responses from EU for the President to hand over power immediately, but America is still weak on resolve in this crisis wanting to support the President for his cooperation in the war on al-Qaeda, and in doing so, creating a police state which people can unite on in opposition to the Saleh regime and American foreign policy.

From what we can see, the President will cling to power as long as he can, buying time with agreements to GCC sponsored talks (which the opposition opposes as talks with the President are a waste of time, no talks until he is gone), and no one really knows how far the President will go in regards to military force upon protestors as well as opposition figures and their families. He may go so far as to "do a Gaddafi".

Allah protect us from such lunacy and strengthen us so not as to let such lunatics rule over the Muslims. Amin.

Women and the Uprising in Yemen

1. Every Thursday will be "womens' day" at Change Square in front of Sana'a University. This womens' participation is strictly a non-partisan event (as in established parties such as Islah etc) but it is pro-Islam and pro-Yemen without Ali Abdullah Saleh and enterage (or non-terage!).

2. Al-Qaeda who have declared Abyan an Islamic State and warned women not to go out unnecessarily or without mahram.

This statement is scaring people and making them feel al-Qaeda is oppressing women. LPOY would like to put forward these thoughts to even out the argument. Islamically women should not go out without need and when they do go out to do so with a mahram (where possible). This does not mean that they are prohibited from going out at all.

I would hazard a guess that in Abyan as in many parts of rural Yemen, women go out without mahram to do chores such as collecting water and attending to their flocks of sheep and goats. There is not much need other than that for women to go out in these areas, obviously in a city where culture is different there would be exceptions. The situation in Abyan is also far more dangerous than in other urban parts of the country, so we should also keep this in mind.

I would like to say to al-Qaeda in relation to womens' issues to remember the importance of education and health opportunities for women and not to restrict them from these opportunities so long as the subject content is compatible with Islam and needed by the ummah. The leaders of an Islamic state should not waste the talents of half the population - this is bad human resource management.

Allahumma barik fikum.

Yemen State of Emergency

At last count 52 had died from the attack on unarmed protesters at Change Square near Sana'a University last Friday. Heart-wrenching is the only word to describe the sight of the stream of dead and severely injured entering the made shift hospital set up in the Masjid out the front of the university. Some of them mouthing the shahada "La ilaha ila Allah" before passing away.

The Yemeni President has announced there will be an independant investigation into the incident, which is laughable and insulting. Independant indeed!

Most reports say the shooters were "balatajia" or hired thugs. Government supporters say it was Hameed al-Ahmar, which in my view is not possible, for anyone who knows anything about Hameed, whether he is aiming to become president or not, this action seen last Friday is not his style. At least the President didn't blame al-Qaeda.

As for reports that the shooters on top of apartment buildings lining the streets in the protest areas were snipers is debatable. The fact that most victims had head, neck, chest or shoulder injuries is not suprising if the shooters were on the roof of a multi-storey building shooting down at a crowded area. However, having said that, the report that Muhammad al-Shamiri an officer from 1st Armoured Division was shot in the head suggests that there may have been snipers aiming at 'defectors', especially considering that this particular army division recently refused orders to attack protestors (reported in al-Ghad newpaper, Yemen).

Word on the street says that the shooters were not residents of those buildings and entered without any invitation from them. This goes against Government claims that some shooters were disgruntled residents tired of the protests disrupting their lives. I know that some residents are afraid and tired of all the noise and attacks, but to go so far as to open fire is unlikely.

The goverment is bleeding high level personnel. Ministers, army officers, state media employees and Ambassadors are resigning over this bloody event.

Protesters have maintained their resolve and remaining patient and un-armed. It is well known to them that the President is trying to provoke them to fight back and thus hand the government legitimacy to open up and attack with force to clear out the protesters.

We are all making du'a that Yemen moves through this upheaval without anymore horrendous incidents. But many feel this is unlikely as military equipment and vehicles arrived at the Aden port from Saudi Arabia.

What happens next is anyone's guess. Let's all hope Saleh doesn't do a Gaddafi!

View of the Sana'a University Demonstration Area

You can see the extent of the anti-Government protests at this site, InshaAllah it doesnt get blocked!

http://opinions-alaaisam.blogspot.com/2011/03/picture-showing-size-of-demonstrations.html

Yemen Yarn

The anti-Government protests are not going away any time soon, but I wonder if the protesters realise what they need to do if they are successful in ousting the regime - President and his men.

The President has said he will draw up a new constitution, but the problems with that are that firstly, there isn't a problem with the current constitution, just to tweek a few of the un-Islamic aspects, secondly, why would anyone what a constitution drawn up by the current president and thirdly again there is no real problem with the current constitution except the lack of implementation! The Yemeni constitution is the best of all the Arab states.

