Afrah Nasser

Will Tomorrow be Better than Today?

2012-03-01T23:39:00.002+01:00

Every day she keeps on telling herself, that tomorrow will be better than today. She secretly convers herself and keeps on doing so because that's the only way she knows things could be better.

She has been talking to herself for over one decade; since she started to form her own individualistic identity. It wasn't easy at the beging..in fact, it was so problematic! She was in a constant fight with her family and her own self. "Why am I fighting so much? Maybe I'm not close enough to Allah and that's why I'm in a constant distress?", she asked herself. Then, she wore the viel and covered her face because, - she thought- that was how she would be closer to Allah. She basically thought the viel would make tomorrow better than today.

She kept talking to herself, while wearing the viel and she still kept fighting with her family. Then, suddenly, she was introduced to writing. She wrote her inner conversation on her diary. Tomorrow was about to be better than today but not completely. The fight took a differnt dimenion. It was about deep principles not just superfcial desires. She kept talking to herself and writing that down. Sometimes she felt good and sometimes she felf misrebale. "Why am I feeling so much misery? Maybe I'm not close enough to Allah and that's why I'm in a constant distress?", she asked herself again. Months passed and she took off the viel. "There has to be a better way to get closer to Allah than putting this fabric on my face!," she realized.

Years passed, she met him. He kissed her. Her world turned upside down. Life seemed strange to her. "Oh! I made Allah mad! I'll go to hell," she sadly thought. Then, she tried to make peace with that and decided that his kiss would make tomorrow better than yesterday. His disgraceful manhood made her hate him. Eventually, they went apart.

She was obbsessed of how to make tomorrow better than today. She changed her fight against her family to her fight for her womanhood. One thing led to another, she eventaully was fighting for her surrvival.

Today, she reailzed there was no such thing like "tomorrow better than today." Seeking peace, happiness, spirtuality and closeness to Allah is a process. It's a continuous process. It's not about going from A to B! It's about the journey and current moments. It's living the now and making sure that now is as better as it gets!

بيان استنكار للقذف والتهديد الذي تعرضت له الكاتبة والناشطة الحقوقية هدى جعفر

2012-02-29T19:30:00.000+01:00

بقلم\ الاستاذ عاد نعمان

كل التضامن معك يا صديقتي العزيزة، بيان استنكار للقذف والتهديد التي تعرضت له الكاتبة والناشطة الحقوقية هدى جعفر
إنما الأمم الأخلاق ما بقيت فإن هم ذهبت أخلاقهم ذهبوا
تتصاعد وترتفع أصوات وأقلام و فتاوي من قبل إرهابي الفكر خلال الأشهر الأخيرة من الثورة لتبدأ بحملات تكفير وإرهاب لمثقفين أخذت مؤخرا منحى يعكس حالة من الإفلاس الأخلاقي المتجرد من كل معاني وقيم اللياقة والأدب وهو ما حدث البارحة مع الكاتبة والناشطة الحقوقية هدى جعفر، حيث تلقت ظهر أمس الموافق 26 فبراير 2012 عددا من رسائل التهديد والقذف على إيميلها في الفيسبوك من أسماء مستعارة تتوعد الكاتبة وأسرتها بالملاحقة مستخدمة مفردات في منتهى الانحطاط والتجرد من أبسط قيم الأخلاق وتهديدها بتلفيق تهمة العمل مع منظمة القاعدة و مطالبا الكاتبة بالاعتذار عن أرائها وتعليقاتها المنشورة في الفيسبوك.

و تستهجن المنظمات والمؤسسات الثقافية الموقعة أدناه ما حدث للكاتبة والناشطة الحقوقية هدى جعفر و تعبر كذلك عن أسفها البالغ عن مستوى اللغة والمفردات الوقحة الصادرة من الشخص المرسل تجاه الكاتبة و تعبر عن قلقها البالغ من أن يلحق بالكاتبة والناشطة الحقوقية هدى جعفر أي مكروه أو أذى خصوصا إن كان هناك من يقف خلفه من كتائب أو جماعات الإرهاب المتخصصين بمواجهة ومضايقة الكتاب والأقلام الحرة.
وما يبعث على الاستغراب انه في الوقت الذي كنا نعتقد فيه أن عام من الثورة بكل ما حمله من قيم جديدة في المجتمع تشكلت في وعي ووجدان شباب وشابات اليمن واعتقادنا أننا قد تجاوزنا منظومة أخلاقية و قيمية التصقت و ترعرت مع النظام المثار عليه إلا أنه مازال هناك من ينهل من معين ثقافة وتراث النظام المستبد.

إننا نناشد كل المنظمات الحقوقية والقوى السياسية وسائر المكونات الثورية في الساحات التصدي لمثل هذا النوع من الممارسات والأساليب والدعوات الوقحة، كما نؤكد كمنظمات حقوقية ومؤسسات ثقافية تضامننا اللامحدود مع الكاتبة والناشطة الحقوقية هدى جعفر وتأكيدنا الوقوف إلى جانبها وأن تستمر في طريقها الذي اختارته في الكتابة وممارسة نشاطها الثقافي دون خوف أو اهتمام بدعوات وتهديدات كالصادرة بحقها مؤخرا، ونطالب جميع نشطاء وناشطات حقوق الإنسان التصدي والوقوف بحزم إزاء هذه الممارسات التي لا يقبلها شرع ولا عرف ولا قانون والذي تتنافى مع قيم و مبادئ التواصل الإنساني.
صادر بتاريخ 27 فبراير 2012

المنظمات الموقعة:
1. مؤسسة حوار للتنمية الديمقراطية
2. مؤسسة تمكين للتنمية
3. مؤسسة الكناري للتنمية الديمقراطية والاجتماعية
4. بيت الموروث الشعبي
5. منتدى الشهيد جار الله عمر
6. مؤسسة الشرق الأوسط للتنمية
7. اتحاد الشبيبة الديمقراطية اليمنية
8. منتدى الشقائق العربي لحقوق الإنسان
9. المنتدى الاجتماعي الديمقراطي
10. مركز عاد للطفولة والشباب (تحت التأسيس)
11. منظمة التغيير للدفاع عن الحقوق والحريات

عينة من ملف الفساد في حكم علي صالح

2012-02-29T17:04:00.001+01:00

تحدثت قناة "الجزيرة" الإخبارية، في تقرير لها عن صفقة بيع جزاء من ميناء المعلا بمدينة عدن جنوب اليمن، قبل أربع سنوات،وما تكشفه هذه الصفقة من ملف فساد يمس البلاد كلها، إذ توقفت الحركة فيه بشكل كلي.. موضحة أن الحكومة اليمنية شكلت لجنة لحل مشكلة الميناء، وهو المصنف كواحد من أهم الموانئ الطبيعية على مستوى العالم، ويفترض أن يكون ميناء للسفن ولكنه أمس ملاذاً تعشعش فيه الطيور التي تبحث عن قوت كلما جاءت شحنة قمح ..

وأوضح التقرير أن ميناء المعلا بدون حاويات للبضائع ولا حركة وأن حالة من الشلل تسيطر عليه بعد أن فقد قوته وزخمه عقب توقيع الرئيس السابق/ علي عبدالله صالح عام 2008م على صفقة بيع الميناء التاريخي وتأسيس شركة بين موانئ دبي العالمية ومؤسسة خليج عدن اليمنية الحكومية لتتولى تطوير وتشغيل الميناء.
وتابع التقرير قوله إن الصفقة أتت على الميناء الذي يعد واحداً من أهم المؤانئ الطبيعية إذ صدق صادق على أنه ثاني أهم موانئ العالم بعد ميناء نيويورك لتزويد السفن بالوقود.

وأوضح التقرير أن الحكومة الحالية في اليمن قالت إن الصفقة كانت سرية حصل الرئيس السابق بموجبها على "600" مليون دولار وأدخل أحد أقربائه شريكاً فيها.

وفي ذات السياق نقل التقرير عن وزير النقل اليمني الدكتور/ واعد باذيب، قوله "شكلت لجنة وزارية بعضوية وزير الخارجية وعضويتي وزير التخطيط والمالية والشئون القانونية والتجارة والصناعة، وسنعمل على اتخاذ موقف حاسم من الاتفاقية برمتها ومن ضمنها والأساس رصيف المعلا التاريخي الذي أصيب بحالة شلل كامل نتيجة مخرجات اتفاقية الشراكة بين موانئ دبي وخليج عدن.

وعلى الصعيد ذاته قال التقرير "نشهد اليوم غرباناً تنعق فوق كل رافعة من رافعات الميناء أما العاملون فيه فينتظرون من يعيد إلى الميناء الحياة بعد أن ضاقت عليهم الأوضاع المعيشية هم اليوم يفترشون الأرض ولا عمل لديهم ولا أجر، يقولون إن ثمة من ملأ جيوبهم بينما يدفعون ومدينتهم ثمن صفقة بيع الميناء.

من جانبه قال أمين قاسم ـ مشرف عمال الميناء ـ "الناس بلا عمل، بلا رواتب ومعهم أطفال" معزياً بيع الميناء إلى الحكومة معللاً بقوله من باع الميناء مدير الأمن، طبعاً الحكومة هي من باعت الميناء، معللاً بقوله إنه لا يوجد مسئول صغير يستطيع أن يبيع الميناء غير رئيس الجمهورية.

واختتم التقرير بقوله إن آليات كانت تعمل قبل الصفقة التي نفذت باسم تطوير الميناء وهي اليوم حديد تالف يأكله الصدى وتفتح قصة الميناء ملفاً ثقيلاً من ملفات الفساد في بلد يدرج ضمن مراتب مقلقة عربياً وعالمياً على صعيد تفشي الفساد.

Activists reawaken anti-sectarianism campaign

2012-02-27T12:55:00.000+01:00

(DailyStar)BEIRUT: Around 400 people marched from Dora, Greater Beirut, to the Electricite Du Liban building in Mar Mikhail Sunday calling for social justice and with the hope of relaunching the anti-sectarian movement that rose to prominence last year.

Protesters chanted anti-sectarian slogans as they marched through residential areas with the hope of generating interest from passersby.

“We want to get the idea back into people’s heads that the system is not working,” said Nadine Moawad, a member of the feminist collective Nasawiya, which helped organize the demonstration. “It’s the beginning of a series of actions and demonstrations to bring back the movements. It’s not a one-off thing.”

Anti-sectarian movements are a small but long-standing feature of the Lebanese political scene but became particularly prominent in the early half of last year, with activists holding weekly protests, at one point attracting 20,000 people in a march from Beirut’s Ashrafieh district to the Interior Ministry in Sanayeh, before the movement appeared to lose momentum.

Moawad said Sunday’s protest had been “small but effective.”

“The size reflects the independence of the march,” she said. “Every single political party told their followers to boycott the event.”

Among the demands of the protesters are better transportation, education, rent control, wages and women’s rights, with Sunday’s protest focused particularly on the country’s crippled electricity sector.

“We’re bringing all the campaigns together,” Moawad explained.

“Sectarianism is responsible for everything. There’s nothing right in this country, no work, no benzene [fuel], nothing,” said 19-year-old chemistry student Carina Ayoubia during Sunday’s protest.

The protest was advertised in the prior days as a funeral for EDL, the state electricity company which provides just 21 hours of electricity a day in Beirut, and fewer outside, and at the end of the march organizers hung a funeral wreath on the gates of the building.

Speakers decried the “lies and hypocrisy” of Lebanese politicians which they said were keeping the country in “hours of darkness.”

Watching nearby, 29-year-old travel agent Joelle said she had never been involved in any form of civil demonstration, but that “if the crisis persists like this, of course I would go and protest with them.”

However she also added that, “the main problem is the electricity,” and not sectarianism.

Civil society demonstrations have been on the rise over the past number of years in Beirut, with the first recent milestone in April 2010 when 5,000 people marched from Ain al-Mreisseh to Parliament to demand an end to the sectarian system.

Seventy-year-old Rashid Zaatari said the country could not move forward without addressing the sectarian system. “We are not individual citizens in this system; each one of us is affiliated to his own sect from the date of his birth to the day he dies,” he said. “We cannot build a nation state with sectarianism structured in our political system.”

Some activists cited the Arab Spring as inspiration for last year’s protests, following the toppling of leaders in Tunisia and Egypt in the early months of the year.

But last spring’s slogan, echoing the Arab uprisings, “the people want the end of the [sectarian] regime,” was only briefly heard at Sunday’s protest, before being drowned out by other chants.

Speaking to The Daily Star at the protest, 29-year-old engineer Mohammad said the anti-sectarian movement had important differences to the uprisings in the rest of the region.

“It’s not similar really to the Arab revolutions,” he said. “It’s going to take people a long time to make change [here].”

Active in last year’s anti-sectarian movement, he said the time was ripe for a rebirth.

“The movement’s a bit more mature now,” he said. “We understand more that it’s going to be a long-term, not a short-term thing.” – With additional reporting by Brooke Anderson

For more photos click here!

كلمة الرئيس المخلوع صالح في حفل تنصيب الرئيس هادي

2012-02-27T12:43:00.001+01:00

بقلم \ محمد البكاري

تصدقو يا جماعة اول مره اشوف نفسي ولهان ومحب لخطاب المخلوع ؟ تدرو ليش :
اولا / جميع ما ذكره المخلوع في خطابه هو مردود عليه وذلك باعترافه بأن الاقتصاد منهار وهذا اكبر دليل وكذلك باعترافه بتنظيم القاعده ومحاربتها وهذا لا يأتي الا بقائدهم قائد تنظيم القاعده في اليمن وهو علي عفاش .

ثانيا / المخلوع يا جماعة الخير لا يستطيع ان يفارق في جميع خطاباته في جميع مراحله من ذكر للطرقات والمياه والكهرباء . والله حقاره ما بعده حقاره بان العالم يتكلمو عن مراحل متقدمه في التكنولوجيا ونحن المخلوع لسى عاده يتكلم في كهرباء وطرق وغير ذلك ناقص ما يذكر السمن والصابون والبر والدقيق والخبز والصحون والملاعق وغير ذلك
يا جماعة الرجال هذا متى سنتهي أسأل الله ان يعجل بزواله .

ثالثا / قسما عظما ما في خراج يا جماعة الخير والمخلوع موجود في اليمن هو وزبانيته اذن فلنبدأ بالثورة الجديده على عبد ربه منصور هادي وحكومة الوفاق وليرحلو جميعا جميعا جميعا الى مزبلة التاريخ الصالح والبطال
وخلونا نعيش نحن الشباب خلونا نحكم اليمني ونبنيها نحن الشباب اعمار ثلاثين الى اربعين سنه.

Hadi Wins with %99

2012-02-24T19:04:00.001+01:00

I wonder what kind of democracy the GCC deal and the US fostered in Yemen. First, Saleh is free out there; flying around like he didn't committed crimes against humanity not only during the revolution but also throughout his rule time. Second, Yemen had an early presidential election with no referendum to ask the people of what they truly want. Third, one political party, one candidate, one man was running; ignoring the several political spectrum in Yemen. Fourth, Hadi won with %99 votes; with is a sign of how corrupt his system will be. Fifth, Hadi has been a vice for over 17 years, meaning he is a mini-dictator compared to Saleh... sixth, ... seventh.. the list would go on!! What kind of democracy is that! would you "democratic countries" accept such games!

Here is a clip when the results where announced:- (It's so fabricated)

Yemen Goes Through Another Undemocratic Presidential Election

2012-02-20T19:49:00.000+01:00

Tomorrow will be a very important day for Yemen as people will go to polls to "elect" the only candidate for the presidency. The coming election is nothing but a joke! It lacks a very fundmental aspect of how elections should be; it's utterly undemocratic for many reasons:-

1-The only candidate, Abd Rabbuh Mansour Hadi is from the same old shitty political party of Saleh and there is no other political party running of the election.

2-He has been the vice president of Saleh for the past 17 years!!! Give me a break!! He's another would-be dictator!

3-Abdo Rabo is just a puppet for Saleh and his relatives.

4-Voting with "No" won't count.

5-Yemenis abroad can't vote via embassies abroad. (I want to vote with "NO")

Basically, Yemen is having a half-revolution and there is still along way to go.
(I'm posting some of the reasons due to lack of time, but please feel free to comment with why you think the coming election is undemocratic or .. "democratic"!)

******

Here is a recap of recent clips about Yemen:

Yemenis prepare to go to the polls

Yemen readies for the election

حياة المواطن اليمني في ظل الأزمة السياسية

قصة العلاقة بين تعز وصعود الرئيس اليمني

فوز صورة الأم اليمنية فاطمة وابنها زايد

Yemen's Wake Up Call

2012-02-19T21:32:00.000+01:00

Who really doesn't need a Wake up call!

Basically, I was lucky to witness the first seed of the coming Yemen's “Wake Up Call”; an initiative, scheduled to be launched on the 21st of Feb. ; a day that coincides with the (give me a break!) presidential election in Yemen. And I'm more than happy to blog about it today.

"Our Wake up Call" is a global inititave by youth and it happened to be one of its ambassoders, a dear friend of mine; Abdullah Al-Maisari, a very active activist from Yemen. After lots of pondering into Yemen's crucial issues; it was set that Yemen’s Wake Up Call theme is Corruption & Target is (COCA). You can read more about it (here in Eng.) and (here in Ar.)

Here are two clips that beautifully explain the inititaive:

Another Interview with Scahill about Yemen

2012-02-18T11:27:00.001+01:00

Please listen to what Scahill talks about. He wonderfully reveals lots of issues and, mainly, Saleh's games against the US and Yemenis.

Who are Ansar al-Sharia?

