Out of Yemen for one month

Please excuse me because it's been one week and I haven't wrote a single post. I am out of Yemen now and in the US trying to spread awareness about what is happening in Yemen through meetings and lectures. There are many misconceptions about Yemen here, and a definite need for more information in English from the ground. But there are also many people working hard.

There are many things I would like to write about, and I'll do that once I have some free time.

Death and Celebration in Yemen, a message for Elham

On Wednesday June 8, 2011, pro-Saleh supporters, thugs and members of the military celebrated the President's successful surgery by lighting fireworks, firing guns, machine guns, and heavy artillery, for tree hours throughout most neighborhoods of Sana'a. At first, people did not know what was happening. Many were frightened at the sounds of what seemed to be a war. Some women had a miscarriage, and others with heart problems suffered from heart attacks. State TV first announced the celebrations after 15 minutes, and at first they said that it was only fire works. Many people, like Elham's father, wanted to alleviate their children's fears of the loud noise by assuring them that it's only fire works. “Lets go to the rooftops so you can see for yourself” Elham's father told her. Minutes later, Elham, 11 years old, was hit in the head by a stray bullet. Six days later, she died and this is my message to her.

Dear Elham,

I just returned from visiting your family to give them my condolences on your passing. The black clothed and tear-eyed women do not normally gather in one room for a girl your age. But today, they are there to remember your innocence, your short life, and your unfortunate death due to the irresponsibility of the government.

Even if the attack was not deliberate, it is the responsibility of the government to keep its citizens safe, and when that doesn't happen, citizens have the right to seek justice. Unfortunately, in your situation, no justice can be served.

The celebrations for Saleh's successful surgery ironically, resulted in a number of injuries and deaths throughout the city. Celebration and death seem to go hand in hand these days in Yemen. No one will be blamed, and no one will be taken to court.

I sat next to your grandmother who told me that in the past “helicopters used to throw candy on rooftops during times of celebrations, but today they send bullets.” She then sighed and said “times have really changed.”

I'm sorry my dear Elham that your life was taken away from you at such an early age.

I'm sorry that justice won't be served. Who can your family sue? No one. During this time, anyone can kill anyone else and blame it on “stray bullets.” The government will do nothing, except maybe honor this act of loyalty.

I'm sorry that you grew up under a government that does not abide by rule of law.

I'm sorry that you grew up under a government that does not value human life.

I'm sorry that your brother and sisters will be forever traumatized whenever they hear of a “celebration”.

I'm sorry for so many things my dear, but I promise you, change will come one day.

Although I never met you, I want you to know, that I am saddened to see you depart this earth. I am sure your spirit will live on forever. You will be the memory that will remind us all to always seek justice.

Art at Change Square on BBC's the Strand

An interview on BBC's the Strand about art at change square (chapter 1)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00h1q83

Art at Change Square on BBC's the Strand

An interview with BBC's the Strand about art at change square (chapter 1)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00h1q83

What electricity cuts mean for us?

** i was supposed to post this at 11:00 pm on the 11th but I only got back electricity 5 minutes ago (5 p.m. on the 12)

So, what does electricity cuts really mean?


It means the most obvious.. No electricity = no lights. It means reading and writing under a candle light, and while that sounds so nice, it's really just when you're watching a movie, in reality after a while it your eyes start to hurt.

It also means shortage of water. Why? because the water pump needs power and a long period of no electricity, means the pump no longer works. Ok so no problem, we'll just buy water right? Well, water now is three times the price. Even if we theoretically had water, no electricity means the water heater will not be working as it depends on the electricity, so IF we had water, we would only have cold water.

Long electricity cuts also means that everything in the fridge will go bad. You can't really buy much for fear it might get spoiled. You have to buy things on a daily basis, and for people that are super busy these days, and can't buy food on a daily basis it means our meals are limited to pasta, rice & canned goods. (I'm not complaining, thank God for this as many people can't afford basic food items).

No electricity also means no internet or TV. If you work from home and need internet (like I do), you must find an alternative place to work. For me I've practically moved into two separate coffee shops that I often frequent.

No electricity also means you can't charge your phone, your computer, or your batter =for your camera. Sometimes I plug those things in the wall just in case electricity turns on while I'm asleep. You never know when they decide to turn it on.

It also means that when you finally sleep, you may be woken up in the middle of the night by the lights in the room when the electricity suddenly returned at 3 a.m.

It also means you can't use your vacuum cleaner nor the washing machine. The other day, when electricity turned back on, I jumped to get the vacuum cleaner, I'm not sure when I'll see it again.

