# And now: Yemen and the "Pink Revolution" **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [February 13, 2011, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/and-now-yemen-and-the-pink-revolution/571245 "2011-02-13T21:19:01Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2011, 12:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/and-now-yemen-and-the-pink-revolution/571245/21 "2011-03-23T00:53:32Z")
[Saleh has offered to step down by the end of the year, but it’s not enough for the protesters.](http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/03/2011321164113728994.html) He warns of “civil war” if he is forced from office. Some military officers have defected. So, civil war it might be . . . ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2011, 4:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/and-now-yemen-and-the-pink-revolution/571245/22 "2011-03-25T16:43:35Z")
[The protesters call today the “Day of Departure”; thousands march; Saleh remains defiant.](http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/03/201132511732578174.html) ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2011, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/and-now-yemen-and-the-pink-revolution/571245/23 "2011-03-27T20:20:03Z")
It just occurred to me: What position should the U.S. be taking here? I mean, Saleh is a scumbag dictator like the rest, but in this case al-Qaeda really **is** a force among the opposition. ---
**Author:** ![E-Sabbath](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e19adc/32.png) [@E-Sabbath](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/E-Sabbath)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2011, 10:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/and-now-yemen-and-the-pink-revolution/571245/24 "2011-03-27T22:46:11Z")
The side of justice and democracy. The best way to disassemble Al-Qaeda is to defang it. Be on the side of the people, the downtrodden, those who want freedom. Stand up to our own ideals. And you’ll see Al-Qaeda crumble and vanish. ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2011, 2:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/and-now-yemen-and-the-pink-revolution/571245/25 "2011-04-11T14:14:21Z")
😕[Crisis over . . . or not . . .](http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/04/2011411113334453950.html) > [@](#): > > Ali Abdullah Saleh, Yemen’s embattled president has welcomed Gulf “efforts” to end his country’s political crisis, according to a statement from his office. > > “In compliance with statements (he) made several times …the president has no reservation against transferring power peacefully and smoothly within the framework of the constitution,” said the presidential statement on Monday. > > But it fell short of saying clearly whether he accepted a direct Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) proposal calling on Saleh to step down and ensure a peaceful transition of power to his deputy, Abdrabuh Mansur Hadi. > > **‘Within the constitution’** > > Al Jazeera’s correspondent reported from Sanaa "This has always been his position - the key words are ‘within the constitution’ which could either mean through elections at the end of the year or if he chooses to resign it must be accepted by parliament. > > “In which case, as we saw with emergency law few weeks ago, he can easily swing to make sure they don’t accept his resignation.” > > Mahjoob Zweiri, professor of Middle Eastern history at Qatar University, told Al Jazeera “It is very difficult to say that what he (Saleh ) is saying now is a positive response to the (GCC) initiative.” > > Opposition leaders will be meeting later on Monday to discuss the terms of the GCC plan. ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2011, 3:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/and-now-yemen-and-the-pink-revolution/571245/26 "2011-05-23T15:24:36Z")
[Saleh rejects yet another transition-of-power deal; fiercest fighting yet breaks out.](http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/05/23/501364/main20065322.shtml) ---
**Author:** ![Uzi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/91b2a8/32.png) [@Uzi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Uzi)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2011, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/and-now-yemen-and-the-pink-revolution/571245/27 "2011-05-23T15:35:43Z")
I just hope my friends who still live there make out okay. Crazy stuff, but not unforeseen. Too many people with too many guns, too much corruption, not enough resources, and one crazy assed religion don’t a good mix make. ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2011, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/and-now-yemen-and-the-pink-revolution/571245/28 "2011-05-23T15:57:07Z")
> [@Uzi](#): > > I just hope my friends who still live there make out okay. Crazy stuff, but not unforeseen. Too many people with too many guns, too much corruption, not enough resources, and one crazy assed religion don’t a good mix make. Is there any place in the MENA where the mix is different? What you’re saying even describes Israel, except for the corruption. ---
**Author:** ![E-Sabbath](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e19adc/32.png) [@E-Sabbath](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/E-Sabbath)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2011, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/and-now-yemen-and-the-pink-revolution/571245/29 "2011-05-23T17:44:03Z")
Things are on fire in Yemen. Tribes taking apart government buildings with RPGs and mortars. > **[Associated Press News: Breaking News | Latest News Today](https://apnews.com)** > > Stay informed and read the latest news today from The Associated Press, the definitive source for independent journalism from every corner of the globe. ---
**Author:** ![Uzi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/91b2a8/32.png) [@Uzi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Uzi)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2011, 12:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/and-now-yemen-and-the-pink-revolution/571245/30 "2011-05-24T00:46:01Z")
> [@BrainGlutton](#): > > Is there any place in the MENA where the mix is different? What you’re saying even describes Israel, except for the corruption. I should clarify that Yemen has quite a few resources, but no one wants to invest because of the corruption and risk. Other places don’t have the same level of issues, or they have a way to manage many of them. Yemen’s oil production is falling and as that brings in 90% of the revenue for the country that is a major problem because certain regions are the ones to feel the crunch moreso than those closer to the people in power. They already don’t trust the government and seeing the crack down around the country just encites them even more. ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2011, 10:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/and-now-yemen-and-the-pink-revolution/571245/31 "2011-05-30T10:21:04Z")