2012-02-17T11:32:00.001+01:00

(Extract from Jeremy Scahill interview with DemocracyNow). A group calling itself Ansar al-Sharia had taken over a number of towns, including Zinjibar. And when I started interviewing people who were very well connected to the security apparatus in Yemen, they said Ali Abdullah Saleh let them to take it over, as a sort of last message to the United States, that if you let me go, I am going to show you what will happen, and what will happen is that al-Qaeda is going to take over. And so, all of a sudden you see Ansar al-Sharia, you know, the supporters or partisans of Sharia law, taking over these cities and creating their own Sharia councils, doing very brutal acts against suspected criminals, chopping off limbs.

Just a few days ago, there were three public executions (one shown in the photo above) of people that were convicted in the Ansar al-Sharia’s court system of providing intelligence to the Americans to be used in drone attacks, including one person who was executed in the very place where Anwar al-Awlaki’s 16-year-old son, who was a U.S. citizen, was killed in a U.S. drone strike. And they executed this man, alleging that he had provided intelligence to the Americans that had contributed to the death of Abdulrahman al-Awlaki, the 16-year-old son of Anwar al-Awlaki.

*And the relationship between Ansar and AQAP, al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula?

Well, the first mentions of Ansar al-Sharia came from one of the leading clerics of al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula a couple of months before Zinjibar was seized. Zinjibar was—the city was taken by Ansar al-Sharia in May of 2011. And this leading AQAP cleric said, "Ansar al-Sharia is the name we use to introduce ourselves, you know, to communities when we’re trying to promote our political message." So, essentially what he was saying is, "We’re trying to rebrand and not use the al-Qaeda brand, because it’s become so tarnished. And this is our new way of sort of presenting our mission without having to be bogged down by the baggage associated with calling ourselves al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula."

Whether it’s a front group for al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, which senior government officials in Yemen and a lot of other analysts allege, yeah, it’s just a front group—whether that’s true or not has almost become irrelevant, because the ideas, the ideas advocated by Ansar al-Sharia, are actually taking root. And so, that’s why this is blowback, because you have a rising—you have multiple Salafist, very conservative sort of sects of Islam that are becoming increasingly popular in Yemen.

You have a lawless state. You have an implosion of the government. You have a political crisis where the only opportunity for people to vote is "do you want this man or not?" Once again, you follow a 33-year dictatorship by having a vote where only one person is on the ballot. And people are sort of saying, well, for now, it’s better to have law and order—and yeah, these guys are beheading thieves and all that stuff, but—or chopping off hands of thieves, beheading alleged spies, but hey, it’s better than no law and order.

Yemen's Current Politics' Details by Jeremy Scahill

2012-02-16T22:30:00.000+01:00

DemocracyNow interviewed Jeremy Scahill, award-winning investigative journalist, author of the bestselling book Blackwater: The Rise of the World’s Most Powerful Mercenary Army. He has recently got back from Yemen and wrote the cover story, "Washington’s War in Yemen Backfires", for Nation magazine which he is its security correspondent.

The clip tells at the begining about the horrific humantarian condition that children in Yemen live in. Old statistcs described the bad economical conditions with that an average Yemeni would live with 2 dollars per a day. Today, the young kid at the begining of the clip says he lives with 5 dollars per a month! Could anyone imagine that!!! How can a human being live with only 5 dollars per a month! What can that little amount of money do? would he be able to eat/live with that? It's heartbreaking!!

Then, Mr. Scahill said it all! He perfectly described the facade of "the fight against terrorism" mission that Abdul-Elah Haidar Shaye, has been telling about for a long time; which caused him to be put in jail by Saleh's forces to sielnce the truth. Then he beautifully described how Saleh has been fooling the US adminstration since 2001. He hit the core when he said, "Saleh never used the US funding in fighting al-Qaeda, he olny used that to enhance his forces to fight his political oponents."

Then, Mr. Scahill spoke about what's the nature of "Ansar al-Sharia". He gave a great assesment of what's happening in Zenjibar. Really shocking facts!

Later on, Mr.Scahill talked about how the youth's revolution in Yemen was hijacked and other important issues. He raised very crucial issues in Yemen. I can surely say that he is one of the best international experts that have spoken about Yemen. He described the situation very well and very accurately. I highly recommend watching the interview. And of course, thank you so much Mr. Jeremy Scahill!

ArabNet Digital Summit 2012

2012-02-15T23:46:00.002+01:00

ArabNet Digital Summit 2012, the biggest event for web and mobile in the region, is around one month away. Last year’s summit brought over 1000 attendees, 100 speakers, featured 18 panels and 17 talks, in addition to 20 entrepreneurs pitching their ideas and startups.

This year’s event is even bigger! Cutting-edge panel discussions, specialized workshops, exciting competitions, focused networking sessions, social activities and more, spread over 5 action packed days including:

-Two Developer Days with technical discussions and workshops for programmers
-An Industry Day about how web and mobile are transforming traditional industries like healthcare, travel, education and banking
-Two Forum Days, the largest gathering of digital business leaders in the region featuring over 100 globally renowned speakers covering the latest trends and technologies in web and mobile
-A Community Day raising public awareness about the the power of digital

The Digital Summit will also include ArabNet’s annual competitions: the Ideathon and Startup Demo. The Ideathon aims at turning bright ideas into functional products will introduce the top 20 entrepreneurs and startups in the region, exposing the latest in digital entrepreneurship and giving entrants the chance to win big cash prizes and the attention of investors, incubators, and developers.

Story of a Traumatized Iraqi Refugee in Stockholm

2012-02-14T20:52:00.000+01:00

It's Valentine's Day but the following post is nothing related to that.

It's about a story that has been haunting me since I first heard about it. He told me his story and I couldn't and still can't imagine the amount of sadness he has. I decided to write his story after I watched a TV program about this movie:-

Well, he is an Iraqi gentalman who fled Iraq looking for a better tomorrow in Sweden. Let's call him Ahmed. Ahmed is in his mid 40s but he looked like way older than his real age. That was fully understood; bearing in mind what he has gone through.

I noticed that Ahmed has a huge difficulty in learning at the SFI (Swedish language for Immigrants) classes. I was so frustrated by his many questions to me about what we were learning. He couldn't ask the teacher because his Swedish is almost zero. I asked him; you can ask the teacher in English like how I do. "I don't speak English neither," he replied. I was curious to know why he didn't learn English but I didn't ask him. I didn't want to be rude.

On a different occasion, during an event (that was something about jobbs and employment) at the Cultural House in Stockholm last Friday, I met him again and I conversed him. We jumped from a subject to another then I tenderly asked him, "How come you didn't learn English?" Then, I got the shocking news .. he told me about his horrific background and it went like this:-

"I was only 8 years old when Saddam Hussein's regime forced me out of school, like many many other kids in Iraq, to join the army because of the war. While kids are supposed to be getting education at schools and playing with their peers, that was not the case for me as a child. Instead, I was at the army carrying weapons.

Most of Arabs are fooled by Saddam's glory. Whomever admires Saddam is really fooled. Saddam stole my childhood and others' and destroyed lives of so many people. As you may know, Iraq was in a constant war; with this or that country for many years. We never took a rest. I was so close to death many times and I have seen many people dying infront of me many times as well. I saw how Saddam committed genocide to many Kurdish villages. He killed them all like they were insects. I have witnessed with my own naked eyes kurdish people being buried alive. I have seen some of the most horrific things in this life."

With a tiny smile in his face he added, "And Arabs still think Saddam was one of the best Arab leaders. I swear God, Saddam never had a small piece of humanity or Islam. He feared nothing; neither his conscious nor Allah."

Ahmed continued on, "With all that trauma, I managed to continue my life. I became a cars mechanic and make my living. I had beautiful wife and two kids. During the American invision, I worked with American journalists who came to report about the situation. I worked as guide and mechanic for their cars. Whenever the cars got broken, I was there to fix them. I worked with Laura, the American journalist who was so brave; reporting about the mischievous acts American did against innocent Iraqi citizens.

Time passed and al-Qaeda Militia considered me as a traitor. They threatened me several times."

Then, his voice got really shaky and his eyes started tearing. He told me, "The Militia bombed my house while my wife, my two kids, my mother and my brother were there. They all were killed in one bomb. I came home and they all were murdered."

At that moment, my heart was about to burst out of my chest and Ahmed was holding back his tears but his full face turned into red. Then, he just cried and I cried with him for brief moments.

The conversation went on and I eventually advised him to see a psychiatrist because that was really traumatizing. He told me that he seeks strength from Allah but he might consider the thought to see a psychiatrist.

I often meet refugees in Stockholm who has something worth to tell. Ahmed is not the only person who has a heartbreaking story. There are many Ahmeds in Sweden and in the whole world. I wrote his story because it really haunts me down everywhere I go and it made me cry several times when I recall it. I'm already a traumatized girl and his story really resonated to me. I'm writing it down because writing is truly my therapy.

انعاش الاقتصاد اليمني

2012-02-13T20:48:00.000+01:00

(المصدر اونلاين)
بغض النظر عن تطورات المشهد السياسي الحالي في اليمن، فان اليمن لطالما عانى من تحديات و مشاكل اقتصادية و اجتماعية جسيمة منذ فترة طويلة. فوفقا لمؤشرات البنك الدولي فإن معدل دخل الفرد السنوي للفرد في اليمن بلغ 1,060 دولارا في العام 2009 وقدرت نسبة البطالة في اليمن آنذاك بحوالي 40% بينما ارتفع المعدل بين الشباب ليصل إلى أكثر من 50%. و وفقا للمؤشرات آنذاك فان أكثر من نصف اليمنيين كان يعيشون تحت خط الفقر بينما يعاني قرابة النصف من الأمية الأبجدية.

عوامل كثيرة لعبت في إعاقة أي تطور اقتصادي او ثقافي في اليمن وأهمها عامل الفساد الإداري والمحسوبيات و التفرقة الطبقية و الاجتماعية مما أدى إلى واقع لا يحسد اليمن عليه.

تغيرت أمور كثيرة منذ 2009 وأهمها ثورة اليمن المجيدة التي تحولت إلى حدا ما أزمة صراع قوى داخل اليمن وأزمة سياسية إقليمية. تلك الأزمات الداخلية المسلحة تمثلت في انشقاق الفرقة أولى مدرع عن الجيش و انضمام علي محسن الذي يعد من اهم أركان الفساد في اليمن. و تمثلت الأزمة أيضا في الصراع المسلح بين حزب الاصلاح و حزب المؤتمر الشعبي العام . بالإضافة الى ذلك ، كانت ولا تزال ثورة اليمن تشكل خطر على دول مجاورة ترهب فكرة الديمقراطية و الفكر السياسي الحر مثل المملكة العربية السعودية. هذا الأمر الأخير حجم ثورة اليمن بشكل مجحف ليصبح أزمة سياسية إقليمية تصدت لها المملكة بتدبير المبادرة الخليجية التي أخمدت - الى حدا ما - شرارة الثورة. كل تلك الأزمات ساهمت بشكل كبير في التدهور الاقتصادي الجسيم الذي حل باليمن. فمنذ الشهور الأولى لبداية الثورة و معظم الشركات و المؤسسات الكبيرة و المهمة في اليمن قد سرحت موظفيها وأقفلت أبوابها. لا شك ان اكبر متضرر من تلك الأزمات هو القطاع الاقتصادي لهذا البلد الذي لطالما كان منهك اقتصاديا. فقد أفادت وزارة الصناعة والتجارة اليمنية في تقرير نشرته صحيفة «الثورة» الحكومية في نهاية 2011 بأن نسبة الخسائر الاقتصادية بلغت نحو 31% من الناتج الإجمالي للبلاد الذي يصل إلى 33 مليار دولار. من الصعب تخيل فداحة الأضرار لهذا البلد المنهك اقتصادية مسبقا. ان اليمن لا يتحمل اكثر تدهور من الذي كان عليه.

على صعيد اخر، فان الاتحاد الاروبي وعد بتقديم 7 ملايين يورو (2،9مليون دولار ) لدعم الانتخابات الرئاسية القادمة في اليمن. بالطبع انه لأمر مستفز ان أولويات الاتحاد الاروبي تكون بهذه السطحية. فمن الاولى بالدعم؟ الساسة ام اقتصاد البلاد؟

على العموم ليس هذا الوقت المناسب و لا المقال المناسب لتوجيه اللوم على أطراف خارجية. الامر المهم الآن والذي يستدعي كل الأولوية هو إنعاش الاقتصاد اليمني. في ظل ان أكثر من نصف سكان اليمن يعدون من الشباب - مابين العمر 18 و 25 - فهذه دعوة الى التفكر في استغلال ماهو متاح للمساهمة في إنعاش الاقتصاد من والى شباب اليمن. فعلى سبيل المثال ، التوجه الى المشاريع الصغيرة و النظر في الإمكانيات المتاحة لتمويل تلك المشاريع من قبل بعض البنوك و المنظمات المحلية و الاقليمية و العالمية. بالإضافة الى ذلك لابد استغلال فرص تمويل من قبل أصحاب رؤس الأموال في اليمن او في المهجر.

على المرء ان يدراك ان التقدم الاقتصادي طريق ليس سهل ولا يتم عن طريق الآخرين، على المرء ان يدرك ان التقدم مهما كان يتطلب الكثير من العمل و الجهد والأهم من ذلك يتطلب عمل دائم تتضافر له العقول و الأيادي و رجال السياسة و الاقتصاد و المال لبناء المجتمعات..

Obama Intervention Puts Shaye in Jail

2012-02-12T10:24:00.001+01:00

Journalist Abdul-Elah Haidar Shaye should have been released from prison as part of concessions to protesters in Yemen. But a phonecall from the US president has kept him behind bars. Iona Craig reports (read more)

الاعتداء على صحفي سبق له نشر ملف يسمى فضائح الموساد الاخواني - حزب الاصلاح

2012-02-11T15:48:00.002+01:00

أعتدى بالضرب الخميس مجموعة من افراد اللجنة الأمنية بساحة تغيير صنعاء على الصحفي فارس ابو بارعة والثائر في ساحة التغيير منذ انطلاق الثورة في صنعاء. وذكر شباب في ساحة التغيير لـ"عدن الغد" أن اللجان التابعة لحزب الإصلاح قد أعتدت بالضرب المبرح على الصحفي ابو بارعة حتى كسرت رقبته .

يذكر أن فارس ابو بارعة يعد من الشباب الذين لا يروق لهم تصرفات اللجنة التنظيمية وهو من أشد المنتقدين لتصرفاتهم حيال الثورة ويعتقد أن الاعتداء عليه جاء بعد كتاباته الساخره من تلك التصرفات .وبحسب مصادر فأن هذا الإعتداء لا يعد الأول على الشباب المستقلين بل سبقه أعتداءت متكرره بالإضافة إلى كشف عن سجن داخل الساحة يتم فيه حجز الشباب الذين يعارضون سياسة الإصلاح داخل الساحة.

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انا شخصيا تواصل معي احد اصدقاء فارس و كتب لي التالي:-

سبب الاعتداء على فارس هو انه سبق له نشر ملف يسمى فضائح الموساد الاخواني (حزب الاصلاح )ونشر صيحات كان اخرها الصيحة الثالثة انتقد فيها صعتر
واخر مقالة نشرت له هي اعلان جامعة صنعاء امارة اسلامية
هو الان في المستشفى حسب قوال احد الزملاء وفارس من اوئل الثوار الذين خرجو الى الساحة وعلاقته بحزب الاصلاح سيى جدا.

Yemen; World Press Photo 2011 Winner

2012-02-11T15:21:00.002+01:00

As much as this photo is beautiful, as much as it made me really cry because it sums up what the Yemeni nation and the rest of Arab (and non-Arab) revolutionary nations have gone through in pursuit of democracy and freedom. The picture taken by photographer Samuel Aranda wond the World Press Photo of the Year 2011 while he was on assignment for The New York Times last fall.

"People in the news", that was the category Yemen was in; wining World Press Photo 2011.

Yemen has been more explicitly winning a number of prizes since 2011. I hope this luck or .. I don't know.. will last till Yemenis gain all their goals.

رغم العلاقات المتوترة بين البلدين ، «قطر الخيرية» تطلق حملة لإغاثة متضرري اليمن

2012-02-08T21:08:00.000+01:00

من منا لا يتذكر كيف كان على عبد الله صالح ينتقد "التدخل القطري" في شؤون اليمن في بدايات الثورة اليمنية!

و كم كتب الناشطون على صفحاتهم اعتذارات الى قطر عن كل التصريحات التافهة التي ادلى بها علي صالح. انا شخصيا كتبت في انذك "عذرا قطر" . عموما، هاهي قطر اليوم تطلق حملة لإغاثة لمتضرري اليمن بسبب الاوضاع المأساوية التي تعصف البلد في الفترة الاخيرة. و الان اقول ، شكرا يا قطر و حسبي الله و نعم الوكيل فيك يا علي عبد الله صالح!

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دشنت «قطر الخيرية» حملتها لإغاثة المتضررين من الأحداث الجارية باليمن،والتي تسهم في توفير الدعم الغذائي والصحي للمتضررين من الاحداث في اليمن ..
وقال الاخ محمد سيف الشميري ممثل قطر الخيرية أن هذه الحملة تأتي تلبية لحاجة الأشقاء في اليمن و إسهاما منها في التخفيف من المعاناة الإنسانية للمتضررين من الأحداث المتواصلة هناك ..
وأضاف أن الحملة ستقدم مساعدات بما قيمته 3.5 ملايين ريال قطري ، خصص منها حوالي 750 ألف ريال قطري في المرحلة الاولى .

