On the taxi ride back home tonight, I had an interesting conversation with Mohammed, the taxi driver from Taiz. Mohammed, has a masters degree in biology, with extensive courses in public health. In the 1995 he opened a small business, but never forgot about his passion for health care. Two years later, he befriended a well-known businessmen who agreed to help him open a free clinic in his neighborhood. He hired two doctors, and gave whatever he earned from his business to keep the clinic going.
A couple of years down the line, his small business began suffering. Added to that, increase in prices, meant he needed to work harder to sustain his family's livelihood. With no grant to sustain the health clinic and no connections to government, he ran out of money and was unable to keep the health clinic operational.
Neighborhood families were saddened by the closure of this clinic. He tried to find a more stable job to be able to support the clinic as well, but here everything needs connections. If you want a good job you need to know someone, or you need to pay some Yemeni riyals to someone who will know someone who will know someone who can drop off that paper to the director requesting a job. In addition, many of the health care institutions he applied to recruited people not based on qualifications but based on family and tribal affiliations.
On the way home, this bright man had three great ideas to improve the health care system in Yemen. However, like he said, “who will listen? The best I can do is give advice to my customers, share ideas, and hope that one day someone will implement them.” Mohammed should have been an advisor to the health ministry not a taxi driver.
The sad reality is that given the unemployment rate of 35% Mohammed is lucky to be driving this taxi. What is missing from the unemployment rate is the serious underemployment that many professional Yemenis suffer from. The employment of workers with high skill levels in low-wage jobs that do not require skills and abilities that they studied for years is a common occurrence in Yemen. Mohammed, the trained health care professional working as a taxi driver is just one example.
Unfortunately, Mohammed is not alone. This is one of the many reasons people are demanding the ouster of the regime. Yemenis want an end to corruption, a decent dignified life, and an end to family and tribal rule.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
The Life of Yemeni Activists
Sanaa’s annual spring rain began. Under the rain we marched in solidarity with the people of Taiz who were attacked by security forces for three consecutive days. At the march, my eyes were on the rooftops of buildings, searching for snipers. Snipers have been used in many occasions to kill peaceful protesters.
Two nights ago, snipers again shot at peaceful protesters. Heavy tear gas and water cannons were also used against them. Watching the live coverage on Suheil TV of the field hospital at the change square made me feel so helpless. I found my mind filled with worries. Some of the wounded might die from the lack of medical help, not necessarily from the severity of the condition. Medical conditions that may be treatable in normal circumstance seem impossible due to lack of medical aid here. Humanitarian aid organizations have turned away from protesters they call overly political. But humanitarian relief should be for everyone, regardless of political affiliations.
Our Work
My day is torn between making phone calls to different cities for updates, monitoring and documenting events at the square via video, photos and blogs, attending meetings at the square, translating information into English, reading and watching news, working on awareness-raising brochures and short video clips, marching, communicating with international media, and spreading information through Twitter and Facebook.
The committees at the square are also noteworthy. Organization, medical, media, legal, and fund-raising committees are all working hard to help protesters and empower the revolution.
Public squares have become great entities of civic engagement. Awareness-raising seminars are happening on a daily basis by academics, human rights activists and youth leaders. They spread information on topics such as: women’s rights, legal rights, constitution, peaceful resistance, the power of persuasion, citizenship etc. Artists are also using their talents for social change. Well-known musicians are joining, CDs with revolutionary songs are being sold, photographers and filmmakers are documenting history as it unfolds.
Revolution's Impact on Life
We have become somewhat paranoid due to the current political environment. Unfortunately, many people are distrustful of each other due to the increase in potential security personnel everywhere. The newly passed emergency law allows for wide arrests and detentions. Some activists and journalists are continuously threatened and harassed, and some kidnapped.
Yemenis are known to own guns in almost every home, but we have not used them in this struggle. Yemenis, even those from the tribes, chose not to use violence, and instead chose the path of peaceful resistance.
Sanaa University is still closed, and it seems that it will remain so until the following academic calendar. Many schools have closed, and some wealthy families have left Yemen in so that their children can continue their education.
Checkpoints are present throughout the city searching for weapons. The closure of important roads leading to the presidential palace have created traffic problems. There is major cooking gas shortage and some households are suffering from water shortage. Banks are very low on dollars. New Yemeni currency is floating around, a terrible sign of possible future inflation. Saleh will leave the country with no money, high inflation, and dwindling oil resources.
Future expectations
We receive conflicting messages on a daily basis. We cannot predict what will happen next. We are witnessing a stand-off between the will of the people and Saleh. The recent violent attacks, are hopefully a sign of Saleh's last days. Desperate governments take desperate measures.
No one doubts that Saleh will leave, but we are expecting more violence before the final exit. The question is, how will he leave? Will he succeed in instigating the military to respond violently in order to start a war? Will it continue to be peaceful resistance? Etc
More importantly, most people realize that our struggle for reform will not end when Saleh leaves. The next phase will be a very long struggle to safeguard the principles of this revolution for the formation of a civic state with equality, citizenship, and justice.