[6 Yemen soldiers ambushed and killed in “al-Qaeda-held town” of Zinjibar.](http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/05/201152922711919441.html) Not government propaganda, al-Qaeda appears to control the town at the moment. Who are we rooting for in this, again?! 😕 ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2011, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/and-now-yemen-and-the-pink-revolution/571245/32 "2011-06-01T23:02:44Z")
[Yemen crisis deepens, dozens killed in street battles, foreigners urged to leave.](http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/jun/01/yemen-crisis-dozens-killed-battles) I’m thinking this is going to get a **lot** uglier before it’s over. ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2011, 1:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/and-now-yemen-and-the-pink-revolution/571245/33 "2011-06-03T13:25:12Z")
[Opposition shells presidential palace in Sana.](http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/04/world/middleeast/04yemen.html) So much for “pink” = “nonviolent intent.” ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2011, 1:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/and-now-yemen-and-the-pink-revolution/571245/34 "2011-06-05T01:04:29Z")
[President Saleh arrives in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for medical treatment.](http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/06/201164164346765100.html) Apparently he was wounded – in the head\*, rumor has it – in the attack on the presidential palace mentioned above. He has not been seen on TV since the attack, though he has been heard on the radio (sounding rather weak, apparently). - I’ve read some American Protestant End-Times tracts, Jack Chick for one, where the Beast miraculously heals from a massive headwound, which is used to prove his divinity. If Saleh even comes back from Riyadh . . . 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Uzi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/91b2a8/32.png) [@Uzi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Uzi)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2011, 2:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/and-now-yemen-and-the-pink-revolution/571245/35 "2011-06-05T02:51:51Z")
> [@BrainGlutton](#): > > If Saleh even comes back from Riyadh He’s taking a chance if he wants to retain power by leaving if it is the force of his personality that is maintaining the current government. It might be the excuse he needs to bow out ‘gracefully’. ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2011, 12:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/and-now-yemen-and-the-pink-revolution/571245/36 "2011-06-05T12:27:52Z")
> [@Uzi](#): > > He’s taking a chance if he wants to retain power by leaving if it is the force of his personality that is maintaining the current government. It might be the excuse he needs to bow out ‘gracefully’. Well, the protesters seem to think they’ve won already. [They’re dancing in the streets.](http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/06/20116583530542599.html) ---
**Author:** ![Marquez](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ce7236/32.png) [@Marquez](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marquez)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2011, 1:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/and-now-yemen-and-the-pink-revolution/571245/37 "2011-06-05T13:44:54Z")
> [@Uzi](#): > > Yes, I do imagine they have the same glassy eyed stare of the habitual qat chewer. It helps explain some of the posts I’ve seen over the years…😃 > [Link](http://www.flickr.com/photos/8279953@N05/galleries/72157625558005686/) Great gallery. ---
**Author:** ![Uzi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/91b2a8/32.png) [@Uzi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Uzi)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2011, 11:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/and-now-yemen-and-the-pink-revolution/571245/38 "2011-06-07T11:15:00Z")
[Sources: Yemeni head Saleh has collapsed lung, burns over 40% of body](http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/meast/06/07/yemen.unrest/index.html?eref=mrss_igoogle_cnn) Maybe he won’t return. I wonder which ‘dictator’ will replace him? ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2011, 2:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/and-now-yemen-and-the-pink-revolution/571245/39 "2011-06-07T14:18:25Z")
[It ain’t over yet . . .](http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/06/201167102635229569.html) > [@](#): > > A coalition of Yemeni opposition parties has offered to talk with the country’s vice-president about a political transition, but a high-ranking government source says no dialogue can take place until president Ali Abdullah Saleh returns to Yemen. > > Sources from the Joint Meeting Parties (JMP) told Al Jazeera on Monday they were willing to talk with Abdu-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, Yemen’s acting leader, about a transition. > > Hadi was tasked with running the government after Saleh left for medical treatment in Saudi Arabia earlier this week. > > But a source close to Saleh dismissed the JMP’s offer as “ridiculous,” and said no political dialogue could take place until Saleh returned. “Saleh is still the president of Yemen,” the source said. > > “The answer of the government was the following, that Saleh remains the ultimate constitutional authority of the government … So basically, they are telling them ‘sorry, we are not going to talk about it’,” Al Jazeera’s Hashem Ahelbarra said about the government’s response. ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2011, 5:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/and-now-yemen-and-the-pink-revolution/571245/40 "2011-06-12T05:31:15Z")
OK, if [the U.S. is bombing (some of) the rebels/opposition in Yemen (specifically, al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula),](http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/06/2011695741630402.html) does that mean we’re . . . on Saleh’s side, here? 😕 [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/and-now-yemen-and-the-pink-revolution/571245.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/and-now-yemen-and-the-pink-revolution/571245.md?page=3)