ويتم من خلال الحملة تقديم مساعدات طبية وغذائية ومواد ايواء، ودعم الجوانب التعليمية،وخدمات الدعم النفسي لآلاف الأسر في المناطق المتضررة ، و تأمين احتياجات الأسر المعيشية الأساسية،بشكل سريع وفعال.
وأكد ممثل قطر الخيرية أن هناك اوضاعا انسانية صعبة ومأساوية تعيشها آلاف الأسر فى اليمن خصوصا في ارحب وأبين وبعض احياء امانة العاصمة ،مشيرا إلى حاجات هذه الأسر للمواد الغذائية والطبية ودعم الخدمات التعليمية، والايواء، والدعم النفسي للأطفال والنساء..
وكانت قطر الخيرية قد وزعت بالتعاون مع جمعية الاصلاح الاجتماعي الخيرية أمس الثلاثاء 3700 سلة غذائية للمتضررين في ارحب وبعض مناطق امانة العاصمة وتتواصل الحملة اليوم الاربعاء في عدن لنازحي أبين وغدا في لحج والجمعة في تعز والسبت في الحديده ..

Saleh in NYC - Sequel 2

2012-02-06T19:43:00.001+01:00

My God! Saleh just keeps embarrassing us! First he was on TV looking burned & now he threw kisses at people protesting AGAINST him! In all cases, I feel so happy about the guy who threw his shoe on Saleh, regardless of if it didn't hit him nor Saleh got the gesture idea !

Check out Saleh in the following clip:-

Al-Jazeera in Arabic reported about the incident:-

Here are some pictures from the protest in NYC:-

PS. Many thanks to the Yemeni American Coalition for Change and Summer Nasser in NYC.

Saleh in NYC

2012-02-05T22:00:00.002+01:00

(Source AP) Ali Abdullah Saleh waves to people protesting his presence in the United States as he exits his hotel in New York, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012. Saleh arrived in the United States on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2012, for treatment of burns he suffered during an assassination attempt in June. Human Rights Watch, a New York-based human rights organization says it has documented the deaths of hundreds of anti-government protesters in confrontations with Saleh's security forces, and while they are not opposed to Saleh receiving care in the United States, the organization wants assurances that concerned governments will insist on prosecution for those responsible for last year's attacks. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

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So, a protest was held by the Yemeni community in NYC. Photo taken by, my spiritual sister, Summer Nasser in NYC

According to Summer, "Saleh came out of the Ritz throwing kisses at the protesters. She tweeted, "Bastard Saleh! Throwing kisses and waves at us.That bastard Saleh!! OMG!! How dare he throw kisses and waves at us!! And all his officials were with him! "

She also tweeted, "one protester tried to run across the street to go after him. He got arrested!!!!!The protester took his shoe off and tried to throw it at Saleh but didn't reach him." Here is a picture taken by Summer for the shoe.

Tribal gains in post-Saleh Yemen

2012-02-05T10:07:00.000+01:00

Flash Back at Yemen's Day of Rage

2012-02-03T22:04:00.000+01:00

Last year exactly like today, 3rd Feb. 2011, it was Thursday, the "day of rage" in Yemen when thousands of protesters took the streets after being inspired by the uprising in Tunisia and Egypt. I remember the day vividly. It was a turning point day. A number of protests took place before this date but this day was, for me, the big real kick off of Yemen's uprising.

One day before, on Wednesday, I was online; trying my best to follow where the protest will take place and all its details. My poor sweet mother knew that I wanted to protest next day and she was so worried about my intention. So, she had a strategy. She sat me down and she calmly told me, "Look my lovely daughter! if you have any plans to protest tomorrow, please know that's not going to happen. I had a great deal of struggle to raise you and your sister and I'm proud of both of you. I would never want to lose you and spoil all my time and effort in raising you. Politics is a dirty game and you'd better not to get involve in this. Tomorrow, there is going to be a massive protest and it's going to be extremely dangerous. You'll not go out. You'll stay all day long here, in front of me, because I need you to be safe. Afrah, if you love me, you'll obey my order!!"

Those were my mothers words to me. Gosh! I still remember everything; where we were sitting, how she spoke to me and how she was kinda beging me but in the same time she wanted to look "strict".

My reaction was silence as it was a very discomforting thing to know that I was not "allowed" to protest on the ground along with the others. Then, I just nodded with agreement because I must prove that I love my mother and I would obey her order. However, secretly, I was thinking, I must find a way to fix this.

I followed the online preparation for the protest closely. Initially, the pro-democracy protest was going to be at Sana'a's Tahrir square, on Thursday, but, pro-government protesters knew about that and thought to make a creative move! Government's supporters decided to occupy Tahrir square at the evening of Wednesday for two reasons. One, because they wanted to take that place away from pro-democracy protesters as they were planning to gather there next day. Second, because they wanted to show their "loyalty" for Saleh.

So, on Wednesday evening, I was facebookaly invited to protest at Tahrir square, then, at late night, I got another Facebook message from one of the revolutionaries writing to me that the location has been changed to Sana'a University's gate - which later came to be known Change Square.

Being in jailed by my mother during Thursday, I thought there must be a way that I can contribute with to the pro-democracy protests. I thought, writing about it would be a nice start point. Then, I realized blogging about my people's uprising was going to be helpful in shedding light about Yemen's nobel demand for dignity, freedom and democracy.

Little did my mother know, I was at home but I was effectively using the virtual world to make a noise about Yemen.

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One year later, Yemenis are still taking the streets protesting. Here are some clips of today's protests:-

Today, protesters in Aden facing gunshots and teargas from security forces. Couple protesters were killed and tens were wounded.

Women in Hudaidah province protesting in chanting for Yemen and Syria's uprising.

Another clip from Hudaidah.

Protesters chanting at change square in Taiz province.

Protests in Thamar province.

What's really happening in Arhab?

2012-01-31T21:26:00.001+01:00

A mother mourning her son killed by an air strike in Arhab

By Ali Saeed for the Yemen Times

"Lacking safe access for media coverage, the war which erupted last May between opposition tribesmen and the Republican Guard in Arhab continues to be waged.

Arhab, which sits 30km north of Sana'a and has a population of about 200,000 people, is full of armed tribesmen who strictly adhere to tribal customs and have a very limited tolerance for state soldiers unwilling to listen to their demands.

The eight-month-long war commenced after local tribesmen sided with the youth revolution calling for the fall of Ali Abdullah Saleh’s 33-year-old regime.

The Republican Guard, Yemen's elite army division, is commanded by outgoing President Saleh’s son and has five military bases in Arhab.

“Arhab represents the gate to Sana'a – if tribesmen took control of the area, it would mean that Sana’a was in their hands,” Saleh Al-Zubair, an Arhabi tribal leader loyal to Saleh’s regime, told the Yemen Times...(read more)

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The bus driver describing how the car was hit by the air strike.

Arhab: The Northern Frontline of the Yemeni Revolution

By Catherine Shakdam for foreignpolicyblogs.com

Over the past few weeks, the Yemeni government has been pounding the village of Arhab, which is situated on the northern outskirts of the capital, Sana’a.

As a result, thousands of villagers have had to flee the war zone and seek refuge in the neighboring mountains; hoping that they will be able to return to their homes soon. Forced to camp out in the harsh wilderness of the northern Yemeni mountains, with no water, no electricity and very little food, these families have experienced the cruelty of the Saleh Regime in all its glory.

And while journalists and analysts prefer to concentrate on southern Yemen and the terrorist threat, Arhab has been left to endure its fate, ignored by a world that does not understand that this village holds the key to the toppling of the Regime.

Why Arhab?

Arhab is situated about 20 kilometers north of Sana’a, in direct line to its international airport and near the most important Republican Guard base in the region....(read more)

It's Not Easy to be a Blogger

2012-01-31T19:26:00.001+01:00

It's not easy to be a female blogger from Yemen writing about Yemen; with your real name and real picture. It's not easy to break the mold and say here I am and these are my opinions weather you like them or not!! I'm surprised of all the hate comments I get because .. I don't know for what reason in specific!

I have started writing when I was 15 years old. I used to write daily in my diaries about whatever I was thinking of. Then, that passion for writing led me to journalism which became my new passion. I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I became a journalist. It's been a crazy and lovely journey. I knew that there were many journalists in Yemen but I wanted to have my own spark, so I was brave enough to write and have my blog with my real name and with my real picture. I was also using social media crazily. Then, interviews poured on me. I guess the international media liked the fact that there was "a girl" in Yemen who was willing to talk to them without hiding her name and picture. Later on, I was under the spot light.

As time passed, I became a blogger with the start of Yemen's uprising in Jan. 2011. Not many people know that I gave my blog all my life during that time. I used to blog daily with more than one post per a day. I was demonstrating at the change square, interviewing people there, taking pictures, then going home, reading more related stuff, and then blogging about the current situation back then. My days consisted of that for the first 5 months. I used not to socialize with "non-revolutionary" friends. I used not to watch anything on TV but news. I used to blog EVERY DAY. I used to blog so much that a week could pass without me taking shower. I even cut my hair short because I didn't have time to brush it.

I had so much support from my cool "revolutionary friends" but I got so much opposition from family and pro-government friends and non-friends. I had fights with family members daily because they were worried about me. They thought I was one step close to be "assassinated". The non-friends were trying to convince me to become a pro-government. They all did what they can to make me stop blogging and being pro-democracy. All their attempts failed. I was and still am a very stubborn girl but I must confess that life felt like hell for me all that time with all the constant pressure against me.

One year later, I look back and ponder on how much I have given from myself for journalism, my blog, friends and Yemen! I realize that I was disappointed by many and many friends but I was very fortunate to have other real wonderful friendships from all over the world. Overall, I have no regrets at all!

What I know for sure at this moment is that, after almost 4 years in journalism, my road is still at the beginning. I'm in Sweden for now, studying and working, and I will go back to Yemen sooner or later. I'll go back more powerful than ever.

المؤتمر الصحفي لعبدالكريم ثعيل عن سجون الامن القومي

2012-01-29T15:42:00.000+01:00

الصحفي عبد الكريم ثعيل و اخيه يرويان انواع التعذيب و التنكيل الذي وقع عليهما من قبل عناصر الامن القومي اثناء اعتقالهما لمدة شهرين. امور في منتهى البشاعة و القسوة تحدث وراء السجون و على المنظمات الحقوقية ان تعمل مجهود اكبر للفت الرأي العام في هذا الخصوص.

الريموت... والانتخابات الهزليه

2012-01-29T09:45:00.000+01:00

بقلم \ صادق مقطري

الانتخابات الرئاسيه "المسرحيه الهزلية" ليست سوى حق يراد به باطل و تأكيد للمبادرة والياتها وتعميد لقانون الحصانه .
هنا سيخرج الاشخاص الموجهين بالريموت و يعارضونك ويسردون لك الحجج بان الانتخابات الرئاسيه هي المخرج والحل الامن للوصول الي التغيير الكلي وستكون الطلاق البائن لصالح وزمرته .

شكرا عزيزي الريبوت تُريدنا الدخول في انتخابات هزليه فيها مرشح وحيد وتوافقي وايضا سجل انتخابي مزور وفوق كل هذا اموال ستصرف في مسرحيه هزليه

سيرد هنا الريبوت بعد ان ضغط صاحب الريموت على زرreplay وسينطق بان هذه الانتخابات ليست لترشيح هادى هي فقط للاستفتاء على الثورة وستكون المسمار الاخير في نعش صالح

عزيزي الريبوت طوال احدا عشر شهر واكثر صامدين في الساحات من شان يعملوا انتخابات ليعرفوا ان الثورة مطلب شعبي والا لا ... عفوا عزيزي يبدو ان بطاريتك توقف شحنها بعد طرح المبادرة اصحى واعرف بان الشعب قرر التغيير دون انتظارك

هنا سيضطر صاحب الريموت ويضغط على زر Power لاطفاء الريبوت ويصيح باعلي صوته كل من رفض او قاطع الانتخابات ليس سوى مأجور من النظام ويريد افشال المبادرة وسيكيل كل التهم المحببه الي قلبه بدا من مندس وكم سمعناها كثير وبلطجي وامن قومي وحوثي وسيتردد بوصفك انفصالي لانه لا يريدون خسارة الجنوب

عزيزي صاحب الريموت عزيزي الريبوت اليس من حقي الان ان اصفك بانك بائع لدماء الشهداء بذهابك للانتخابات وبهذا تؤكد المبادرة وتقر بقانون الحصانه ...

لا للانتخابات الرئاسيه ... الثورة مستمرة
عاشت الثورة , المجد للشهداء , الوفاء للجرحي

Happy First Anniversary Day of Egypt’s Revolution

2012-01-25T16:06:00.000+01:00

Today marks the first anniversary of Egypt’s revolution; Jan25. This day embodies the moments when Egyptians voiced out against Mubarak’s regime and all its injustice. Their courage and determination was so powerful that it was contiguous to other countries too; like Syria, Bahrain and Libya. Yemen was already taking the streets protesting before the Jan. 25.

I must admit that the bravery of Egypt’s blogging sphere influenced me to be the blogger I’m today. I really have the greatest respects to their cyber-activists. Of course, I respect all Egypt’s activists but the cyber-activists have a special place in my heart.

At the moment, I’m in a 3-days-wrorkshop in Istanbul, Turkey about “Online Security Issues” along with around 20 bloggers and activists from MENA. We have 3 Egyptian participants who are struggling with being away from Tahrir and Cairo today. I see them, their bodies at the class but their hearts are still in Egypt. It’s really tough to be away from Egypt in such important/historical day.

I just got back from the hall where I found one of the Egyptian participant who was so sad and had tears in her eyes. I asked her, “what’s wrong?” “I’m not sad that I’m not today at Tahrir, but I’m sad because I just remembered the martyrs and realized that we did nothing yet for them,” she answered.

It’s very difficult to be locked in a room; studying while you want to celebrate an anniversary for a revolution !! Even for me personally, I was supposed to deliver a speech in Stockholm, to remark the first anniversary for Egypt’s revolution, but, unfortuantely, I’m in Istanbul, studying .. :(

Anyhow, Mabrook to Egypt, even though they still have a long way to go. Don’t we all!

PS. I’m posting this post through a proxy website since my hosted blog through blogspot.com is blocked.

Tawakkol Karaman is Back to Yemen

2012-01-19T21:39:00.000+01:00

After more than 3 months of worldwide travelings, Tawakkol Karman arrived today in Sana'a and she directly headed towards change square where thousands were celebrating her arrival.

I had the chance to attend her seminar when she visited Sweden and I also had the chance to sit down with her in a group meeting next day where we discussed with her many key pressing issues about Yemen. She truly seemed to be extremely determined to continue her struggle along with millions of Yemenis who aspire to achieve democracy and dignity for everyone across the country.

Tawakkol Karaman has come along way for this point. She was subjected many times to threats and arrests by the government. Today, she's no longer a merely young political activist. She's a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate. That must at least make the government think twice before they hurt her in any kind of form. All eyes will follow her, to see what will happen next with her and Yemen!

The first moments of Tawakkol's arrival in the airport; she was received by Mrs. Hooria Mashhoor, Human Rights Minister.

Tawakkol at change square in Sana'a.

Tawakkol mentioning Syria in her chants.

Is there truly al-Qaeda in Yemen?

2012-01-18T23:56:00.000+01:00

This video is presumably showing people in Rada'a province; stating that the city was really seized by the Islamist group, Ansar al-Sharia'a and that everything feels good!

Lately, there have been reports that the city was seized by al-Qaeda Islamist militants and that the government lost control over the city.

For someone who knows little about Yemen, that may sound very horrifying news. But for most of people in Yemen -including myself- that sounds irrelevant to their day to day life. Life in Yemen has been as simple and peaceful as it could get. With all the hardships for many people in Yemen, they still managed to have a decent peaceful life. Before the uprising, Yemenis enjoyed tough but calm times. The over all economy was really bad; an average citizen's annual income was $1,140 for according to United Nations Statistics Division's report - 2009. That means that an average person used to have $95 per a month. Can you imagine what kind of a household anyone could have with that little money! Nevertheless, people were living life with grace.

There is a great sense of collectivism in Yemen. It's a hidden social code; that everyone must help everyone. So, some rich people would usually help the poor and life goes on. My point is that life used to be really peaceful. No al-Qaeda rooming around! If al-Qaeda did truly exist in Yemen, I'd at least have known someone that has seen them. Only the government knows al-Qaeda. Hum! Strange!

During my 3 years journalism years in Yemen, I kept wondering and asking about al-Qaeda and I couldn't get hold of them. However, I have come across news about militants groups doing this or that. After all the wondering, asking and following the news in Yemen, I had the following realization:-

A big part of Yemen's culture is built on three factors. One is; tribalism. It's very important to proudly belong to a tribe because that's how the society acknowledges you. Tell me which tribe you belong to, I tell you who you are.

Second is, carrying weapons. It's not only that it's a sign of manhood and prestige, but also it's necessary to secure a sense of protection when you live in a state that has weak control and governance. Additionally, carrying weapons has a historic-political background that I'll blog about in a separate blog post in the future.

Third is, the majority in Yemen are conservative Muslims and that must NOT be interrupted as a negative thing. The conservativeness lies in Yemen's tradition. There are many aspects in Yemen's traditions that overlap with Islamic beliefs and rituals. I sometimes find it fascinating how people in Yemen mixe Islam with the traditions and vise versa. I'd like to give example of that but I'm sure not many will accept my examples so I prefer not to write. Conservative Islam in Yemen is a very sensitive issue but it's not a violent ideology within the religion. At all!

Islam is a religion of peace and so is Yemen; a land of peace. There is no such thing like al-Qaeda and terrorism! It's just that Yemen's biggest problem is tyranny and corruption led by Saleh.

What I'm aiming here is to describe one aspect of the socio-cultural structure in Yemen. On the light of that, there are two main points the world must know:-

1-International media must not fall into the assumption that tribalism is terrorism. I personally come from a tribe in Yemen but that doesn't mean I'm a terrorist. International media must not confuse tribalism and terrorism (al-Qaeda).

2-Not only the international media, but the whole world must know that the "terrorsits seizing" this or that news is just one of Saleh's tactics and propaganda by the government to use it as an excuse for more international (the US) aid for the government military enhancement. Indeed, Saleh is one heck manipulative leader!