The situation here could end similarly to what happened in Romania in 1989 when the people ousted and assassinated the President and his wife. After their victory the people thought it was the biggest party ever and they'd never have to work again. Then their lack of future planning and structure lead to what we have seen in that country ever since. The bubble of optimism burst with the continued corruption and lack of opportunities for the youth, with a brain drain of its citizens to neighbouring European countries. But at least the secret police stopped disappearing people.

The protests in Sana'a have been very well organised and the people are very united in their mission, but after than, their views range from marxism to democracy to Islamic Khalifate and the west is very afraid of the third option.

While sitting in the demonstrations to listen to some speeches, most of which were encouraging the demonstrators not to give up until they have victory, one woman spoke out and was angry about the absence of the voice of the Ulama' (Islamic Clerics). The Clerics are damned if they do and damned if they don't. Some clerics have been speaking, and one of them being Abdul-Majid Zindani, who besides being rector of al-Eman University is also the head of the organisation of Clerics in Yemen. When he speaks, his words represent all the ulema in the organisation. And he is quite clear in is words these days. He encourages peaceful resistance, condemns the use of force by the government against unarmed peaceful protestors and calls for the establishment of an Islamic state.

A Yemeni brother spoke about Amna Siyasi (political security forces) and Amnul-Qaum (bad guy security forces). He highlighted the fact that these security forces are headed by immediate relatives of the President and particularly Amnul-Qaum (which means security of the people) is a misnoma and is in fact Amnul-Kursi (security of the throne). Only the most oppressive of regimes need such a force.

More than 30 have been killed since the demonstrations started and hundreds have been injured many seriously. When security forces in Tunisia and Egypt started using live ammunition on its people the media showed the world and people were horrified, then Libya went an extra step by using air force jets to bomb areas of its people. The Yemeni Government, or Saleh and Co. have been bombing its people for a long time now and have been able to brush it off with the fighting al-Qaeda and the War on Terror claim. And with that there is no complaint from anyone, well at least not anyone who is listened to.

Anti-Government Demonstrations - Sana'a Yemen

Post by al-Ghariba

I was on my way to the Science and Technology University thinking it will be ok because the roads there are only blocked off until the intersection, but as I walked up Cairo Street I saw the demonstration had expanded down to Eagle Tourist Hotel and up past the Science and Tech Uni Girls Section. And the University was locked up.

I sat for a while talking with one of the women checking women entering the area for contraban (weapons) and then after being told by her that there are plenty of women at the demonstration, decided to enter into the demonstration area.

The mood and tempo had moved on so much since I last entered the area a few days ago. It was very serious now, and as I walked the "first kilometre to freedom" I was passed by protesters covered in blood and some with head injuries. A way had been permanently cleared for ambulances which were still zooming in and out of the area taking out the injured.

Those guarding the entrances to the area had set up small middens of stones ready incase of confrontation with security forces. It was clear that many stones had been thrown before I had arrived as they lay scattered down the road.

As I made my way to the Hikmah Yemenia Obelisk I was amazed at the good manners of the men in making sure they cleared a way for me as I walked through the crowd to the womens' area.

I stood in the womens' area for no more than a minute when the crowd errupted as an Army Colonel and a General were carried upon the shoulders of the demonstrators to the stage - They had defected to join the anti-government protesters. The General addressed the crowd, encouraging them to continue thet struggle, and exposing some of the sins of the army at the hands of the regime.

The atmosphere was indescribable. I was moved to tears. I wished I could have stayed but it is not a good idea for foreigners to participate in these types of political uprisings, especially when the government security forces are still so active. The most dangerous part of attending a political demonstration is leaving one, because that is when you are most likely to be followed and disappeared on your way home.

Allah barik ala al-Yemenieen wa yansoorahum ala al-qaum al-dhalimeen!

Visiting the Demonstrators

I took the opportunity to go and see both demonstration camps. First I visited the pro-Government tent city in Tahrir Square.

There is a large police presence and a series of long tents with signs letting all know who they are - the sons of Amran, or the sons of Raima etc. The face of the president is plastered on all large flat spaces and vehicles. Trade and daily business continues although restricted in speed of movement caused by all the extra tentage and people in the square. One nice touch is the folkloric displays down in the car-park bus area where you can purchace all types of traditional arts, jewellery and clothing.

