Global Security Studies Practicum

11 November 2011 United Nations envoy Jamal Benomar arrived in Sana on Thursday, November 10, 2011, influencing the violence in the nearby city of Taiz . The violence resulted in eleven deaths, including three women and two children, and dozens wounded. Taiz lies only 120 miles south of Sana and for the recent past weeks there have been multiple antigovernment demonstrations held in the Zaid al-Moshki and al-Rawda districts. The fighting began Thursday after the death of a protester and several others injured. Mr. Benomar’s purpose in Sana was to press for the transition of President Ali Abdullah Saleh’s power in order to end conflict in Yemen . Mr. Benomar has held multiple meetings with government and opposing figures in attempts to meet the needs of all Yemenis. Mr. Saleh has agreed to a peace plan proposed by Gulf Arab countries in exchange for immunity from prosecution. However, he has failed to step down from office while violence increases between his supporters and anti-Sale...

17 October 2011 Sana, Yemen – Violent clashes increase between government and opposition forces after a fight broke out on Sunday night in Sana, Yemen’s capital. Protesters have been marching since February and recently escalated their demonstrations by marching into government strongholds where pro-government forces have targeted them with mortar and machine guns, killing 21 individuals so far. In March, troops loyal to the rebel commander, Maj. Gen. Ali Mohsin al-Ahmar, joined the demonstrators to offer protection after government snipers killed more than 50 unarmed protesters. This strategy has given the government more rationale to attack especially after Saleh commented that the soldiers contradict the protesters’ claim to be peaceful. The United Nations Security Council met to develop and agree on a resolution after Saleh accused Western leaders of not understanding the current crisis. The Security Council may vote this week and agree with the Gulf Cooperation Council proposa...