I used to love the romantic atmosphere of candles, now I'm starting to hate them.

All this however is luxury compared to the fact that electricity cuts impact patients in hospitals who sometimes die due to the lack of appropriate medical care.

So, why don't we buy a generator for electricity?

Well, petrol is in shortage and it's double or three times the price. We would have to spend hours getting gas, or try to find someone with connection that will get us the petrol. That would be ironic during a revolution when we are calling for change and an end to “corruption.” :)

In my village, we don't have electricity at night. I know this and because I know it, I accept it and I don't complain when I go. But here, we are supposed to have electricity, and I'm not mentally prepared for these daily cuts. The infrequent electricity is almost a tease. Maybe it would be better if we just never had electricity. Also, it's quite irritating to live behind the Parliament building (just 50 meters away) and see it very WELL lit, while we are in total darkness.

I just finished typing this but can't upload it because there is no electricity, and therefore no internet. My computer's battery will shut down in approximately 19 minutes. If I post this on June 11 it means electricity returned, if not, I'll wait until he next day.

The peaceful revolution is struggling to survive, but it's still alive

Peaceful protesters went to the streets four months ago calling for an end to the regime. During this time many developments happened, and many players interfered. Violent conflict occurred separated from this peaceful struggle between armed tribal members and government forces. Tension is mounting, and civil war might erupt. Despite these escalations, protesters still stand firm, they are still camped at change square, and are continuing their peaceful protests.
On June 7th, independent youth marched to the house of vice president Abd-Rabou Mansour calling for the immediate creation of an interim council and an end to the regime with all its components, because while Saleh is out for now, his immediate family members and relatives are still holding key positions in the military and security apparatus. They camped there for 24 hours until they were dispersed by members of the First Armored brigade, the military who vowed to protect protesters late March.

On June 11th, independent protesters organized a symbolic march inside change square condemning the US position in Yemen. The statement that was read on stage had four points, the following is only the first point related to the US

"Our peaceful revolution is writing itself in the books of history. As free revolutionaries, we stood firm for four months, calling for change, which led to the beginning of the end for Ali Abdullah Saleh's regime. However, we recognize that the regime has not yet fallen with all its components. We therefore emphasize the following:

We thank the US for calling for a transition of power, however, we condemn the U.S. position which supports the continuation of the same governing system as evidence by the following:

• The United States is dealing with the current situation in Yemen as a political crisis and not a popular youth revolution. This is evident from US support and pressure for the GCC initiative without inclusion of the youth.

• The United States is not working towards real regime change, by supporting the family members of Ali Saleh in key positions as head of military and security institutions under the pretext of combating terrorism.

• The United States has not taken a firm stand against allegations that the Yemeni regime is using counter-terrorism arms and equipment funded by the US to suppress peaceful demonstrations"

All that we have is our soul

Last week I went to Jeddah for my sister's 'Agd, the signing of the wedding contract. while it was extremely difficult to leave Yemen behind, I really wanted to be with her on this important day.

I was supposed to return to Yemen on Thursday but my plane was delayed, then the airport closed. I kept having problems returning to Yemen and at the same time my family was begging me to stay in Saudi. Some said that the flight delays are probably a sign that I shouldn't return. My parents begged me not to return and said I should think of them and how worried they are.

While I hate making my family worry, I also can't imagine leaving Yemen at this time, so I decided to return no matter what. Upon hearing this, one of my uncles said «you are a hero, you have the choice to leave Yemen and yet you are returning», but that's exactly why I feel it is my obligation to return, precisely because I have the liberty of leaving, i should stay.

I am no hero. I have many things that serve as "protection" for me. One is that I am a woman, and while there have been attacks on women, it is less common then men. Second, I am a dual national, which makes Yemeni security think twice before detaining me (it's really unfortunate that a foreign passport provides more protection in your own homeland). Third, i have many contacts with the international community. 

So, with all these things on my side, I feel that what I'm doing is just my obligation and duty since I have more space to do it. It's the least I should be doing. It's true I quit my job to be fully engaged in the movement. It's true I have no social life anymore, it's true that I face some threats that every activist faces, it's true I'm mentally and physically exhausted, it's true i chose the hardships of Sana'a over the stability of other countries, but this is what almost everyone in the movement is doing, and my sacrifices are very minimal compared to others. Real heroes are those who are sacrificing everything for the revolution even if they have no alternative.

Mohammed a 20 year old man joined the protests from the beginning. He believed in change and wanted to see a civil country. He had many hopes and dreams. Four days before his birthday he was killed by a sniper for participating in a peaceful march to call for change. Mohammed gave the ultimate sacrifice for Yemen, he gave his life.