Taking a trip to the anti-Government camp is not as free due to their security concerns, as they have been attacked a number of times by government supporters and a number killed. There are walls of men at each entrance - Dairi street near Jeel al-Jadeed bookstore, the other side of Dairi street half way to City Mart, Mahkama street that heads to Tahrir and at the pedestrian gate of Sana'a University. The walls are 3 deep of shoulder to shoulder youths to check anyone wishing to enter, there are also women stationed at each entrance to check any female passers-by.

Once past the security cordon, you will find a tent city bigger than in Tahrir, and a slightly more cheerful atmosphere. You will not find any pictures of the president here. On the centre monument loud speakers are set up for speakers and rally cries. There is plenty of food available. I passed through after thuhr prayer time and so many people were crashed out in the tents chewing qat.

At the moment the rallies are being peaceful and the President has ordered supporters not to harm or bother the anti-Government protesters. This is an important step by the President not just to ensure peaceful protests but to show that he is allowing dissent and people to voice their opinions against the state,

It is unclear how long these protests will continue, some say another week, others say not until the President steps down.

Yemen Protests - Advice for Foreigners

DON'T GET INVOLVED!

It may be tempting to go down to the protests even just for a look at something exciting and interesting, but I would advise you strongly against it. Stay well away from protest areas such as the front entrance of Sana'a University and Tahrir Square.

The police will have no mercy with you and as foreigners, expecially if you are Muslim and even moreso if you are Western and Muslim, it is very likely that you were already being monitored before this latest unrest.

If you were to be arrested with the anti-government protesters you'll likely be treated as a foreign spy and if you were to be amongst the pro-government protesters you'll likely be treated as a foreign spy.

Christian Missionaries at Sana'a University

They wear hijab, nice clothes and carry backpacks and you can find a number of them at Sana'a University.

They speak with sickening sweetness to butter you up before they unleash their Christian torrent on you.

Upon meeting one, I pretended to not speak English well by speaking broken English with a strong accent. We small talked about the traffic and weather and after ten minutes the nasty questions about Islam and Islamic culture started to emerge seemingly innocently by the questioner.

"Why can men marry more than one woman?" or "Why can't women rule a nation". Mostly they ask about the issues they see as being unjust to women.

They try to break down a Muslim's faith and create doubts in their minds first. They are well versed in Quran and Sunnah and they know the answers to the questions they ask. They may spend weeks doing this, targeting the weeker seeming student in the crowd, they woo them with their polite manners and generosity. They make that person feel special and get their attention and then theys start letting out Shaytan bombs.

They, the Christians, say they are in Yemen to help the Yemeni people but if that were true they'd respect the culture of Yemen and that we are Muslim. (Appart from a small Jewish community)

And how is it that some of them have been in Yemen for more than a year, working as volunteers, not earning any money yet they have no problems getting the visa. I know how hard it is for the foreign students to get visas and these are the Muslims who respect Yemen and the culture!

"And when it is said to them do not make mischief in the land they say: We are only peacemakers but they perceive not. Indeed they are the ones who make mischief but they perceive not."
Al-Baqara 11-12

MashaAllah the Yemeni people are kind and want to be welcoming to these foreigners, but they should not waste their time with these missionaries when they could be helping their own people and nation, and those foreigners who accept Islam.

We may not individually have the power to deport these people for their corruption but once we have given them the message of Islam and explained it, and if after that they continue in their ways we should separate ourselves from them. As with the example of Ibrahim (as) and his father and people and as well as Nuh(as) when he was commanded to leave his son because of his disbelief

O Muslims - Don't love the kufar. Don't forget that until they accept Islam and enter into it sincerely they are your and my enemies.

Sana'a Demonstrations

It was announced that every Thursday there would be demonstrations at Tahrir Square, but last Thursday the square was occupied by a folk handicraft festival and the Thursday before that hundreds of tribesmen from tribes loyal to the government were bused in to occupy the square so that anti-government demonstrators were blocked out.

Instead there was a large gathering of tens of thousands of protestors in the streets in front of Sana'a University. The week before that they filled the streets all the way back to the Science and Technology University girls section and pink was the theme colour.

The President announced that he would not stand again for election in two years time and he would not pass the presidency to his son. He also announced tax cuts and pay rises for soldiers and government employees.

Allegedly an assassination attempt was made on the leader of the Islah opposition party, but the full story is unclear. Both parties say, "he started it".

Today, the first day of the new Egypt the streets in Yemen are quiet, but all the talk is about similar things happening here. There are always plenty of police on the streets, so nothing unusual there, but I did see many police wearing photo ID.

It seems inevitable that the demonstrations will continue as the Yemeni people feel emboldened, energised and full of hope.

Keep an eye on us in Yemen, that goes unsaid, I am sure there are many eyes on Yemen!