If there is any terrorist in Yemen, that would be Saleh who terrorized and killed Yemenis during the past year of the uprising. So far, more than 2,500 people have been killed and more than 8,500 people were injured. Plus, thousands are till today Internally Displaced People (IDP). -including some of my family in Sana'a and Taiz :( -

Even before the Arab Spring, Saleh mastered killing. He fought people in the south with a fest of iron. Whereas, in 1986, Yemen witnessed the South-Yemen Civil War. Thousands were killed during that time and the world kept silent. Sa'adah province had its share too of Saleh's killing machine. Thousands were killed and another thousands became IDPs.

"AUGUST 2010: War victim eight year old Abbas, is seen at the Al-Mazraq IDP camps, Al-Mazraq, Yemen, August 14, 2010. Abbas was walking with his uncle in the Sa'ada region when his uncle stepped on a landmine and was blown to pieces. Shrapnel from the mine, ordinance from the war between Yemeni Government forces and the Al-Houthi Shiite group, sprayed into Abbas's chest and blinded him in one eye. Abbas's ten year old sister was also injured in the blast. They represent two of thousands of children at dire risk in this conflict. A shaky ceasefire reached in February 2010 brought a halt to the 6th round of conflict between the Government of Yemen and the Shiite Al-Houti group in the Sa'ada Governate. The situation is fragile and sporadic clashes are ongoing. According to UNHCR, around 316 000 Internally Displaced People are scattered throughout the five conflict affected governates of Hajjah, Amran, Sa'ada, Al-Jawf and Sana'a. Over 60% of these people are women and children. Food, water and sanitation needs are extensive and various child protection issues have also emerged, ie landmine and ordinance risk, war trauma and the recruitment of children by armed forces."

******

When Yemen's government was cooperating with US drones to hit the so-called al-Qaeda millitants who just happened to be innocent civilance, journalist and blogger Abdul-Elah Haidar Shaye, made sure to expose their crimes. Then, he was immideitely arrested and sentenced 5 years in jail.

There is a big propaganda compagine the government is carrying on to portrait Yemen as a land of terrorsim. And the video shown above is part of that propaganda. The greatest evidence that's proving them wrong is that fact that Twakkol Karaman was awarded the Noble PEACE prize. Only peace exists in my beautiful homeland...

I'm One Year Older!

2012-01-16T23:23:00.000+01:00

"Birthdays are good for you. Statistics show that the people who have the most live the longest."

I start with that saying because I just had my birthday. I'm one year older and one year more "mature". I have been over-joyed since the morning by the Facebook posts, messages and tweets from tens and tens of friends sending me their wishes for my birthday. That was SUPER SWEET. It filled my heart with warmth and joy, and I'm so thankful to have them all in my life in someway or another.

I didn't plan to celebrate my birthday this year at all. In fact, I was expecting that it was going to be one so damn "lonely" birthday parties, where I'll just hangout with myself with a nice book and a cup of hot chocolate. However, I was blown away by a surprise birthday party made by some good, sweet & lovely friends of mine in Stockholm; who have already become like a family for me.

I really needed this! I so needed one day, just one day of none-politics day, a me-day, a celebration-day, a none-blogging day ,, oh wait! that's not completely true because I'm blogging this at the moment ^__^ ! Anyhow, I was thirsty for such a day and I had it! If filled me with energy to continue the fight and struggle; writing and blogging about Yemen and my people's voice. At the end of the day, I really want to have as many birthdays as I can because I want to live as longest time as I can, to continue writing and doing other stuff for Yemen.

Last year, exactly like today, I did a small sweet event "donations for people in need" in Sana'a. Next year, I plan to be doing a bigger project on the ground for Yemen. Wish me luck! :)

Stockholm Protests Against Bildt

2012-01-14T16:46:00.000+01:00

He's one of the most controversial politicians in Sweden at the moment. Carl Bildt, Sweden's Foreign Affairs Minister was in trouble today as activists mobilized people to take the streets & protest against him. They want him to "Irhal", resign from office.

The demonstration took place in several cities in Sweden; not only in Stockholm. As I'm a resident of Stockholm, I joined the protest and made the following clip below.

Well, there are a number of grievances Swedes have against him. I've been here for 7 months and I already have couple ones! I didn't like his stance against Syria and I think he didn't stand up very well to the Swedish journalists jailed in Ethiopia. uh! this feels irritating as I have met him in person once, during the Nobel Peace Laureates seminar in Stockholm.

With the awfully freezing weather, I can say the demonstration was a success. Around 3 hundreds or so people showed up!

I met with Summer, Swedish-Iraqi young lady and she told me she was protesting for many reasons but most importantly protesting against Bildt stance against Syria.

I must confess the demonstration was a bit boring! Police don't shoot protesters, nor use tear gas at least! :D #kidding #bildt14jan #Sweden

Here some pictures from the demonstration:-

Aden Calls for Secession Under Fire

2012-01-14T00:23:00.002+01:00

This video was posted in Alaa's blog who resides in Aden. The video shows security forces attacking peaceful protesters in Aden city in Yemen, few hours ago (13th Jan.).

So far, around 8 protesters have been killed and 30 people have been wounded. They were faced with violence by the security forces to suppress their peaceful protest. "They killed the protesters with machine guns, tear gas, live bluets and water," wrote to me Saeed, from Aden.

The protest that was initially calling for peace and tolerance turned to call for secession from the north part of Yemen. Indeed, this issue has been pending for quite sometime and needs to be addressed. As key political figures from Aden met in a big conference in Cairo, six months ago, to discuss the secession issues and other issues, they were all affirmative about their cause.

Having said that, it's very clear that on the two levels the secession issue is a critical one. The first level is the grass-root movement calling for the secession. The second level is the official political movement by the key figures.

Personally, I support giving the right for self-determination and letting the people decide. One of my good friends, Nuha, she's from and living in Aden. She doesn't want secession. She sticks to unification of all Yemen's parts. Whereas, I've corresponded with activists from and in Aden and others from Aden but living abroad, and they all want secession.

*****

Just couple hours ago, Dr. Yassin Saeed Noman, the secretary general of the Yemeni Socialist Party had an interview on al-Arabyia channel where he stated that, "Yemen is at an alarming situation in all its aspects. On the political, economical and sectarian levels, Yemen is at great risk."

This is, of course, very worrying but Yemen's politics has been always very complicated. There would be always very negative matters ahead. However, I hope as Tawakkol Karamn is due to return to Yemen next week, we'll hear brighter news.

PS. The 13th of Jan. marks the anniversary of 1986 south-Yemen civil war that left thousands dead. And today Aden mourns 8 of its people dead :(

Yemen Lost One of its Female Change-Makers; Fatima al-Aqel

2012-01-12T13:38:00.002+01:00

With great sadness I received this news in the morning; that Fatima al-Aqel passed away, last night. As I have the chance to meet her couple times when I was in Yemen, I can honestly say that Yemen truly lost one of its great female change-makers. In 8th of March, 2010, I was delighted to write a piece about her for a great event; that's the International Women's Day Celebration 2010. Al-Aqel was one of the honored women, along with Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Tawakkol Karaman and other outstanding women in Yemen.

Here is Fatima al-Aqel (to the right) while receiving the honoring certificate at the International Women's Day Celebration 2010

And here is an interview made with Fatima al-Aqel, Sept. 2008

I would like to re-post this piece in remembrance of this great lady that Yemen was lucky to have once.

***

She was one of Yemen’s brave women who broke all the barriers and challenged her disability. She was so determined to shape her own reality by her own hand, regardless of any challenge she had. She was firm to make a difference and bring a change to society, especially to girls who had the same disability as she had. Fatima al-Aqel, chairperson of Amaan Foundation for blind females’ care, has been diligently working for more than a decade promoting girls’ rights who have sight disabilities and encouraging equal chances for them in all walks of life in Yemen.

Fatima al-Aqel lost her sight during her studying at University but never let that stop her from finishing her study. She was an educated woman and BA holder from Arts College, Cairo University. She also obtained Diploma in Islamic studies. Her sight lose didn’t stop her life course.
In 1995, she established one of the first foundations in Yemen, Amaan Foundation for blind females’ care, fostering girls with sight disabilities. The foundation had a shy beginning by nurturing 5 girls only. With the passage of time, it used to foster around 800 girls across the country and work in spreading its main objective that was to integrate blind girls in all life levels, schools, universities and workplaces. Amaan rigorously sought providing full and comprehensive care for every blind girl within the foundation. Continuously, it tried to offer the best care and the tenderest attention to all the girls.

The foundation’s key theme was the idea that just because a girl lost her one sense, eye sight, didn’t mean she lost her all senses. Accordingly, she must not be deprived of her basic rights such as education. For that reason, Amaan works in a close partnership with other foundation catering to blind girls. Mainly, the cooperation was educationally. Amaan worked closely with Education Ministry and other foundations for blind girls in order to enable each blind girl to have accesses to educational services and facilities no matter what.

Amaan’s goals were simple yet challenging. To advocate blind girls’ rights, to introduce parents to their blind daughters’ rights and to protect girls of sight disabilities from all exploitation forms were some of the foundation’s principle goals. In addition, conducting projects and programs enabling implementing integration for girls with sight disabilities to integrate in society was the core goal of Amaan.

Moreover, strengthening efforts on encouraging more services for sight disabilities girls and raising awareness on rights of blind females among the society were Amaan’s additional aspirations.

Out of the foundation’s truest aim at providing complete attention to many girls through as many places as possible, it expanded its presence and opened its branches in Taiz and Ibb governorates.

One of Amaan’s big achievements starting from catering to only 4 girls in Sana’a and currently catering to around 96 girls in Sana’a only was a remarkable progress. Around 30 girls were in Universities and 29 girls have graduated. Comparing to their shy beginning, the foundation’s current status was a great living example of how determination would definitely lead to success. Truly, al-Aqel and her achievements were embodiment of how nothing was impossible.

No Immunity for Saleh

2012-01-10T13:36:00.001+01:00

Since I read the news about that Saleh has been officially granted the immunity and I can't eat, focus on my study, sleep, and enjoy the day! what an irritating news!!

I can't imagine if I would meet one of the martyrs from Yemen's uprising, how could I explain to him the immunity for Saleh ?! Under what logic, a criminal is given immunity after he caused killing more than 2,000 people, more than 8,000 wounded & thousands IDPs around Yemen! Let alone all the criminal and savage killing he has caused for the past 3 decades during his rule. Thousands were killed in Sa'adah and other thousands during the war against the separatist movement in the south.

I'm not Nelson Mandela to forgive. I'm not mother Terisa too.

I just leave it with saying:

لو فعلا صالح أخذ الحصانة ، دم الشهداء في رقبتنا ليوم القيامة :(

No Amnesty for Gross Human Rights Violations in Yemen

2012-01-06T20:10:00.000+01:00

GENEVA – UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay on Friday urged decision-makers in Yemen to respect the prohibition in international law against amnesties for gross human rights violations.

“I have been closely following the events in Yemen, particularly the very contentious debate about an amnesty law to be presented to Parliament shortly,” the High Commissioner said. “International law and the UN policy are clear on the matter: amnesties are not permissible if they prevent the prosecution of individuals who may be criminally responsible for international crimes including war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, and gross violations of human rights.”

“Based on information we have gathered, there is reason to believe that some of these crimes were committed in Yemen during the period for which an amnesty is under consideration. Such an amnesty would be in violation of Yemen’s international human rights obligations.”

Pillay stressed that a victim-centred approach to justice is essential to restore stability to a society emerging from a period of violent conflict.

“Victims have the right to justice, to the truth, to remedy and reparation – these are rights that are well-established internationally,” she said. “Any adopted legislation would also need to respect the principle of equality before the law – meaning that there should be no discrimination between individuals who are pro-Government or in opposition and no distinction based on family connections. Every individual who commits a crime is accountable and should not be allowed to escape justice.”

The High Commissioner thanked Yemeni authorities for their cooperation during the recent mission to the country by the UN Human Rights office, undertaken to prepare for the next report by the High Commissioner to the Human Rights Council regarding Yemen. She reiterated the availability of the office in assisting the Government to fulfil its human rights obligations

Letter to US Embassy in Yemen

2012-01-05T15:59:00.002+01:00

Dear US embassy in Yemen,

Greetings..

I'm writing this post to you because I know for sure that you follow me, at least I know in person that your Cultural Department Officer does follow me (he told me that in person, March 2011, when I visited the embassy in Sana'a).

I was reading the news on CNN.com about Saleh's visa request is still pending in the US embassy in Yemen. I felt the urge to write you the following request:-

Please do not gurantee him the visa under any circumastance. It's your chance today to somehow prove that your "pro-democracy". It'd be a good start to have a new page between the US and Yemen. I must admit though, I have no idea how I can overlook the fact that the teargas used against Yemeni protesters, Egyptian protesters, Tunisian protesters.. etc was made by the USA. In adition, it will be VERY hard for me to overlook how you kept sending your envoy to speak to Saleh when he was in KSA; discussing how bloody he was with protesters. Honestly, it would be very difficult for me to forgive you for many other matters that you caused them in someway or another.

Regardless, I believe your given a golden chance to support Yemenis' demands for democracy and ouster of Saleh. This is your chance! Please support revolutionaries in Yemen because they are the future and we'd certainly work with you in fighting the so-called "terrorism". Saleh's days are numbered but Yemen's revolutionaries are the present and the future. Please DO NOT give him the visa...EVER!

I've read that you asked Saleh to fully resign and then you could give him the visa to enter the US. That sounds good but how about that you keep asking him to fully resign and leave to KSA, instead. I'm sure that Ben Ali feels lonely and needs a room-mate. Ben Ali would love to have Saleh over. Then, we'll officially call KSA; "Dictators' Country" and everyone gets to be happy!

Best regards,
Afrah Nasser

مطلوب راصد ميداني لإنتهاكات حقوق الطفل في اليمن

2012-01-05T09:42:00.000+01:00

تقوم مؤسسة تنمية القيادات الشابة/ مركز اللغات العالمية للفتيات بتنفيذ برنامج مرصد حقوق الطفل بالتعاون مع اليونيسف ومؤسسة حوار للتنمية الديمقراطية لرصد انتهاكات حقوق الطفل، واصدار تقرير دوري حول اوضاع الاطفال والانتهاكات التي يتعرضون لها، وعليه فان البرنامج سوف يقوم بتدريب راصدين(ذكور واناث) في المحافظات المستهدفة (امانة العاصمة صنعاء، تعز، عدن، مأرب، صعدة، الحديدة، الجوف) ليقوموا لاحقاً بتنفيذ عملية الرصد ورفع التقارير الخاصة بالانتهاكات التي يتعرض لها الأطفال.

المعايير:
ان يكون العمر مابين 20 الى 30.
خبرة تدريبية/عملية في مجال حقوق الانسان.
الاولوية لخريجي برامج شباب من اجل حقوق الانسان التي نفذتها مؤسسة تنمية القيادات الشابة.
الاستعداد للعمل خلال فترة البرنامج لمدة سنة (يناير 2012 الى ديسمبر2012).

لمزيد من المعلومات عن برنامج التدريب و كيفية الانضمام ، الرجاء التواصل مع مؤسسة تنمية القيادات الشابة،
recruitment@yldf.org
Fax: 01-260873
يجب أن يشمل عنوان البريد الالكتروني على الآتي: "انتهاكات حقوق الطفل"

الموعد النهائي لاستلام الاستمارة مع المرفقات يوم الأربعاء تاريخ 11 يناير 2011، الساعة الثانية عشرة ظهراً وسيتم تجاهل أي استمارة ترسل بعد هذا الموعد.

طلاب وأكاديميو كلية طب الأسنان بجامعة صنعاء يعتصمون لإسقاط العمادة

2012-01-04T23:21:00.000+01:00

بقلم \ محمد العماد

لليوم الرابع على التوالي يواصل طلاب كلية طب الأسنان بجامعة صنعاء اعتصامهم المطالب بإسقاط عمادة الكلية ممثلة بعميد الكلية ونائبه والذي يتهمهم الطلاب بأنهم فاشلون إدارياً وأكاديمياً كما أتهموهم بقضايا فساد وأستخدام المنصب في قضايا غير مشروعة .

ويقول الطلاب أنهم مستمرون بفعالياتهم الاحتجاجية واعتصامهم حتى إسقاط غمدان الحرازي عميد كليتهم والذي يشغل حاياً خمسة مناصب إدارية في الكلية في آن واحد منذ ست سنوات ممثلة في عمادة الكلية ورئيس قسم التقويم وطب الأطفال ورئيس الكنترول ومدير العيادات ورائد الشباب والمفوض بالمناقصات من قبل رئاسة الجامعة .

كما تقدم مجموعة من أعضاء هيئة التدريس في الكلية بشكوى إلى وزير التعليم العالي والبحث العلمي طالبوه بإقالة عمادة الكلية والتحقيق معهم في الانتهاكات وقضايا الفساد الحاصلة في الكلية والتي تجري تحت رعايتهم وإطلاعهم .

وتقدم معيدي الكلية بشكوى أخرى للوزير ذاته طالبوه فيها بإقالة العمادة والتحقيق معها كما شكوا له التعسفات والتجاوزات التي تحدث وحدث لهم من قبل العمادة ورئاسة الجامعة والتعامل المسيء لهم ولمهنتهم من قبل إدارة الكلية ورئاسة الجامعة .
وتقدم فنيين وموظفي الكلية بشكوى أخرى للوزير طالبوه فيها بإقالة العمادة ومحاسبة كل من تورط في قضايا الفساد والانتهاكات في حق الطلبة أو الموظفين ،

هذا ويعتزم طلاب كلية طب الأسنان مواصلة اعتصامهم حتى تحقيق مطالبهم التي يصفونها بالعادلة والمشروعة بل والضرورية .

