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Introduction
DISCUSSION OF REFORM in the Arab countries is focused mainly on the nature of the regimes and the lack of democracy. But governments are products of the societies they govern and in Arab countries it is often society, as much as the government itself, that stands in the way of progress…
Harmless retribution
by Brian Whitaker
Originally published in Middle East International,10 April 1998
Yemen's marathon treason trial has ended with five defendants sentenced to death - among them Ali Salim al-Baid, the former vice-president, and Haidar abu-Bakr al-Attas, the former prime minister…
Election Day in Aden, 1997
by Mark N. Katz
SUNDAY, April 27, 1997, was election day in Yemen. All 301 seats in Yemen’s parliament were to be decided upon. This was only the second parliamentary elections to be held since the unification of former North and South Yemens in May 1990. The first…
A patriarchal society
TRADITIONAL Arab society is authoritarian and patriarchal. Although this is gradually changing – more so in some parts of the region than others – the old attitudes still broadly prevail.
The structure and relationships of the traditional Arab family are also replicated at…
Trial in the offing
by Brian Whitaker
Originally published in Middle East International,22 December, 2000
YEMEN, eager to close the file on the bombing of the USS Cole, is hoping to put suspects on trial early in January. But the United States is urging less haste, on the grounds that more time is…
Border dispute flares
by Brian Whitaker
Originally published in Middle East International,5 June 1998
THE LONG-RUNNING border dispute between Yemen and Saudi Arabia flared up again at the end of May when Saudi forces moved into a Red Sea archipelago which is also claimed by Yemen. At least seven…
Therule of lawbasically means government according to established laws and principles which are not applied in arbitrary ways. Several specific problems impede the rule of law in Arab countries:
There is a tendency in most Arab countries to apply laws selectively and officials often exercise a…
Saudi border deal
by Brian Whitaker
Originally published in Middle East International,16 June, 2000
AFTER more than 65 years of sporadic conflict, Yemen and Saudi Arabia have signed a border deal which promises to bring a new era of improved relations between the two countries.
A statement by the…
Border row with the Saudis
by Brian Whitaker
Originally published in Middle East International,31 July 1998
WITH MORE than 1,000 miles of undefined frontier to squabble about, Yemen and Saudi Arabia have again come to blows over lumps of rock in the Red Sea. On July 20, according Yemen, nine Saudi…
Yemen likely to free jailed Britons early
by Brian Whitaker
This is a longer version of an article which appeared in The Guardian on 14 September 2000
YEMEN is planning an early release for five young Britons jailed on terrorism charges. The move follows a meeting between foreign secretary Robin…
ARAB ART ONLINE: Susan Hefuna: Al Sabr Gamil (Patience is Beautiful) 2007. Ink stained on wood 140 x 170 cm. More information | Click to enlarge