Ali, a 40 year-old man, was fired from his job for joining the movement and not coming to work. He has four children and his wife is a house wife. He has no other source of income. Some may think his actions are irresponsible, but he said "I can't live in prison anymore, if we don't do this, my kids will have to live in the same prison I lived in, I am doing this for them. Money will come, but our dignity needs to be regained."

Abeer, has three jobs: being a full-time mother, a full-time teacher, and organizing seminars at change square. She is exhausted and said while her husband is fully supportive of the movement and of her work, they are engaging in many fights due to her frequent absence from the house.

Hamzah a 24 year old medical student, left his 4^th year in medical school in Cairo to join the movement. He has been camping in the university for over three months. He was planning to study and fly back to Cairo to take the final exams at the end of the year so he doesn't lose the entire year. However, he is unable to do that now. Hamzah is unable to leave the square for fear of being detained by security forces. He will now have to repeat the entire 4^th year of medical school. For him, joining the movement "is definitely worth it."

I speak English, I can relate to the West and people in the West can relate to me, that's why it's easy to find me and highlight my work. But there are many real heroes who are not seen or recognized. (see my previous post titled Hidden Heroes of the Revolution)

We are all doing this because of a sense of obligation and as singer Tracy Chapman put it, "all that we have is our soul" and our soul can't rest until justice is served.

FAQ: what in the world is happening in Yemen? Relationship between peaceful revolution & violent clashes

Some media outlets have reported the recent clashes between government forces and armed tribesmen as clashes between anti-government protesters & government forces. This is simply incorrect. I understand that Yemen can be quite complicated and confusing, so below is a very basic frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) guide about the difference between the peaceful revolution and the armed tribal clashes.

When did peaceful protesters begin?

Different protests began from mid January, when youth inspired by the fall of Ben Ali's regime, took to the streets. The protests were not daily until the night of Mubarak's resignation on February 11^th when youth decided to hold sit-ins and camp out until the end of the regime. These protests spread nationwide, and day by day, more people joined, until it transformed into tent-cities. Since then protesters are still camped out there. When there is a march people leave to march but then return to the sit-in site. They have not left even after clashes began.

Did peaceful protesters take up arms against government?

For the past three months, peaceful protesters have NEVER taken up arms, even when attacked.

What is the difference between the attacks against peaceful protesters by government forces & the armed clashes between tribes and government forces?

The peaceful movement and the recent armed conflict are two separate issues. The armed clashes are between government forces & armed tribesmen loyal to Alahmar.

Peaceful protesters did not take up arms since the beginning. Government security forces and thugs repeatedly attacked peaceful protesters using live ammunition and snipers, expired tear gas, batons and rocks, which resulted in at least 250 deaths and thousands of injuries. The UN said reports indicated that in the latest attacks against peaceful protesters in Taiz had been killed by "Yemeni army, Republican Guards and other government-affiliated elements who forcibly destroyed the protest camp in Horriya Square using water cannons, bulldozers and live ammunition." Hundreds have also been arrested over the weekend, while dozens of others remain unaccounted for. Despite all these attacks, protesters are still vowing to remain peaceful.

The other clashes are between armed tribesmen and the government. How exactly it started and who began shooting is unclear, both sides accuse the other of firing the first shot. What we know is that the area around Sheikh Sadeq al-Ahmar's house, head of the powerful Hashid tribal confederation and an uneasy ally who abandoned the president and joined his opponents. , has been in control of the sheikh and his guards for a while. They were informed that the girl's school in that area was being stockpiled with weapons by government forces. Tribesmen claimed that Saleh was using that building and others to attack Sadeq Alahmar's home. Who then started the shooting is unknown. On May 23, 2011 Saleh's forces attacked Sadeq's home. Alahmar's house when most of Alahmar brothers were gathered there. Tribal fighters came to al-Ahmar's defense and seized a number of government buildings in the Hassaba neighborhood of the capital, Sanaa, during intense clashes. Since then, clashes have continued off and on. Heavy artillery, mortars, machine guns and even air strikes (in Nihm) have been used. Clashes have extended to Nihm and Arhab.

Why did the armed clashes between tribesmen and government begin?

While promoting the revolution is certainly part of the reason that Saleh is angry against Alahmars, it certainly is not the only reason. There is a deep personal problem between both sides. Many people believe this is a personal fight between Alahmar and President Saleh, a fight of «egos».

Are all the tribes with al-Ahmar?