I am a refugee in Sweden

2012-01-03T13:34:00.000+01:00

I am a person outside her country
I am a girl who have suffered
I am seeking safety and protection from strangers
I am a girl who witnessed war and violence
I am recovering from bottomless fear

I am a refugee in Sweden

I walk streets alone
I go to state’s offices alone
I meet people from around the world who their hearts are filled with pain and agony of what they witnessed
I enter trains chased by eyes wondering of what the hell I am doing here!
I walk between Swedes understanding nothing of the language they speak with
I cry at nights for many reasons...

I am a refugee in Sweden

I cry after I sat with an Afghan girl who told me about her sufferings
I cry after I sat with a Somali girl who told me about her sufferings
I cry after I sat with another refugee who asked me; Yemen is not safe too?

I am a refugee in Sweden

I know that writing is my therapy
I know that goodness does exist
I know that regardless my agony, I was blessed with many good Swede friends who have been nothing but good to me...
I know that I shall overcome those dark moments because .. Allah is there for me!

Happy 2012 Everyone!

2012-01-01T02:39:00.000+01:00

It's 2012 everyone!

Couple hours ago, I was standing in the yard of a friend's house with two wonderful families and their kids. I was invited to celebrate the new year eve with them. We stood watching fireworks fill the sky and the sound BOOM was all over the town.

Interestingly enough, I had a flashback of the gunshots' sound in Yemen that I personally expereinced and the reports I have read about the fireworks being made to celebrate whatever Saleh did. All that came back to me and for awhile I was lost in my inner fear and agony. Then, I paused and thought; "Stop! try to enjoy the moment and let go of those inner voices." I tried to do so but still .. I thought the following:-

*"Dear Yemen, happy new year & I wish 2012 gets you electricity, water, oil AND democracy!"

*"Dear Syria, happy new year and may 2012 gets you freedom, democracy and peace!"

*"Dear Bahrain, happy new year and may 2012 gets you freedom, democracy & peace!"

May 2012 be an extension to the Arab Awakening and may it be another year closer to true democracy to all struggling revolutionary countries. Remember, every end is a new beginning.

المواطن اليمني يشعر بأنه عاد للعصور الوسطى مع انعدام الكهرباء

2011-12-27T10:45:00.001+01:00

رسالة مهمة للغاية عن الوضع الخانق في اليمن بسبب انعدام الكهرباء.

*******

انعدام الكهرباء في اليمن لا يقل بضرره وكبر حجم المأساة بانعدام البترول و مشتقاته. كما يعرقل النفط حركة السير في المدن اليمنية يعرقل انعدام الكهرباء الحياة بأكملها مما أصبح المواطن اليمني يشعر بأنه عاد الى العصور الوسطى. الكهرباء مقطوعة طوال اليوم لا نراها إلا لمده ساعة او ساعتين واذا كنا محظوظين فهي تصل لثلاث ساعات يوميا.

الضغط الذي يحصل على الكهرباء في ذلك المدة القصيرة يمنعنا حتى من الاستفادة منها وذلك بسبب ضعفها فيبدو ان وجودها مثل عدمها. اتجه المواطنين الى شراء المواطير (المولدات الكهربائية) حتى اصبحت في كل بيت وفي كل محل او بقالة او مخبز ويمكنك ان تتخيلي حجم المأساة فبكل شارع تلوث لا يقتصر فقط على استنشاق الديزل والبترول المحترق وانما ايضا تلوث سمعي وبصري.

اصبح الناس الان يتهافتون على محطات البترول ويقفون لمده 10 ساعات ليس فقط لتزود بالوقود لسياراتهم ولكن ايضا للمولدات الكهربائية .

الصدمة عندما نقوم باستلام فاتورة الكهرباء كل شهر وكانها لم تنقطع ابدا فتصل الى 4,000 ريال يمني او اكثر ولا تنسي صورة المقص التي تصيبني بالدهشة ،، فلم اعد استطيع ان افهم مما استغرب بالفعل هل من الفاتورة ام من صورة المقص .

طبعا اصبح تكلفة كل شي مضاعفة ،، وذلك بسبب انعدام الكهرباء حتى الماء البارد الذي تشترينه من البقالة اصبح مضاعف . وذلك لان الكهرباء اصبحت عمله نادرة جدا ومن النادر الحصول على ماء بارد. تكلفة الاعراس اصبحت مضاعفة. فالقاعات ترفع ايجارها وايجار الفرقة عشان المولدات الكهربائية وانعدام النفط.

اصابني الحزن االشديد عندما حدثني والدي عن صلاة العيد ومنظر الكثير من الناس الذين لم يستطيعوا ان يقوموا بكواية ملابسهم والاستحمام في يوم العيد وذلك لانعدام الكهرباء.

لقد ذهبت لاحد المستشفيات وانتظرت اكثر من 3 ساعات بسب ان المولد الكهربائي تعطل مما اضطرني للانتظار حتى اقوم بعمل اشعه . فتخيلي حال الاخرين الذين في العمليات والحالات الخطيرة.

انعدام الكهرباء وخصوصا في الليل يجعلك تعيشين مغامرة حقيقية عندما تقررين الخروج فاني لا أرى شي غير اضواء السيارات وكانك في الادغال . لا شي سوا أصوات المولدات والهواء الملوث والظلام

مع عودة الجامعات كنا ننام لان الكهرباء سوف تعود ايضا ولكن للاسف،، فاختي لم تستطع ان تستذكر قبل الامتحان بسبب انقطاع الكهرباء وانعدام البترول وبذلك عدم قدرتنا على تشغيل المولد. كل مضاهر الحياة المتحضرة اختفت من عالمنا.

نحن اليمنيين تعبنا ونشعر باننا نعاقب كل يوم وكل لحظة على ثورتنا ومطالبتنا بالحرية.
.(ارجوكي ان تقومي بنشر الموضوع بكل قوة وارجو من الله ان يغير شي ونعيش كما ارادنا الله ان نعيش ( كانسان

تحياتي
ندى أمير
مواطنة يمنية

اول خط ساخن من نوعه في اليمن ضد العنف الاسري

2011-12-27T09:41:00.001+01:00

تبدأ مؤسسة التنمية والإرشاد الأسري يوم السبت 1 يناير 2012 مشروع الخط الساخن للمشاكل النفسية والاجتماعية على الرقم المجاني 136 من أي خط أرضي في عموم الجمهورية.
تقول الأستاذة الدكتورة بلقيس جباري رئيسة المؤسسة ورئيسة الفريق القائم على الخط الساخن أن مثل هذه الخدمة لم تكن متاحة من قبل في اليمن بهذه النوعية وهذا النطاق. وسوف تخصص المؤسسة طاقم نفسي وسيكولوجي متكامل ومتخصص لاستقبال المكالمات والتعامل معها.

تقول الدكتورة بلقيس عن أهمية هذا الخط: "الخط يستهدف جميع إفراد المجتمع اللذين يعانون من مشاكل عنف اسري أو اضطرابات نفسية وسلوكية أو مظاهر تطرف فكري أو سلوكي. مشاكل كهذه تنتشر في محيط الفقر والبطالة وفي ظل الأزمات ومناطق النزاعات كتلك التي مرت بها اليمن ولا تزال. "كخطوة أولى سيتولى الطاقم المتخصص إستقبال المكالمات من الساعة التاسعة صباحا الى الواحدة ظهرا ومن الساعة الرابعة وحتى التاسعة مساء.

وفي المرحلة الثانية سوف يقدم الخط الساخن خدماته لكل فئات المجتمع على مدى 24 ساعة متواصلة حيث سيغطي فيها كل جوانب وأبعاد المشكلات النفسية ويكون الاتصال مجاناً من الهاتف الأرضي والمحمول على السواء.

لمزيد من المعلومات ارسال ايميل الى
jbilqis@yahoo.com

U.S. Ambassador to Yemen, Feierstein Offends Yemen's Life March

2011-12-26T02:01:00.000+01:00

This Facebook page is created to express our anger toward, Gerald Feierstein, the United States ambassador to Yemen for his irresponsible comments regarding the peaceful march from Taiz to Sanaa.

In a press conference yesterday in the American Embassy in Sanaa attended by the leading news outlet, Almasdaronline, Gerald Feierstein has stated that the 155 mile march, from Taiz to Sanaa was not peaceful and is "provocative" and was legitimate for the regime to kill marchers.

Also, Almasdar Online quoted Feierstein comments, in which he stated: "It seems like that they do not HAVE AN INTENTION to have a peaceful march, but rather, to come to Sanaa to cause chaos causing the security forces to respond violently!"

Saleh Off to the US

2011-12-25T02:40:00.002+01:00

What a crazy day!! I don't know even from where shall I begin.. While most of people around the world were celebrating the Merry Christmas, Yemen's #LifeMarch made it finally to Sanaa, BUT, they didn't manage to arrive safely. At the entrance of Sana'a city, they were about to head to al-Saba'en square, where Saleh's presidential residence is. Then, the protesters/marchers were faced by live buletes, water cannon and tear gas and .. you name it, all kind of methods to stop the huge momentume marching. At least 10 people were killed, including one lady called Abeer al-Akhali, and tens were injuired.

Few hours later, Saleh made a TV appearance; stating that he'll leave to the US to give "some space" for the coming presidential elections. He said, "I’ll be there for several days, but I’ll return because I won’t leave my people and comrades who have been steadfast for 11 months. I’ll withdraw from political work and go into the street as part of the opposition.” One has to notice, that Saleh's moves have been carefully made and he's really been doing a great manipulative methods to make sure that he won't follow the same scenario that Ben Ali, Mubarak or Gaddafi had. His moves are carefully calculated; having the best support from the US.

Having said that, it was very natural to read a very disturbing comment from the U.S. ambassador to Yemen. A Yemeni online publication quoted the U.S. ambassador in Sanaa, Gerald Feierstein, describing the march as a provocative act, during a meeting with Yemeni journalists. The ambassador could not immediately be released for comment. Commenting on that, Tawakkol Karamn, Yemeni activist and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate wrote an article on her facebook page titled with; "The U.S. Ambassador in Sana'a is the Devil's Advocate and a Friend to Thugs."

While Saleh was speaking, an opposition member at the new cabinet stated that several very active political activists were arrested by security forces and badly humiliated. We don't have pictures or clips of that yet and I hope that all would go well. I hope they'd be released all as soonest.

No matter what, the #LifeMarch made it at the end to Sana'a, to the Change Square; in the midst of a cheerful and welcoming atmosphere.

Finally, I leave it here with an email I received from the Yemen Observatory for Human Rights (YOHR) in Arabic; highlighting the main events that took place today.

Merry Christmas everyone!

المرصد اليمني لحقوق الإنسان (yohr): رئاسة الجمهورية وحكومة الوفاق تتحملان مسؤولية الاعتداء على مسيرة الحياة السلمية

يدين المرصد اليمني لحقوق الإنسان عمليات القمع التي تعرضت لها "مسيرة الحياة" السلمية الراجلة على مشارف العاصمة صنعاء من قبل قوات الأمن المركزي ومسلحين بلباس مدني موالين للنظام ما أدى إلى مقتل مشاركة في المسيرة وإصابة العشرات بإصابات وجروح متفاوتة.

وقتلت الناشطة عبير محمد أحمد الأكحلي، وسبعة آخرين لم تعرف أسمائهم بعد إثر إصابتهم بنيران قوات الأمن والمسلحين المدنيين، فيما أصيب العشرات بالرصاص الحي والحجارة والقنابل المسيلة للدموع.
ويحمل المرصد اليمني رئيس الجمهورية بالإنابة وحكومة الوفاق الوطني ووزارة الداخلية كامل المسؤولية عما تعرضت له المسيرة باعتبارهم مسؤولين عن حماية جميع مواطني البلاد وضمان حقهم في ممارسة كافة أشكال التعبير عن الرأي السلمية، مديناً التخاذل الذي مارسوه تجاه التحذيرات التي وجهت لهم من قبل الفعاليات الشعبية والمنظمات الحقوقية من احتمال تعرض المسيرة للاعتداء، وحيث أن القمع الذي تعرضت له المسيرة شاركت فيه قوات من الأمن المركزي بشكل مباشر، وأن هذه القوات تابعة لرئاسة الجمهورية والحكومة؛ فإنهما تتحملان تبعات ممارستها بصفة رئيسة، وتقع عليهما كامل المسؤولية في تقديم كافة مرتكبي الانتهاكات الخطيرة إلى العدالة.

كما يدين المرصد اعتقال الناشط نبيل السوائي وعدد من الناشطين في نقطة نقيل يسلح مطالباً بالإفراج الفوري عن السوائي دون شروط.
وكانت نقطة عسكرية تابعة للحرس الجمهوري في نقطة نقيل يسلح اعتقلت عدداً من الناشطين بينهم نبيل السوائي، ومروان الصبري، وسامية الأغبري، وآخرين قبل أن تفرج عنهم باستثناء السوائي الذي لا يعرف مكان احتجازه حتى لحظة كتابة هذا البيان.

المرصد اليمني لحقوق الإنسان
24/12/2011م

Yemen's Life March is a Historical March

2011-12-23T12:25:00.000+01:00

People! there are tens of thousands people in Yemen, if not millions, who are marching on foots/cars/whatever from Taiz till Sana'a; in the hope that the world would notice and care of their demand to topple Saleh's regime and start building the civil and democratic country they all aspire to have. Nonetheless, the media remains silent of this magnificent march which is a very historical event too.

This could be the first time in Yemen's history and the region's where people march from a city to another; demonstrating a peaceful resistance. And I really can't understand why the media is giving a very little coverage of that. Unfortunately, I've been really ill the whole past week and still I'm after I had a horrible tooth pain, so I really wasn't able to blog sufficiently about the historical march. I keep checking al-Jazeera website's blogs section to follow Yemen's Life March, but there is nothing (till the moment I'm writing this blog post) !! Apparently, they only care about the so-called al-Qaeda news.

Anyhow, this March reminds me of reading about the Civil Rights Marches in the USA , led by the late Dr. Luther King during the 1950s and 1960s. Indeed, Yemenis are in the process of gaining their rights back. Whether media covers this or not, history will tell eventually.

Yemen’s “Life March” monumental, but media remains silent

2011-12-23T10:29:00.000+01:00

By Arie Amaya-Akkermans | Thousands of Yemenis have joined the “Life March” that began its 250 kilometer journey from Taiz to Sana’a on Tuesday, December 20, due to arrive in the capital Sana’a to stage a demonstration in front of Parliament on Saturday, December 24.

The “Life March” could be one of the longest marches recorded in history, but just as remarkable as the march, has been the complete silence of international media about this unprecedented event, including TV networks and newspapers in the Middle East, all of which have circumvented the importance of the event by simply calling it a “peaceful rally.”

To Yemenis and readers in the Middle East this is hardly a surprise: The revolution in Yemen has received limited coverage, even though hundreds of people have been massacred, cities stormed and peaceful demonstrators attacked...(read more)

Reflections On The Nobel Peace Prize Laureates’ Seminar In Stockholm

2011-12-23T00:04:00.000+01:00

Published on 16th Dec. - With steady and confident steps the three ladies entered the room among a very welcoming standing ovation. The three magnificent and inspiring ladies, the Nobel Peace Prize Laureates for 2011, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia, Leymah Gbowee, a Liberian social worker and peace activist, and Tawakul Karman, a Yemeni journalist and a political activist who broke the record and became at age 32 the youngest Peace Prize Laureate and the first Arab woman to receive the award.

They were hosted in a special seminar and dinner by the Sweden Foreign Ministry in Stockholm, last Monday Dec. 12, 2011. With the presence of high ranking Swedish diplomats and big Swedish social public figures, the seminar raised discussions that were very gripping.

Mainly, what seemed to be a gathering to celebrate the laureates’ award, turned to be a platform where the laureates sent strong messages to the international community about misconceptions related to international development work in Africa and the perception of Islam.

Additionally, there was a final element of surprise after one of the laureates announced her willingness to run for presidential elections.

One has to admit though, the three laureates were not fully combined by feminism. They all were political activists but not feminists. For the Liberian ladies, it was apparent how they’ve been fighting for social change through peace building from a feministic approach. Whereas, Karman had never used or stated that her approach to fight for reforms and calling for political rights were from a feminist approach. In fact, Tawakul has stated that she was not a feminist activist. She was a political activist from day one and she would always be.

She mainly focuses on advocacy for freedom of press and democracy. Nevertheless, Karman has come a long way in exerting her efforts to fight corruption and violations against press freedom. In that path, she has endured a lot. Karman has been putting her life in danger for over five years. She has been jailed periodically; arrested and threatened a number of times by the government. Danger was not only against her. In June 2011, her brother, poet Tareq Karman, was kidnapped in Taiz province by an armed group and released afterwards after sending death threats through him to Tawakul.

Bearing in mind that Sirleaf, Gbowee and Karman come from different powerful backgrounds, there were several different important points raised during the seminar. For Sirleaf, the first female elected president in Africa and recently re-elected, she emphasized the importance of women’s empowerment and their political participation in peace building processes in post-conflict areas. “Liberia is on the path to be a great success story for post-conflict countries, which rose up with an importance given to women’s political participation,” she said. When Gbowee was asked about what international donors should know about Liberia before they donate, she replied: “International donors must come to us with a learning mind, to listen to our needs and to learn from us, not dictate to us on how to do things.”

It was obvious how powerful and strong were those ladies. Their bravery and high spirits made them among the only 15 women who were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize of the 101 individuals awarded the Prize over history.

On the projector, Karman’s tent from Change Square, the focal point for the protests, was displayed. She looked behind and said: “Thank you for showing me my tent. I miss my tent and Change Square! Lots of people doubted that an uprising would ever happen in Yemen. Several people in Yemen told me in the beginning that I was crazy to call for change and democracy. I usually answered with: ‘we are crazy and revolutions happen by crazy people’. And today there are millions in Yemen taking to the streets and protesting, calling for change and democracy. I proved them all wrong.” With a determination in her voice she stated, “We won’t give up until the revolution has succeeded!”