Two nights ago, snipers again shot at peaceful protesters. Heavy tear gas and water cannons were also used against them. Watching the live coverage on Suheil TV of the field hospital at the change square made me feel so helpless. I found my mind filled with worries. Some of the wounded might die from the lack of medical help, not necessarily from the severity of the condition. Medical conditions that may be treatable in normal circumstance seem impossible due to lack of medical aid here. Humanitarian aid organizations have turned away from protesters they call overly political. But humanitarian relief should be for everyone, regardless of political affiliations.
Our Work
My day is torn between making phone calls to different cities for updates, monitoring and documenting events at the square via video, photos and blogs, attending meetings at the square, translating information into English, reading and watching news, working on awareness-raising brochures and short video clips, marching, communicating with international media, and spreading information through Twitter and Facebook.
The committees at the square are also noteworthy. Organization, medical, media, legal, and fund-raising committees are all working hard to help protesters and empower the revolution.
Public squares have become great entities of civic engagement. Awareness-raising seminars are happening on a daily basis by academics, human rights activists and youth leaders. They spread information on topics such as: women’s rights, legal rights, constitution, peaceful resistance, the power of persuasion, citizenship etc. Artists are also using their talents for social change. Well-known musicians are joining, CDs with revolutionary songs are being sold, photographers and filmmakers are documenting history as it unfolds.
Revolution's Impact on Life
We have become somewhat paranoid due to the current political environment. Unfortunately, many people are distrustful of each other due to the increase in potential security personnel everywhere. The newly passed emergency law allows for wide arrests and detentions. Some activists and journalists are continuously threatened and harassed, and some kidnapped.
Yemenis are known to own guns in almost every home, but we have not used them in this struggle. Yemenis, even those from the tribes, chose not to use violence, and instead chose the path of peaceful resistance.
Sanaa University is still closed, and it seems that it will remain so until the following academic calendar. Many schools have closed, and some wealthy families have left Yemen in so that their children can continue their education.
Checkpoints are present throughout the city searching for weapons. The closure of important roads leading to the presidential palace have created traffic problems. There is major cooking gas shortage and some households are suffering from water shortage. Banks are very low on dollars. New Yemeni currency is floating around, a terrible sign of possible future inflation. Saleh will leave the country with no money, high inflation, and dwindling oil resources.
Future expectations
We receive conflicting messages on a daily basis. We cannot predict what will happen next. We are witnessing a stand-off between the will of the people and Saleh. The recent violent attacks, are hopefully a sign of Saleh's last days. Desperate governments take desperate measures.
No one doubts that Saleh will leave, but we are expecting more violence before the final exit. The question is, how will he leave? Will he succeed in instigating the military to respond violently in order to start a war? Will it continue to be peaceful resistance? Etc
More importantly, most people realize that our struggle for reform will not end when Saleh leaves. The next phase will be a very long struggle to safeguard the principles of this revolution for the formation of a civic state with equality, citizenship, and justice.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Dear brothers, don't forget, we are PARTNERS in this struggle
Today was another bloody day in Yemen. Pro-democracy peaceful protesters in Taiz, Hodaida and Sana'a were attacked with live ammunition and tear gas.
After the first attack in Sana'a, a march was planned to protest against the violence. Men on the stage at the university called on their brothers to join the march, and told women they are "forbidden" from joining. Yes that was the exact word used: ممنوع خروج النساء.
I understand that given the circumstances, they are concerned about our safety, but it should be stated as an advice, not an order. We are adults, and we can decide for ourselves whether we would like to march or not. We do not need someone to tell us what to do, or not to do.
In defiance, women decided to march regardless. This video shows the number of women who joined.
Then, at the intersection, the security committee blocked us from continuing saying that women are not allowed to march. Arguments emerged between women and the security. Some women asked us why we are arguing and said that the men are only doing it for « our protection ». I responded by telling her that if we let them tell us what we can or cannot do now, we will be dishonoring the essence of change and reform. Today, they say you can not march, tomorrow they will say, you can not work etc.
Today, we were full of sadness and sorrow for what happened to our brothers around the nation. We wanted to express that feeling with our brothers. Unfortunately we were denied that right.
Women of Yemen, we need to stand up for our rights now more than ever. We were at the square of change from the first day as equal partners in the struggle for reform, and we will continue as partners until the end.
** Note **
For those that worry that any negative criticism about what is happening in the square may cause rifts, I tell them this: What is happening in the squares is absolutely amazing, but of course we are human beings and mistakes may happen, it is not a utopia. In addition, differences of opinion are normal and very healthy.
When people criticize, do not fear for the revolution, our goals are too honorable and too big for it to be affected by differences of opinion. These differences are normal, and expressing them only enriches the diversity at the square, it does not cause rifts.
After the first attack in Sana'a, a march was planned to protest against the violence. Men on the stage at the university called on their brothers to join the march, and told women they are "forbidden" from joining. Yes that was the exact word used: ممنوع خروج النساء.
I understand that given the circumstances, they are concerned about our safety, but it should be stated as an advice, not an order. We are adults, and we can decide for ourselves whether we would like to march or not. We do not need someone to tell us what to do, or not to do.