While Sadeq Al Ahmar is the leader of the Hashid Tribal confederation, he does not have total control over decision, as the confederation is not monolithic. In fact, it is still divided between pro-Saleh & anti-Saleh sentiments. In addition, President Saleh still has some tribal loyalty especially in areas neighboring Sana'a.

Are civilians affected? How?

Many civilians have died in the clashes, and homes have been destroyed. Residents report seeing artillery, mortars and tanks. The situation is intensified, as citizens in the area have had no electricity or water for the past four days. Families feel worried, scared, and fear for the future. Many feel trapped in their house as the shelling continues. In addition to the physical harm on citizens, there is of course the psychological trauma that children face during conflict. The truce has failed as clashes have restarted again. Locals in Sana’a have fled the fierce clashes to their ancestral villages fearing for their lives after more than 115 people were killed in previous clashes in the capital.

According to the Yemen Times «Business has been paralyzed completely in most streets of Sana’a amidst continuous power cuts and water shortages. Most commercial shops appeared closed on Tuesday in several streets of the city.

How are people reacting to the conflict?

The majority of people is naturally upset about what is happening and fears for the future. However, the reactions seem quite divided: Some are making them heroes, others are denouncing their actions.

• Many people feel that Alahmars had no other choice but to defend themselves, given that their house was hit by a missile. Some people have sympathized to the point of joining the clashes with Alahmars. Others have sympathized from a distance.
• Some people believe this is a personal fight between al-Ahmar and the current government. They see it as a fall-out between two friends who were very close or as karma as they view Alahmar family to be as corrupt as the President. While they do not necessarily support Alahmar side, they worry for the civilians who are caught in the middle. They think people should stay out of this tribal personal fight because « they are getting what they deserved »
• The group in between the first and second group believes that we should condemn the attacks even if Alahmars do not have a very clean history. This is against human rights.
• Yet others are quite upset that al-Ahmars got engaged in the violence. They see it as a trap and feel that they should have refrained from responding. Even if their house was hit, they say they should have contacted media immediately to highlight the issue and remained peaceful.

• Some believe that for Saleh this conflict is a good way to divert attention from the peaceful revolution and focus on the clashes.
• Some believe that while President Saleh managed to divide Hashid, the attack against al-Ahmar's house gained them support and revised the sense of kinship amongst the Hashid confederation.

Is there a civil war in Yemen right now?

No, it has not yet escalated into a civil war. It is still ONLY between tribal members & the government. The military has not joined the conflict, despite the strong attempts of the government to drag it into conflict. Peaceful protesters and citizens as a whole have also not joined. It seems that Saleh is really pushing the military and the youth to join by constant attacks against them. When and if that happens, war will start. How long it will last and what the consequences will be will depend on many local and international factors.

Disclaimer: this is a very simplistic introductory summary to the issue. This by no means is sufficient to understand the current events.

How I and probably many feel right now

Sitting here waiting for things to get worse is causing me excruciating pain. I don't know if I should write, tweet, pray or just sit here silently watching the screen while tears fall down my face.

I am not being dramatic, but i'm also not naive. The political/realistic part of me has been assessing the situation for quite sometime. Friends have warned of this, and analysts as well. I concluded that violent clashes are highly likely (view previous posts, specifically the one on 100 days after the Revolution). But the dreamer part of me hoped that the peaceful revolution would prevail. Political scientists never predicted and could have never believed that a peaceful movement could happen in Yemen, but it did. It did because we dared to dream, and we dared to hope and believe that something positive could happen.

In the past months, I hoped that Saleh's warnings were psychological warfare and that in the end we will gain our demands peacefully without a war. I hoped that the close proximity of the first brigade and the military would form a balance and cause both sides to avoid firing. I reminded myself that armed tribesmen gave up their weapons in pursuit of a peaceful struggle. Selmya Selmya (peaceful peaceful) slogans and chants filled the square changing the course of Yemen's history forever.

Today violent clashes have begun, and after police force attacked the home of Sadeq al-Ahmar his body guards responded violently. The fighting is personal between two groups that have had in-fighting for a long time. it is linked to the Revolution because Saleh sees al-Ahmars as main actors behind the Revolution whether that's true or not.

So far, the fighting is still personalized between two sides and has not yet escalated into a civil war. While tribesmen have joined, the peaceful protesters have not joined the violent resistance and remain committed to peaceful change.

Things are likely to escalate but there is a small chance they may not. We should try and not push things towards escalation and try not to announce that it's already a war. Lets not make it a self fulfilling prophecy.

In a society where revenge is rampant the consequences of the upcoming days of violence will last a very long time. I just hope that this violence does not escalate into a full blown war and i hope that the international community will speak out SOON before it is too late.