Karman was repeatedly asked if Islamization would interfere with democracy, freedom of expression and women’s rights. She was also asked if political Islam would form a hazard to the future in Yemen and the Middle East. “Islam is a religion of peace to all the people; men and women and it has never been and would never be problematic for anyone. I must say that I feel I’m here not to celebrate the award but to defend my religion. I really object,” she was commenting on the questions related to Islam.

Karman’s active effort comes as part of the great role Yemeni women have always played in the county’s development. Unfortunately, women in Yemen could have been more empowered and influential but due to the unjust regime of Saleh; women’s rights have been snatched from them. Yet, for almost the past 10 years, Yemen witnessed other hard-core feminist ladies; to name few; like the late Dr. Raufa Hassan, Yemen’s first female journalist, Amal Al-Alim Soswa, first female ambassador, Amal Al-Basha, human rights activist and author Arwa Othman.

Karman’s efforts in fighting corruption and injustice didn’t begin with the Arab spring. She has been an active political activist, a campaigner for political prisoners and a regular organizer of demonstrations for a long time. She led around 110 sit-in demonstrations in front of Parliament and Ministry of Information since 2005.

Her tireless and continuous effort for change and reforms was outstanding. With the prize, Karman was not only the first Arab woman to win, but also the youngest person ever to become a Nobel Peace laureate. While she became internationally acclaimed, she still gets criticism and hate comments. There has been a clip circulated where her father scolded her in a parliament session. Others called her superficial and unqualified for the prize. In light of that, she has mentioned many times that the prize was not for her; it was for all of Yemen and its struggle for change and democracy. Refusing to let anything or anyone to demoralize her, since her winning announcement, she became increasingly involved in mobilizing world opinion and United Nations Security Council members to assist the protesters in ousting Saleh and bringing him before the International Court.

Karman has been clear on her stance that Saleh must be prosecuted and all his assets must be frozen by the international community. In the pursuit to make that come true, Tawakul continues to lead the uprising armed with peaceful struggle and a plan to run for presidential elections on February 21.

Yemen: the Already Poor country Gets Poorer

2011-12-20T01:12:00.000+01:00

I got that tweet and I felt my whole body aching. It means that, today, one out of two Yemenis is hungry. It wasn't a shocking fact for me as much it was very upsetting. The pain was too much; I remembered poverty and I hate the fact that my people in Yemen are till spinning around the poverty circle. Yemen; the already poor country is getting poorer!! Then, I digged a bit to know more facts about this matter from the World Food Program's website. And I found that : on 18 October 2011, they published that, "With a population of 24 million, Yemen is situated at the Southwestern edge of the Arabian Peninsula. (..) According to a report by UN World Food Programme, ‘the Price of bread is 50% more than what it was at the beginning of the year’. Many Yemenis are spending 30 to 35% of their daily income on bread, leaving little for other necessities."

And on 18 July 2011, they published "The World Food Programme, for example, was able to feed only half of 100,000 Yemeni girls targeted in the most recent round of a ration program to keep girls in school—because international donors had given only 30 percent of the funding needed for the program, said Gian Carlo Cirri, the WFP’s country director for Yemen."

Then I was curious to know that how the already bad situation could get any worse! Then I found out that more than one year ago, they published "When we hear of Yemen in the news, it's mostly about terrorism. What's hidden are the hunger and suffering that afflict one in three Yemenis. The UN World Food Programme's hunger-relief mission in Yemen is dramatically low on funding. Supporting this petition is one way we can change this."

Saleh's corrupted government used to swallow billions donated for Yemen. Where the hell did he spend it on!! Of course, to the army only and his gangs' pockets.

The following post is an honest confession about my experience with poverty; something I share for the first time.

******

I know poverty very well and I've tested the bitterness that comes along with it. As a child growing up in Yemen, I had to struggle a lot to survive and that was very painful. I'd not say that i have spent nights starving but I'd say that I'd always craved eggs, milk, fruit, tuna, chicken, nuts and .. it's a long list! I craved them all but I knew that I couldn't ask to have them. We couldn't afford them. Naturally, the result of that would be mal-nutrition which has been and it is still a common reality for many families in Yemen.

There were many days when my breakfast consisted of tea and bread only. Lunch consisted of yogurt and bread only. Dinner would be beans and bread only or just tea and bread only. There were times when at school I made lots of efforts to hide the fact that I was poor. Recalling them now would only trigger my tears. Nevertheless, I made sure to pass those tough times gracefully. I got the best support from my mother. Her absolute devotion and greatness to raise two girls alone was extraordinary. She taught me how to be strong in the face of all obstacles. So, I studied hard; believing that education was my weapon against poverty. I made it and graduated from university. Then, I joined journalism and worked REALLY hard. I've always had in my mind that education + profession + hard work = bye bye poverty.

Today, it can't be any more clearer to me that my mother is the greatest mother I could ever have. I owe her everything I'm today. I love her dearly!!

Those were tough times but I made it! Nonetheless, close half of Yemen's population are hungry. It breaks my heart to read that Yemen; the already poor country, is getting poorer. I would probably get criticized about this post and, typically, get hate comments that I'm distorting Yemen's image. However, it's very important to know that the first step to solve a problem is to acknowledge it first. We must confess and let it out. Then, start thinking of solutions and do what it takes on the ground to stop the hunger epidemic; soon to sweep Yemen thoroughly. I'll leave it right here with those few words that I tweeted with earlier, "I'm 26 yrs old and I only saw one president; Saleh , and I saw nothing but misery under his rule."

Some of the televised reports about the hunger crisis in Yemen; -

Tawakkol Karman on Aljazeera English 12-17-2011.

2011-12-17T13:54:00.000+01:00

Arab Spring Timeline: 17 December 2010 to 17 December 2011

2011-12-17T11:38:00.001+01:00

Mohamed Bouazizi's self-immolation one year ago was an act which symbolized the frustration and desperation of millions in the Arab world, setting into motion a series of revolutions across the Middle East and North Africa.

His was a cry for dignity, justice, and opportunity, which continues to be heard around a region undergoing tumultuous change. In today's Middle East, people matter. Many are now engaged in what could be a life-long struggle to fight long-standing grievances and take greater control of their lives. This process must involve the creation of new democratic political systems, which ensure greater accountability of leaders, and level the playing field of opportunity for all, not just a select few.
It has been a remarkable year... (read more)

Arab Spring Timeline: 17 December 2010 to 17 December 2011

DECEMBER

(17) Tunisia - jobless graduate Mohamed Bouazizi starts selling vegetables without a permit. When police seize his cart he sets fire to himself and later dies. The act, following Wikileaks publication of US criticism of the regime, provokes young Tunisians to protest.
(29) Tunisia - after 10 days of protests, President Ben Ali appears on television promising action on job creation. He declares the law will be very firm on protesters.

JANUARY

(09) Tunisia - 11 people die in clashes with security forces. Protesters set fire to cars in several Tunisian cities; security forces respond violently.
(14) Tunisia - Ben Ali finally bows to the protests and flees to Saudi Arabia by way of Malta.
(14) Libya - Gaddafi condemns the Tunisian uprising in a televised address. First reports of unrest in Libya.
(17) Egypt - A man sets fire to himself next to the parliament building in Cairo in protest of economic conditions.
(18) Egypt - Diplomat Mohamed El Baradei warns of a Tunisia-style explosion in Egypt.
(19) Tunisia - Switzerland freezes Ben Ali’s assets.
(24) Yemen - The arrest of 19 opposition activists including Tawakil Karman, the female activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner, who had called for the ousting of President Ali Abdullah Saleh.
(24) Tunisia - President Sarkozy promises emergency financial aid to the interim government.
(25) Egypt - The first coordinated demonstrations turn Cairo into a war zone as protesters demand the ousting of President Hosni Mubarak. In response, mobile and network connections are stopped.
(26) Egypt - As security forces use tear gas and beatings, hundreds are arrested, including foreign journalists. EU leaders condemns the tactics.
(28) Egypt - After four days of protests and 25 deaths, Mubarak makes his first TV appearance, pledging his commitment to democracy. He sacks his government but refuses to step down.
(29) Egypt - The death toll reaches 100.
(30) Egypt - Al Jazeera TV is ordered to stop its reporting of the protests.
(31) Egypt - The army declares itself allied to the protesters.

FEBRUARY

(01) Egypt - Mubarak declares he won’t run in the next election, but will oversee the transition.
(02) Egypt - Mubarak supporters stage brutal bid to crush Cairo uprising. Using clubs, bats and knives, they start a bloody battle in Tahrir Square.
(10) Egypt - President Obama demands Mubarak presents his path to democracy.
(11) Egypt- Mubarak resigns and hands power to military.
(13) Egypt - Military reject protesters’ demands for a swift transfer of power to a civilian administration.
(15) Egypt - Britain’s Serious Organised Crime Agency begins tracing the bank account of Mubarak’s cabinet.
(16) Libya- Protests erupt in Benghazi after the arrests of human rights activists.
(17) Bahrain - Four people are killed in an early morning raid by security forces on Pearl Square, the focal point of anti-government protests.
(20) Libya - The death toll passes 230 as Gaddafi’s son addresses Libyan TV defending his father.
(25) Libya - As uprising reaches the heart of Tripoli, protests erupt across Middle East.
(27) Libya - Revolutionaries take control of Zawiyah, 30 miles from Tripoli.
(27) Tunisia - Renewed turmoil as Mohamed Ghannouchi resigns as the prime minister of the post-revolutionary government.

MARCH

(03) Libya - The International Criminal Court says it will investigate Gaddafi for possible crimes against humanity.
(06) Libya - British diplomatic efforts to reach out to Libyan rebels ends in humiliation after a team of special forces are briefly detained by farm workers.
(06) Saudi Arabia- Authorities ban public protests after demonstrations by minority Shia groups.
(07) Libya - The UN secretary general calls for an end to attacks on civilians.
(08) Yemen - More than 2,000 inmates stage a revolt at a prison in the capital and join calls by anti-government protesters for Saleh to step down.
(09) Libya - Gaddafi warns the imposition of a no-fly zone in Libyan airspace will be met with armed resistance.
(09) Tunisia - Tunisian court rules that the party of former President Ben Ali will be dissolved. The news is followed by street celebrations.
(09) Yemen- Soldiers fire rubber bullets and tear gas at students camped at a university in Sanaa. More than 90 are wounded.
(10) Yemen - Saleh’s pledge to create a parliamentary system of government is rejected by the opposition.
(11) Libya - Sarkozy calls for targeted air strikes against the Libyan regime if Gaddafi's forces use chemical weapons and air strikes against rebel forces.
(14) Libya - The rebel leadership urges Western powers to assassinate Gaddafi and launch military strikes.
(15) Bahrain - Martial law is declared.
(18) Libya - The UN backs a no-fly zone.
(18) Yemen - Government forces fire on protesters in Sanaa - 45 people are killed.
(19) Libya - Operation Odyssey Dawn begins, marking the biggest assault on an Arab regime since the 2003 Iraq invasion.
(23) Libya - Britain, France and the US agree that Nato will take military command of Libya’s no-fly zone.
(26) Syria - The UN urges the government to show restraint.
(26) Libya - The strategic town of Ajdabiya falls to rebels.
(28) Libya - Rebels advance on Sirte, Gaddafi’s home city, recapturing several towns without resistance on the way.
(29) Syria - President Bashar al-Assad sacks his cabinet amid the worst unrest in decades.
(30) Libya - Foreign Minister Moussa Koussa flees to the UK in a fight arranged by British intelligence.

APRIL

(01) Libya - The Gaddafi regime starts talks with west. Turkey proposes a peace plan.
(09) Syria - Anti-government demonstrations spread across Syria with highest turnout yet. At least 22 are killed in Daraa.
(11) Libya - The revolutionary council rejects a peace initiative because didn’t require Gaddafi to immediately relinquish power.
(15) Libya - Obama signals America’s return to the forefront of the international effort in Libya. In a joint article with Cameron and Sarkozy, he commits to military action until Gaddafi has been removed.
(25) Libya - The government accuses Nato of trying to assassinate Gaddafi after two air strikes in three days hit his premises in Tripoli.
(25) Syria - Tanks are deployed for first time.
(27) Yemen - Security forces fire on an anti-government demonstrations, killing 12.
(28) Syria - Hundreds of ruling Baath party MPs resign in protest as an increasingly bloody crackdown kills 500.

MAY

(01) Libya - The British embassy in Tripoli is burnt and other western missions ransacked in retaliation for Nato’s air strike.
(02) Syria - Prominent intellectuals and activists go into hiding.
(08) Libya - Dozens of migrants who boarded a boat in Tripoli were left to die in the Mediterranean after EU military units ignored their cries for help.
(09) Syria - The EU imposes an arms embargo and other sanctions on Syria but does not penalise Assad personally.
(16) Libya - Gaddafi, his son Saif-al-Islam, and intelligence chief Abdullah Senussi are named as war crimes suspects by the chief prosecutor for the international criminal court.
(19) Syria - Obama urges Assad to lead the democratic transition, or to resign
(23) Syria - EU sanctions target Assad.
(24) Libya - Nato hits Tripoli in the heaviest bombing raid yet.

JUNE

(03) Yemen - President Saleh survives an apparent assassination attempt.
(04) Syria - Forces kill at least 100 protesters in two days of bloodshed.
(04) Libya- British army Apache helicopters attack Gaddafi’s troops for the first time.
(05) Syria - Israeli troops clash with protesters on the Syrian border for the second time in three weeks.
(05) Yemen - The US and Britain urge Saudi Arabia to persuade Saleh to formally stand down.

JULY

(11) Syria - French embassy guards in Damascus fire live ammunition to disperse Assad loyalists who tried to break in the compound in protest at the envoy’s visit to the opposition stronghold of Hama.
(15) Libya - Rebels win political recognition as the legitimate authority.
(18) Libya - Rebels backed by Nato air strikes fight their way into parts of the government held town of Brega.
(19) Libya - US and Libya hold first direct talks since the beginning of the conflict but don’t reach any agreement.
(21) Libya - Rebels capture chief of operations, General Abdul Nabih Zayid.
(24) Syria - Assad tries to quash dissents before beginning of Ramadan. Troops enter the village of Sarjeh, cutting electricity and water.
(24) Egypt - Strained relations between activists and military rulers worsen after dozens of protesters are attacked during a rally in Cairo.
(25) Syria - The cabinet backs a draft law to allow rival political parties to the ruling Baath party for first time in decades.
(25) Libya - Britain is prepared to agree to a political settlement that would see Gaddafi remain in Libya after relinquishing his hold on power.
(27) Libya - Britain confers diplomatic recognition to the Libyan rebels.
(28) Libya - The rebels’ chief of staff, Abdel Fatah Younis, is killed.

AUGUST

(01) Egypt - The army violently retakes Tahrir square with tanks.
(08) Syria - Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah demands an end to the bloodshed in Syria and recalls his country’s ambassadors.
(09) Syria - Envoys from Turkey, India, Brazil and South Africa head to Damascus to press Assad to end the crackdown.
(11) Syria - Opposition forces say 257 have died in 11 days.
(18) Syria - Human rights investigators list Assad officials who could be prosecuted by the international criminal court. (22) Libya - The capital appears poised to fall as rebels enter Green square.
(26) Libya - In its first Tripoli press conference, the National Transitional Council says its cabinet will be moving from Benghazi to the capital.
(29) Libya - Gaddafi’s wife and their three children cross the border unhindered raising questions about NTC’s control over central Libya.

SEPTEMBER

(02) Syria - EU governments ban imports of Syrian oil and extend sanctions to intensify pressure on Assad.
(08) Libya - Gaddafi issues a defiant message from hiding in which he vows never to leave "the land of his ancestors".
(09) Syria - Eight soldiers are executed in Damascus for refusal to fire on protesters.
(16) Libya - Rebel fighters are involved in heavy fighting in a final battle to capture Sirte.
(21) Syria - Obama condemns torture, detention and murder by the Syrian government and urges the UN Security Council to further sanction Assad’s regime.
(23) Yemen - President Saleh returns unexpectedly after three months recovering in Saudi Arabia from an assassination attempt. He calls for a truce after five days of brutal violence in Sanaa in which 100 protesters die.
(25) Libya - A mass grave containing 1,270 bodies is discovered in Tripoli.
(25) Saudi Arabia- King Abdullah announces cautious reforms, including the right for women to vote and stand for election from 2015.
(25) Yemen - Saleh calls for early elections in his first speech since returning to Yemen.
(27) Egypt - The military regime announces the first parliamentary elections since Mubarak was ousted by opposition groups. Protesters fear remnants of the old regime will stay in power.
(30) Egypt - Thousands rally under the slogan "Reclaiming the Revolution" in cities across the country as frustration grows with the slow pace of reform.
(30) Syria - Hillary Clinton speaks out after US ambassador Robert Ford’s convoy was attacked as he travelled to meet a leading opponent to the regime.

OCTOBER

(06) Egypt - Supreme Council of the Armed Forces unveil plans that could see them retain power until 2013.
(07) Syria - Russian president breaks ranks with Assad for the first time since protests started.
(16) Libya - The knocking down of Gaddafi’s Tripoli stronghold seen as erasing a symbol of repression.
(17) Libya - NTC troops raise flags of Libya’s new government after a six-week siege.
(20) Libya - Cornered by government forces and pinned down by Nato airstrikes, Gaddafi is found and killed.
(33) Libya - Libyans queue outside refrigerated meat store to confirm that the dictator is really dead.
(23) Libya- The NTC announces the liberation to elated crowds.
(23) Tunisia - Polls open nine months after Tunisians first took the streets.
(25) Libya - Gaddafi's burial alongside his son brings to a close the controversy over the public displaying of his body.
(27) Libya - The NTC questions its earlier assertion that Gaddafi died in crossfire and pledges justice for anyone proven to have fired the lethal shot.
(29) Syria - Arab ministers send their strongest message yet calling for an end to civilian killings after latest shooting at post-Friday prayer protests.
(30) Syria - Assad warns that intervention could lead to another Afghanistan as Nato officials says Libya-like action lacks support.
(31) Libya - UN secretary general rules out intervention in Syria.

