Tens of thousands took part in Yemen's "day of rage" yesterday, and it looks like becoming a regular Thursday occurrence. The turnout was probably less than the organisers had been hoping and I doubt that it did much to frighten President Salih. Although he is increasingly unpopular, the opposition in Yemen is also very fragmented. This raises the question of what it would take to actually remove him, but I'll save that discussion for later. He isn't going this week. Or next.

A placard from yesterday's demonstration in Yemen likening President Salih to the deposed imams. It says: "The rule of Imam Yahya: 13 years. The rule of Imam Ahmad: 14 years. The rule of Imam Ali [Salih]: 33 years."

Posted by Brian Whitaker, 4 Feb 2011