100 Days, Yemen's Greatest Revolution

** I wrote this post twodays ago, but due to internet cut i could not post it. It now seems that violence is not only likely, but has begun :(

These 33 years have been a nightmare for the Yemenis. We are still sleeping and sometimes we still have this recurring nightmare, but most of the time we are having good dreams where we see the new Yemen. Sooner or later we will get up from bed and this nightmare will be over FOREVER.

There are some people who are complaining that the Revolution has failed or that it won't go anywhere. I don't know what will happen, but I know one thing this revolution has achieved so much even before the end. It changed the life of so many Yemenis. It has touched us in many ways, and there is simply no turning back from here.

Afraid no longer: for years Yemenis were afraid to speak out for fear of being harassed, threatened, or imprisoned. Now, people on both sides are openly speaking their mind. A walk down the alley in my neighborhood confirms this. I hear people discussing politics, constitutional legitimacy, civil rights, and discussing Saleh in person, something that would have been so rare in the past.

New found nationalism: for so long, Yemenis did not feel a sense of nationalism. More important than our “Yemeniness” was our tribe, family, region etc. Many Yemenis often asked their fellow Yemenis abroad “why do you want to come back to the country? There is nothing here for you”. The remarkable courage of the young protesters as they approached water canons and tanks with no weapons has changed people's image of themselves. The determination at the square, the creativity and the hope has given Yemenis a sense of belonging to a new Yemen. In the past, the Yemeni flag sometimes irritated people as they associated it only with the president. But today, the Yemeni flag is everywhere. It has emerged as the winner in this revolution as both sides are competing for who has more flags. Today at the square when the national anthem comes on, people respectfully drop what they are doing and stand in respect. Men and women, young and old, people from different regions, and tribes who have revenge issues between them, are now standing side by side to honor our beloved Yemen.

A new truly united citizenship has emerged: Citizens from Sa'ada have joined protesters in Aden, protesters in Taiz have joined their brothers in Sana'a. A new found citizenship has emerged. This mixing of people has created a new textile a new web of citizenship

Awareness-raising many seminars on a daily basis are happening at the square on various topics relating to civic participation, civil state, democracy, human rights, women's rights etc. More importantly, the fact that people come from different backgrounds has forced them to implement what they are learning. Many arguments erupted in the square between different groups, which I feel is a healthy phenomenon because it forced people to implement what they learned and to practice the terminologies learned.

There are of course many concerns at the moment:

Violent conflict including the likelihood that violence may erupt at any moment. The government continues to distribute weapons to its loyalists hoping to incite the other side for conflict. In addition, the physical proximity between the military and the first brigade is becoming closer and intensifying tension The likelihood that Saleh and Ali Mohsen use the tribes to fight their personal “war” seems very possible.

GCC initiative: As long as the President and his entourage are still in control, change will not occur. The GCC plan could be the beginning of the problems not the end. Yes a political solution could help solve Yemen's problems without conflict, but only if it was well-intentioned and did not serve the President. Whether he signs or not is irrelevant if we can not guarantee implementation. The GCC initiative has too many holes and its just too ambiguous. With a President that excels in political maneuvering, an ambiguous document just serves to empower him. In addition, there are no guarantees that after the 30 days he will leave. He might make excuses similar to the many he made before signing the GCC plan. Finally, the two months to prepare for elections are simply not enough and violate the election law which requires at least six months of preparation for the elections.

Economic woes: Over two months of unrest in Yemen has more than doubled the price of some basic items including food and cooking gas. Anger about the price increases have been building for weeks. At the same time, the value of the Yemeni Riyal has plummeted, deepening the economic strain. 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. Will average citizens blame the current government for the economic crisis and price increases or will they blame pro-change protesters?

Regardless of whatever happens after this, Yemen will not be the same. This Revolution is the greatest in Yemen's history. This peaceful revolution is an intellectual, cultural and social revolution. The extent to which these elements will be part of the new Yemen is unclear at this point, but the effects of the revolution will remain imprinted in people's psyche forever. A new movement has begun, and can never be reversed. Change will not be easy, and it will take at least 20 years to reach what we want, but we have to start with the first step, and this is it.

I believe that what people experienced at the square has changed them forever and it will carry on individually for a long time. This is the beginning of real change. A grass roots change that incorporates an intellectual and cultural aspects in addition to the political one. I foresee that the many youth movements in the square will transform into social movements in the future. Some may pursue a political route, others will remain watchdogs on politicians. Civic engagement will continue thanks to these three months. I just hope that the violence that is likely to occur, will not put people in a dangerous long war. Lets pray for the best.