NOVEMBER

(02) Egypt - The generals announce a pardon for 334 prison inmates.
(03) Egypt - Activists claim their revolution is under attack and appeal for solidarity from the worldwide Occupy Movement.
(12) Syria - The Arab League agrees to exclude Syria and impose sanctions over its failure to end the violent crackdown.
(13) Syria - Saudi, Qatari, French and Turkish embassies are stormed by pro-Assad supporters as the regime demands an emergency Arab League meeting.
(13) Egypt - Violence escalates as protests against the ruling military junta spreads beyond Cairo and Alexandria.
(14) Syria - Pressure mounts on an increasingly isolated Syrian President as King Abdullah says he "should go".
(15) Syria - Human rights groups say that up to 140 people have been killed since The Arab League voted to suspend Syrian membership.
(19) Libya- Celebrations erupt as Gaddafi’s fugitive son Saif is detained while attempting to flee to Niger.
(19) Egypt - Security forces open fire on thousands of anti-junta protesters in Tahrir Square leaving two dead and more than 600 injured.
(20) Libya - All leading figures from Gaddafi regime have been killed, captured or driven into exile with Abdullah al-Senussi’s detention.
(21) Egypt - The interim government bows to growing pressure as violence leaves 33 dead and more than 2,000 injured.
(22) Tunisia - The constituent assembly, the first newly elected body to emerge from the Arab Spring, meets for the first time.
(22) Libya - The international criminal court’s chief prosecutor says Saif al-Islam could be tried in Libya rather than at the Hague.
(23) Yemen - Agreement for an immediate transfer of power pledges immunity for Saleh and his family.
(25) Egypt - The US calls for civilian rule to immediately follow parliamentary elections.
(27) Syria- Assad’s decision to refuse access to observers leaves Syria facing stiff sanctions from The Arab League.
(29) Egypt - Egyptians vote in record numbers in the country’s first free ballot for more than 80 years.
(30) Egypt - The Muslim Brotherhood’s Freedom and Justice Party looks on course to be the biggest winner after the first round of voting.
Around 80 are injured in Tahrir Square after clashes brake out after polls closed.
(30) Syria - Turkey freezes assets of those involved in the government crackdown.

DECEMBER

(01) Egypt - The announcement of Egypt’s election results is delayed.
(01) Syria - The UN high commissioner for human rights says the death toll has reached more than 4,000.
(01) Yemen - The political opposition and the party of the outgoing President Saleh agree to makeup of an interim government.
(02) Syria - A series of large protests call for the international community to establish buffer zones to protect civilians.
(05) Syria - The Assad regime says it is willing to sign an Arab League protocol to send international observers into Syria but only on certain conditions.
(05) Egypt - Egyptians go to the poll once more in the run-off contests for parliamentary seats. No party attracted more than 50% in the previous week’s vote.
(06) Syria - The US ambassador, who was withdrawn from Damascus for his own safety, is retuning to Syria. Hillary Clinton meets Syrian opposition leaders.
(06) Libya - The government vows to disarm Tripoli.
(07) Syria - Assad attempts to distance himself from the army in an interview from ABC news.
(07) Egypt - A new government is sworn in by Kamal Ganzouri, who was appointed prime minister by the military rulers.
(08) Libya - The government gives the green light for British police to visit the country to conduct an investigation into the Lockerbie bombing and the assassination of PC Yvonne Fletcher.
(09) Syria - More than 5,000 dead since uprising began.

Tawakkol Grabbing a Big Swedish Newspaper's Headlines

2011-12-17T03:27:00.000+01:00

I feel a combination of proudness and honor to write the following;- On 10th of Dec. , two days before her arrival to Sweden, Tawakkol Karaman, one of Nobel Peace Prize Laureates for 2011 was the cover story of Helsingborgs Dagblad (HD) newspaper, that's the largest local newspaper in Sweden, and perhaps the first daily papers in Sweden. No doubt, I'm very proud to see my country's daughter with all what she represents to be on such prestigious newspaper. In addition, I had the honor to be the author of Tawakkol's front page story.

********

Here is the piece in Swedish, followed by the English version.

Fredens pris

"Hennes kamp fantastisk". En av Mellanösterns viktigaste bloggare, Afrah Nasser, porträtterar fredspristagaren Tawakkul Karman inför dagens nobelprisutdelning.

KULTUR Det är kanske inte så många som känner till att Jemen en gång i tiden var ett historiskt feministiskt fäste. Särskilt inte som landet ifjol intog jumboplatsen bland de 134 länder som ingick i The World Economic Forums undersökning av jämställdhetsklyftor i världen, "Global Gender Gap Report".

Men jo! Det är sant! Jemen har styrts av två kvinnor.

Eller, enligt vissa historiker, tilll och med av tre kvinnor; drottning Sheba, drottning Arwa och, möjligen, drottning Asma'a.

Med det sagt, historien upprepar sig när nu en av Jemens döttrar än en gång ges internationell betydelse.

Den 7 oktober 2011 inleddes som en helt vanlig dag.

Föga anade jag att det skulle bli en minnesvärd dag, en dag då ett nytt kapitel skrevs i Jemens historia – och framförallt ett nytt kapitel för de jemenitiska kvinnornas kamp för att bygga ett nytt Jemen.

Fullständigt förvånad tog jag emot den glada nyheten att en av de tre mottagarna av årets fredspris till Alfred Nobels minne gick till Tawakkul Karman. Journalist, politiker och människorättsaktivist som 2005 grundade den ideella jemenitiska organisationen "Women Journalists Without Chains" som hon lett sedan dess.

"Vi kan inte nå demokrati och varaktig fred i världen om inte kvinnor ges samma chanser att påverka samhällsutvecklingen på alla nivåer som män", sa den norska Fredspriskommitténs ordförande Torbjörn Jagland.

Exakt! 32-åriga Tawakkul Karman ger ett ansikte åt den nya demokratirörelsen i Jemen och hon är den som vågat utmana president Ali Abdullah Salehs 33-åriga regim.

S om orädd journalist och aktivist har hon engagerat sig för pressfrihet, hon har arrangerat
veckovisa sittstrejker, hon har krävt att politiska fångar ska frisläppas. Men kanske allra viktigast: hon har gått i bräschen för de folkliga demonstrationer mot Saleh som anordnats i Jemen sedan januari.

Den 7 oktober befann jag mig någonstans i Stockholm. Det ringde i mobilen och Sveriges Radio gav mig beskedet, de ville göra en intervju med en gång. Men jag bara hoppade runt på gatan och skrek av glädje.

Äntligen, tänkte jag, äntligen blir Jemen känt för något annat än terrorism. För fred, rentav. Det kan vi tacka Tawakkul för.

Under Salehs styre har Jemen alltmer gjort sig känt för omvärlden som terrorismens internationella knutpunkt. Själv påstår Saleh att terrorismen skulle blomma ut i landet om han lämnar makten. I själva verket är det precis tvärtom.

Och nu kan Jemen få förknippas med fred, tack vare Tawakkul Karmans pris.

Hon är nu en del av del av Jemens historia i vilken kvinnorna alltid har haft en aktiv roll.

Landets kvinnor kunde ha varit betydligt mäktigare och mer inflytelserika om det inte varit för Salehs styre – som har stulit kvinnors rättigheter.

Ändå – eller kanske på grund av just det – har ett antal röststarka kvinnor trätt fram i landet.

För att nämna några: den framlidna Raufa Hassa, landets första kvinnliga journalist, Amal al-Alim Soswa, landets första kvinnliga ambassadör, människorättsaktivisten Amal al-Bashai och författaren Arwa Othman.

Tawakkul Karman är inte en uttalad feminist. Hon har framförallt kämpat för demokrati och pressfrihet. I kampen mot korruption och övergrepp mot pressen har hon fått utstå väldigt mycket.

I drygt fem år har hon levt under ständigt dödshot. Hon har fängslats i flera omgångar, arresterats och hotats av myndigheterna. Och hon är inte ensam om den upplevelsen. I juni kidnappades hennes bror, poeten Tareq Karman, i provinsen Taiz av milisen. Han släpptes först sedan det gjorts väldigt tydligt att dödshoten mot Tawakkul nått fram till henne.

Tawakkuls kamp inleddes långt före den arabiska våren. Hon har varit en känd politisk aktivist under åratal och lett otaliga kampanjer för politiska fångar och demonstrationer. Bara sedan 2007 har hon lett 110 sittstrejker utanför parlamentet.

Hennes outtröttliga kamp har verkligen varit fantastisk.

Nu går hon till historien inte bara som den första arabiska kvinnan att få ta emot priset, utan också den yngsta mottagaren av Nobels fredspris någonsin.

Samtidigt med detta internationella erkännande möts hon av en ström av kritik och hat på hemmaplan.

Ett filmklipp har cirkulerat där hennes far skäller ut henne i parlamentet. Andra har kallat henne ytlig och ovärdig priset.

I det perspektivet kan det vara viktigt att minnas vad hon själv har påpekat många gånger: att Nobelpriset inte bara ska ses som hennes, utan som alla jemeniters som kämpar för förändring och demokrati.

Hon har vägrat att slå sig till ro efter att priset tillkännagivits. Tvärtom har hon genom det fått ett än större inflytande för att med hjälp av det internationella stödet en gång för alla kunna störta Saleh och ställa honom inför internationell domstol.

Den senaste tidens politiska utveckling i Jemen är omstridd.

Den 23 november tvingades Saleh att godkänna en plan för det nödvändiga maktskiftet. Men samtidigt som han vill avhändiga sig makten till förmån för vice presidenten, Abdurabo Mansour Hadi, försäkrade sig Saleh om immunitet mot åtal.

Ett nationellt regeringsråd av såväl Salehs regeringsparti som oppositionen ska bildas.

Men det har knappast lugnat Saleh-kritikerna. Särskilt har punkten om immunitet väckt nya starka protester. Nya demonstrationer har avlöst varandra. Kraven står fast att Saleh ska ställas inför rätta för korruption och för massdödandet av demonstranter.

Sedan februari har över 2 500 dödats och 9 000 människor skadats och sårats.

Det redan så fattiga Jemen kommer alldeles säkert att tvingas hantera stora politiska och humanitära problem framöver.

Med shia-rebellerna i norr, separatisterna i söder och aktiva al-Quaida-grupper har landet problem så att det räcker.

I februari 2012 genomförs val i provinsen Haid. Senare under året är det dags för parlamentsval. Oavsett vilka makthavarna blir står de inför enorma utmaningar.

Tawakkul Karman för sin del är tydlig med att det är viktigt att Saleh ställs inför rätta och att hans tillgångar fryses av det internationella samfundet.

Hennes kamp fortsätter, en okuvlig kamp som förs med enbart fredliga medel.

**************

Armed with Peaceful Struggle; Tawakkol Leads Yemen's Uprising

While Yemen was ranked absolutely worst at No. 130 at the Global Gender Gap Report done by The World Economic Forum in 2010, not lots of people know that Yemen used to be at some point during ancient history a very feminist country. Yes! That's true! Yemen had been ruled twice by women. In fact, according to few historians, it was ruled three times by three queens; Sheba Queen of Sheba Belqis, Queen Arwa, and ,arguably, Queen Asma'a. Having said that, history seems to relatively repeat itself once again by bringing a high international importance to one of Yemen's daughters.

The 7th of October, 2011, started like any other day. Little did I know it was a remarkable day for Yemen and a new chapter for Yemeni women's history in building their country. In a total astonishment, I received the happiest news that Tawakkol Karaman, journalist, politician, and Human Rights activist who founded and heads the Yemeni nonprofit group “Women Journalists Without Chains” in Yemen, since 2005, was one of the trio women who were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2011. “We cannot achieve democracy and lasting peace in the world unless women obtain the same opportunities as men to influence developments at all levels of society,” stated president Thorbjoern Jagland, Norwegian Nobel Committee.

Indeed, Tawakkol, 32-year-old mother of three, is regarded to be the main face of Yemen's uprising calling for democracy and ouster of Saleh's 33 years rule regime. She has been an outspoken journalist and activist, in which she has agitated for press freedoms and staged weekly sit-ins to demand the release of political prisoners from jail. She founded Women Journalists Without Chains and has played a leading part in the struggle for democracy in Yemen. Most importantly, she has led rallies in the continuing protests against the rule of Saleh, since last January.

On 7th of October, while I was walking in one of Stockholm's streets; I received the call from a Swedish Radio telling me the news and asking me to do an interview immediately. I couldn't help it but jump in the middle of the street; screaming out of joy “Finally! Yemen is being recognized for peace, not for the so-called terrorism.” “We owe that to Tawakkol,” I thought. Absolutely, for the past 33 years, ruled by Saleh Yemen has been a hot spot for the alleged notion of terrorism. Saleh has been falsely and unfairly replicating that Yemen suffers from terrorism groups' existence and that violence could erupt once he leaves office. Needless to say, that was absolutely not true. In fact, it's vice versa; Yemen is the land of peace, emphasized by Tawakkol's winning.

Tawakkol's active effort comes as part of the great role Yemeni women have always played in the county's development. Unfortunately, women in Yemen could have been more empowered and influential but due to the injustice regime of Saleh; women's rights have been snatched from them. Yet, for almost the past 10 years, Yemen witnessed other hard-core feminist ladies; to name few; like the late dr.Raufa Hassan, Yemen's first female journalist, Amal al-Alim Soswa, first female ambassador, Amal al-Basha, Human Rights activist and author Arwa Othman.

Though, it's important to mention that Tawakkol is not feminist. She mainly focuses on advocacy for freedom of press and democracy. Nevertheless, Tawakkol has came a long way in exerting her efforts to fight corruption and violations against freedom of press. In that path, she has been enduring a lot. Tawakkol has been putting her life in danger for over 5 years. She has been jailed periodically; arrested and threatened a number of times by the government. Danger was not only against her. In June 2011, her brother, poet, Tareq Karaman was kidnapped in Taiz province by armed group and released afterwards after sending death threats through him to Tawakkol.

Tawakkol’s efforts in fighting corruption and injustice didn’t begin with the Arab spring. She has been an active political activist , a campaigner for political prisoners and a regular organizer of demonstrations for a long time. She led around 110 sit-in demonstrations in front of Parliament and Ministry of Information since 2007.

Her tireless and continuous effort for change and reforms was very outstanding. With the prize, Tawakkol was not only the first Arab woman to win, but also the youngest person ever to become a Nobel Peace laureate. While she became internationally acclaimed, she still gets criticism and hate comments. There has been a clip circulated where her father scolded her in a parliament session. Others called her superficial and unqualified for the prize. On the light of that, she has mentioned many times that the prize was not for her; it was for all of Yemen and its struggle for change and democracy. Refusing to let anything or anyone to demoralize her, since her winning announcement, she became increasingly involved in mobilizing world opinion and United Nations Security Council members to assist the protesters in ousting Saleh and bringing him before the international court.

The recent political developments in Yemen has been very controversial. On the 23rd of November, Saleh signed a power-transfer plan whose one of its main articles guarantees him immunity from prosecution while he hands power to the Vice, Abdurabo Mansour Hadi. Accordingly, a National Unity Government was formed, where cabinet was evenly spilited between Saleh's ruling party the “General People's Congress” and the main opposition coalition the “Joint Meeting Parities”. But the immunity provision of the accord has angered anti-Saleh protesters, who have continued to demonstrate, demanding that he face trial for corruption and the deaths of protesters.The brutally killing by Saleh's forces is still rising across the country till today. Since last February, more than 2,500 people have been murdered, 9,000 people have been wounded and thousands became internally displaced people (IDP).

Yemen, the already impoverished country, will certainly face great political and humanitarian problems in the future. Yemen faces Shia rebels in the north, separatists in the south and an active branch of the so-called international al-Qaeda network - al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula. Lots of work to do awaits the president to be elected in the coming presidential election to be held by Haid on February 21st . The parliamentary elections will be scheduled at a later date.

Tawakkol has been clear on her stance that Saleh must be prosecuted and all his assets must be frozen by the international community. In the pursuit to make that come true, Tawakkol continues to lead the uprising armed with peaceful struggle.

Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Tawakkol in Stockholm

2011-12-15T02:39:00.000+01:00

While she was in Stockholm, Tue. 13th Dec., Tawakkol Kraman, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate for 2011, tells about her appreciation to Yemen's youth peaceful revolution. I was lucky enough to meet her and sit next to her; filming this clip.

The Protester, Person of the Year

2011-12-15T00:35:00.000+01:00

Of course, the Arab Spring changed a great segment of the current political landscape around the region and that would never have happened without all protesters around the Middle East and North of Africa (MENA) who took streets. They have done a tremendous job to fight social injustice, corruption, inherited power and dictatorships. For the sake of freedom and dignity, they sacrificed a lot! Hundreds of thousands were killed, hundreds of thousands were wounded and thousands were Internally Displaced People (IDP) after they were met with violence and savage killing by "security" forces. Even till today, there are parts of MENA who are still fighting and struggling to gain their freedom. Their revolutions are still continuous. Bahrain, Egypt, Syria and Yemen are still revolting while we are about to mark the first year anniversary of the start of the Arab Spring; Tunis Revolution.