In defiance, women decided to march regardless. This video shows the number of women who joined.
Then, at the intersection, the security committee blocked us from continuing saying that women are not allowed to march. Arguments emerged between women and the security. Some women asked us why we are arguing and said that the men are only doing it for « our protection ». I responded by telling her that if we let them tell us what we can or cannot do now, we will be dishonoring the essence of change and reform. Today, they say you can not march, tomorrow they will say, you can not work etc.
Today, we were full of sadness and sorrow for what happened to our brothers around the nation. We wanted to express that feeling with our brothers. Unfortunately we were denied that right.
Women of Yemen, we need to stand up for our rights now more than ever. We were at the square of change from the first day as equal partners in the struggle for reform, and we will continue as partners until the end.
** Note **
For those that worry that any negative criticism about what is happening in the square may cause rifts, I tell them this: What is happening in the squares is absolutely amazing, but of course we are human beings and mistakes may happen, it is not a utopia. In addition, differences of opinion are normal and very healthy.
When people criticize, do not fear for the revolution, our goals are too honorable and too big for it to be affected by differences of opinion. These differences are normal, and expressing them only enriches the diversity at the square, it does not cause rifts.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Saleh buys his loyalists with money
video: local council members in #Aden admit to receiving money for attending pro-Saleh gathering. They were offered 60,000 Yemeni Riyal to come to Sanaa and refused.
This money is coming from the public funds and is another example of the corrupt government.
This money is coming from the public funds and is another example of the corrupt government.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Videos honoring the Martyrs of Yemen
Video by Haitham Raweh in memory of the heroes of the Yemeni revolution
Video by Sara Ishaq of the funeral procession
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Songs for Change
The Yemeni Revolution is bringing out great talent within the Yemeni People. Here are some examples of art, creativity, and calls for change through songs:
New Revolutionary Zaffah
Comedy + Song:
الاضرعي و المعتصمين في الميدان
Yemeni Revolutionary Rap
New Revolutionary Zaffah
Comedy + Song:
الاضرعي و المعتصمين في الميدان
Yemeni Revolutionary Rap
Videos from Friday of Departure
Women at the Protest holding red cards
Reaction to Saleh's Speech
Stepping Game
Revolutionary Tea
Monday, March 21, 2011
Celebrate, worry, or a little of both?
A couple of days ago, I tweeted about my concern that the military bloodthirsty corrupt Ali Mohsen will “join” the movement. The same man who participated in the civil war of 1994 killing many innocent people, and in 2005 led the war against the Houthis which also led to numerous innocent deaths.
Today I received a text message that read: “Ali Mohsen joined the protest.” Although I was expecting this, my stomach hurt and I had mixed feelings. On the one hand, this most likely means the fall of Saleh, especially in light of the great number of resignations, which is of course great news. But before I start dancing out of joy, I am still worried that the nightmare scenario of a military coup or a joint agreement between Ali Mohsen and Islah leading to a military style Wahabi style theocracy might happen if we are not prepared to combat it. This is the exact opposite of what the majority of youth in the square want, which is a civic state which respects individual rights and freedoms.
Of course reality is that alliances are made even with enemies, but we can not accept a person with blood on his hand. A person who uses religious terminology to eradicate groups of people. This is a very bad sign of what could happen in the future if we stand back and watch the revolution being hijacked. His presence in the change will mean the future will hold no change.
The only way we can combat this is by having a clear transition plan, and a detailed strategy for the future, in order to guarantee that our rights and freedoms are protected. The battle for rights will begin, and we must be well prepared in order to secure a state that guarantees equal citizenship, women's rights, and the rule of law.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
«Heavily Armed» Peaceful Movement?
Yes Yemenis own guns in a land where rule of law is not enforced. Yes there are tribal feuds. Yes the men wear decorative daggers. However, in the last six weeks of protests, these same men have joined the peaceful protesters without their guns and without their daggers. For those who write about Yemen, I wish you would also reflect on how amazing this civic experience really is. Since Yemenis are heavily armed, isn't it remarkable that they abandoned their guns and joined a peaceful movement, even when they were incited numerous times?
Today, hundreds of thousands of people were at the square of change in Sana'a attending the funeral procession of the 52 martyrs who died on Friday. It was a very emotional time as relatives and friends saw their loved ones for the last time. None of these tear-filled relatives took revenge and none were armed. Chants changed from «the people want the end of the regime» to «the people want to prosecute the killer (meaning Saleh)». This is a great example of a peaceful non-violent struggle by a heavily armed society.
When violence occurs against peaceful protesters, it only serves to empower the movement. People who were previously not part of the protests joined today. An old man who could barely walk insisted on joining. His daughter begged him to sit down, he turned to her and shouted: "they were killed for us, the least I can do is walk in their funeral procession."
For Western journalists I hope you put this in perspective when writing on Yemen and citing statistics about gun ownership. Lets remember that on average, every year, 100,000 people are shot or killed by guns in the United States (Source: National Center for Injury Prevention & Control).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)