Those protesters inspired the whole world to take streets and claim their political, social, economical rights. I remember that earlier this year, a Chinese guy attempted to follow the path of the Arabs but unfortunately failed. I also remember that there were couple protests in Malaysia earlier this year inspired by the Arab Spring. The list is long .. Spain had several protests inspired by Tahrir square in Cairo. one can't forget the "Occupy Wall Street Movement" which transformed to "Occupy Everywhere Movement". Just recently, people in Russia took the streets to call for political evolution against Putin.

Couple hours ago, I found on twitter that Time Magazine's person of the year for 2011 is "protester". I was so happy to read that. I thought, "Hats off to all fighters and protesters around the world who sacrificed a lot for the sake of social, political, economical, etc changes. May this be a new chapter for humans empowerment and enlightenment for a better tomorrow."

Nobel Peace Prize Laureates' Seminar in Stockholm

2011-12-13T00:48:00.000+01:00

What can I say.. umm.. it was absolutely fantastic!! I believe that the three ladies could be a role model for anyone who strives for success, progress, peace, and empowerment. Personally, since they won, I've been hanging their photos on my room's wall because they have become a source of strength for me.

Having said that, it was totally magical for me to listen to them today in a seminar run by the Foreign Ministry and IDEA, then followed by dinner at the ministry building. Of course, there have been so many interesting discussion which I'll write about soon; especially about Tawakkol's announcement to run for the coming presidential elections. For the meantime, here are some of the photos of the event with captions.

Waiting for the ladies to come after they had to come late; due to problems at Oslo's airport, yesterday.

Mrs. Ellen Sirleaf, Liberia's president during her 20s while she participated in a political demonstration. This is very very rare pic!!

The three ladies in a panel discussion. Yummy! delicious topics were raised :)

Tawakkol Karamn and ... who's that! :P

The ladies listening to a quick speech made by Sweden's Foreign Minster Carl Bildt

Like honey attracting bees. She was always surrounded by people.

Dinner.

And the dinner.

Talks between Mrs. Sirleaf and Bildt

To Meet the Nobel Peace Prize Laureates in Couple Hours

2011-12-12T12:13:00.001+01:00

I have always loved and enjoyed attending seminars and listening to influential people but I don't think there'd be any better seminar than today's.

In couple hours, I'll be listening to the three amazing ladies; the Nobel Peace Prize Laureates at a very special seminar. And afterwards, I'll have the honor to have dinner with them at Sweden's Foreign Ministry.

My God!! I can't believe it!! you can follow me on my twitter account coz I'll be tweeting from there ^__^

Viva la revolution! Viva la Yemen!

الافراج عن الناشط اليمنى محمد العبدلى بعد اعتقال دام لثلاث سنوات

2011-12-11T20:32:00.001+01:00

وفقا لتويتت @mar3e تم الافراج عن الناشط اليمنى محمد العبدلى بعد اعتقال دام لثلاثة سنوات

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منقول عن موقع EgyTimes.org

العبدلى ..سجين رأى فى اليمن .. والسر ارضاء السعودية

معمر العبدلي ٣٤ سنة , ناشط حقوقى يمنى وصاحب منظمة التغيير للدفاع عن المعتقلين السياسيين باليمن , متزوج واب لثلاث بنات وولد , تم القبض علية فى 13/7/2009 هو وثلاثة اخرين واقتيدوا للمحاكمة بتهمة التخابر مع ايران واثارة الحراك الحوثى هناك , تواصلنا مع شقيقتة التى تقيم بالقاهرة الان سبأ العبدلى مهندسة ديكور سينمائى , التى قالت ان شقيقها قبض علية على اساس دينى وهو التشيع وقضيتة سياسية بالاساس والمجموعة التى اعلن عنها والمتهمة بالتخابر مع ايران التى تضم( العبدلى -صادق الشرفى-وليد شرف الدين -وعبداللة الديلمى ) فقط هى محاولة من نظام عبداللة صالح المستبد ارضاء المملكة العربية السعودية التى تدعمة فى محاربة التشيع كما يقال فى اليمن كل هذا فى سبيل ان يحصل على دعم مادى وسياسى لنظامة .

اضافت ان السجون اليمنية مليئة بالالاف من اليمنيين الذين زوج بهم فى غياهب السجون اليمنية دون اى محاكمة بتهمة التعامل او التواصل مع ما يسمى تنظيم القاعدة , شماعة بيعلقوا عليها اخطائهم ,مضيفة ان القاعدة تربت على ايدى نظام عبداللة صالح وهو من رعاها وكان على علم بكل التدريبات التى تقوم بها فى اليمن , وانة يحاول اليوم استرضاء الامريكان ليدعموا نظامة السياسى المستبد وقمعة للحوثيين والحراك الجنوبى بدعوى محاربة القاعدة ولمباركة توريث الحكم فى اليمن لابنة احمد .

وسألناها ان كانت قد زارت اخيها فى المعتقل من قبل ؟ قالت :- ذهبت الية للزيارة مرة واحدة بصعوبة حكى لى خلالها عن التعذيب البشع الذى تعرض لها على ايدى سلطات الامن السياسى اليمنى خاصة تعذيبة بالكهرباء لفترات طويلة , والاشد كما قالت ادخال علية فى زنزانتة اربعة او خمسة من المتهمين بالانتماء لتنظيم القاعدة ليقوموا بضربة والتعدى علية على اساس انة كافر وشيعى ويجب محاربتة !!

اضافت اننى ارجو ان يعى العالم حقيقة هذا النظام وخطورتة على اليمنيين وعلى العالم لانة هو الداعم الرئيسى للقاعدة , وانا كجنوبية لو قصيت عليك تفاصيل الحياة فى جنوب اليمن ستذهل من كم المعانة التى نعانيها وعدد المعتقلين الذين يعدون بالالاف ,,
ارجو فقط التضامن مع شقيقى وابراز قضيتة

********

في ابريل - ٢٠١٠ قامت طفلتي العبدلي ، زينب و الزهراء باداء أنشودتين مؤثرتين مهدى الى والدهما و هو في السجن :-

I'll Meet the Nobel Peace Prize Laureates 2011

2011-12-11T09:00:00.001+01:00

2011 has been a very exceptional day for Yemen. People of Yemen have demonstrated to the whole world a great sense of resilience and fortitude like no one would ever imagine regardless of all the killing and hardships.

After 11 months of its uprising, the well-armed nation still remains peaceful in the face of gunshots and shelling by Saleh's security forces. Around 2,500 people have been killed and more than 9,000 people got wounded and the remaining people still cling to peace. The brutal killing didn't only take its toll on the people physically, but it also took its toll on the humanitarian situation and the country's infrastructure. People suffer from shortage of electricity, water and, periodically, fuel. Tens of buildings around big cities have been demolished or shattered by the continuos shelling. In addition, there are thousands of internally displaced people who fled to other provinces to escape the attack. Indeed, it's been a tough year for people in Yemen.

However, there have been several happy news related to Yemen.

This year carried lots of regional and international prizes for Yemenis. Many outstanding figures from Yemen were awarded very important prizes. They are the following:-

-Tawakkol Karaman, Nobel Peace Laureate for 2011.

-Arwa Othman

-Khaled al-Hamadi

-Najeeb al-Muqbeli

Undoubtedly, it's been a very memorable year for Yemen with all its pain and happiness. As long as people of Yemen are snatching prizes and getting some work done on the ground, I'd have a great faith that the future is really bright. I leave it here while I'm preparing myself for tomorrow. I'll be meeting the three amazing ladies, the Nobel Peace Prize Laureates for 2011, after I was invited by the Foreign Ministry in Sweden to a big event where the three ladies are hosted in Stockholm. I'm so excited and over-joyed to have this chance .. I love Yemen, I love Sweden, I love life!! :)

Tawakkol among the three Women Who Received the Nobel Peace Prize 2011

2011-12-10T23:53:00.001+01:00

Please Write a Letter that Could Stop a Yemeni Lady's Execution

2011-12-10T13:00:00.001+01:00

Published by Amnesty Org. - Fatima Hussein Badi and her brother Abdullah were sentenced to death in February 2001 for the murder of Fatima's husband, Hamoud Ali al-Jalal.

Fatima was reportedly questioned by the police for more than five hours during the night, without a lawyer. Abdullah apparently only confessed to the murder in order to save Fatima from being raped. During a number of their trial hearings, Fatima and Abdullah had no legal representation and were prevented from speaking in court. In September 2003, the Supreme Court reduced Fatima's sentence to four years' imprisonment but following a review after an intervention by President Saleh, this decision was overturned.

Abdullah was executed in 2005 and Fatima remains at imminent risk of execution.

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WRITE A LETTER TO THE VICE-PRESIDENT OF YEMEN

Please write a letter on behalf of Fatima to the Vice-President of Yemen. By taking the time to write the letter by hand and including your own message it will have even more of an impact.

Sunday 27 November 2011, Olympic silver-medal-winning cyclist Emma Pooley explains why Amnesty International wants people to help her through its "Write for Rights campaign".

******

أدينت فاطمة حسين بادي بارتكاب جريمة قتل عام ،2001 وتواجه عقوبة الإعدام على الرغم من حكم أصدرته إحدى المحاكم في ،2003 يقضي بأنها لم تشترك في عملية القتل . دعت منظمة العفو الدولية السلطات اليمنية إلى عدم إعدام فاطمة حسين بادي ووقف عملية الإعدام فوراً .

وقبض على فاطمة حسين بادي مع شقيقها بتهمة قتل زوجها حمود علي الجلال في 13 يوليو/ تموز ،2000 وخلال عمليات الاستجواب قال مقربون من أسرتها إن الشرطة حاولت حملها على الاعتراف عندما أحضرت شقيقها عبدالله إليها وقد غطى الدم وجهه، ووفقاً لمعلومات منظمة العفو الدولية، لم يوكل محام لها أثناء عمليات الاستجواب، ولم يُسمح لها بتوكيل محام إلا بعد توجيه تهمة القتل لها . وخلال عدد من جلسات المحاكمة، لم يحظ عبدالله وشقيقته بتمثيل قانوني، وكانا يُرغمان على التزام الصمت عندما يحاولان التحدث في المحكمة

Yemen Wins Najem al-Khaleej 2011

2011-12-09T23:17:00.001+01:00

For the second year in a row, a participant from Yemen wins the top prize for 2011 in the Arabian popular musical contest, Najem al-Khaleej run by and at DubaiTV, UAE. Najib al-Muqbeli, at age 27, born in Aden dazzled audience with his performances during Najim al-Kaleej and got the highest votes. Last year winner was Fouad Abdel-Wahed who was also from Yemen.

The moment they announced his winning:-

Amidst the horror and bloodshed the country has witnessed for the past 8 months, this joyful news came as a small treat for the people in Yemen. Right after the announcement, people in Taiz went on streets and celebrated Najib's winning. In Sana'a, people celebrated as well; shown in the following clip:-

This is merely said as a joke; but I think that part of the GCC power-transfer plan is to make UAE let Najib win :D .. but of course, he has a beautiful voice that didn't only make him win the title, but also make him have a special award from Rotana Company, "Owned by Saudi prince, al-Waleed", to have a a five-years contract. Admittedly, this year has been very exceptional for Yemen. Tawakkol Karamn from Yemen won the Nobel Peace Prize, Arwa Othman won a prestigious international award for culture. With the hope that a better future; full of joy and peace coming for Yemen, I leave you with one of Najib's performances:-

Avaaz - Yemen Update

2011-12-09T12:02:00.001+01:00

Sana’a - Thursday, December 8, 2011
Avaaz Yemen Update

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Three Women Ministers Chosen in New Yemen Government, Ruling Family Retains Control of Key Cabinets while Youth Say Revolution is “Far from Over”

“Women have to be present in the future of Yemeni politics,” said Horiayah Mashhoor, the newly chosen Yemen Human Rights Minister. “Women led the revolution and played a vital role in making it a success until now.”

In the first cabinet distribution of Yemen’s 34 ministries since Ali Abdulah Saleh signed the GCC initiative, three women opposition figures were selected by the National Opposition Council last night:-

Jawharah Thabet is an active southern official who currently holds the position of deputy secretary general of the socialist party and an official in the Aden local councils. Thabet is now Minister of Cabinet Affairs.

Dr. Amat Urrazak Hamad, a former educator, is the new minister of Civil Services, and previously the Minister of Social Affairs and Labor.

Horiayah Mashoor, the spokesperson of the Opposition National Council and a respected figure within the youth movements, spoke to Avaaz about the work that still lies ahead. “Over the last ten months, the infrastructure of the country was damaged. We have to work on the development sector if we want a stable Yemen.”

Youth Continue to Reject the Initiative, which Keeps Saleh Loyalists in Key Positions

Meanwhile, most of the military and other key positions remain under the control of Ali Saleh’s extended family, including the oil, foreign and defense ministries. Thousands of youth returned to the streets today to reject the GCC Initiative, which officially removed only Ali Saleh from his presidency.

Mohammed Hashem, a youth activist in Sana’a denounced the new cabinet and called it a “cover up” to save Ali Saleh from prosecution. Hashem told Avaaz, “We did not revolt against the oppressor just for a cabinet change. This will continue until justice prevails. Hashem was among the hundreds of thousands of pro democracy protesters who marched today throughout the county calling for the continuation of the Yemen revolution.

“Saleh is still president. His family still controls the army. He has not been prosecuted, and innocent Yemenis continue to die every day. Our revolution is far from over.” According to Sana’a based human rights organization HOOD, at least 36 people were killed by government forces since the GCC power proposal signing two weeks ago.

“The world must understand that Ali Saleh’s ruling party is working on making the next government fail,” Mashoor said. “He will try to cause problems. His goals are not to help the people of Yemen.”

A Note on Saleh's Supporters

2011-12-06T23:30:00.001+01:00

I'm often told by some Arabs who I meet that they perceive that the majority in Yemen are supporting Saleh. My reaction consists of two feelings. One, I resist screaming at their faces to tell them, "That's absolutely ridiculous and NOT true." The second feeling I have is, "This is so sad to hear from Arabs who supposed to be well-informed about the situation in Yemen and have a pretty good idea of how Yemenies have been suffering from Saleh's aggressive bloddy oppression against the revolution." Yet, I stay calm and try as much as I can to explain the truth.

Realistically speaking, Saleh does have supporters but! they are minority. His biggest fans are in Sana'a only and the remaining provinces are, I'm %99 positive, totally pro-democracy. During Fridays, he gathers his supporters in Sabaen square in Sanaa as a show-off sign that he still has "legitimacy" & "supporters". The supporters gather only on Friday and most probably they are paid to do so. I vividly remember what a taxi driver told me when I was in Sanaa about the payment the supporters get. "I swear to you, they are paid with $200 per each Friday they attend. I saw them receiving the money while I was picking up customers. Believe me!," he told me.

On the other hand, there are thousands and thousands, if not millions, of people across the country, in 15 provinces out of 22, who have been protesting day and night for the past 10 months - "for free" - , in fact, paying a very high price for the change and democrcay they want to see in Yemen.

So, if Saleh had supporters, they are paid and temporary. While the ever-lasting Yemen, has supporters around the country who are willing to sacrifice all what they have for the sake of change and dignity to prevail for the whole nation.

PS. The photo above is some kind a tease-gesture; an email I received from a pro-Saleh individual. "Long Live Ali Abduallah Saleh", says the email.

تعز مدينة شبعت من الموت

2011-12-06T08:38:00.001+01:00

" تعز" يا عـزَّ الأعـزةِ و النـَّجابة و النجاب

العـزُّ من حَرفـَـيـْـكِ مولودُ المشيمة والجـراب

مَنْ ذا يـُـنازعك الوليدَ فسوف يـُعـيـيـه الطـِّلاب

أرواحنا وضعت لأجلك فوق أنـياب الحراب

و سيـوفنا هجـرت مدائـنها لتسكن في الـرقاب

السبت القادم تنفيذ الحكم... معا لوقف حكم الإعدام على السجينة صباح الجعدي

2011-12-05T15:16:00.001+01:00

وصلني ايميل من مكتب اتحاد نساء اليمن و بصراحة حزنت جدا لقراءته. بالرغم اني اختلف مع مكتب اتحاد نساء اليمن الا انه ليس باستطاعتي ان لا اعير اهتمامي بهذا الايميل. اليكم مضمون الايميل و لمعرفة المزيد من المعلومات ، الرجاء التواصل مع مكتب اتحاد نساء اليمن في صنعاء.

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اهديك يا امي هذه الرسالة مني ومن اخوتي اننا نحبك ولن نتنازل عنك....
هكذا بدأت الابنة مريم رسالتها لوالدتها صباح حسن الجعدي السجينة في السجن المركزي بصنعاء المحكوم عليها بقتل زوجها المجني عليه محمد غالب الجعدي.
فارق الاب حياته مقتولا بالرصاص بينما تنتظر والدتهم تطبيق حكم الإعدام السبت المقبل الموافق 10 ديسمبر2011م..
قتل الزوج في بيته المكون من خمسة ادوار في كل دور شقتين ، حيث وجد ملقيا على الارض في شقته التي يقيم بها مقابل شقة ابنائه وزوجته .

في اليوم الذي يسبق مقتله كما اوردت السجينة طلب المجني عليه من زوجته تحضير العشاء له ولضيفه وإيقاظه بعد الفجر للذهاب مع الضيف بغرض شراء بيت للأخير.
وعند استيقاظها في الصباح هي وبناتها وجدن باب الشقة وباب المنزل مفتوحين ، فاستغربت الزوجة لاستيقاظه وخروجه دون أن يعلمها ، لتدخل إلى غرفته فتجده مقتولا بالرصاص .تم القبض عليها هي وبناتها اللاتي يبلغن من العمر 14 ،13 عام حينها .وتم التحقيق معهن لمدة ثلاثة أيام ومن ثم تم نقلهم إلى المباحث وكما أوردت السجينة انها لم ترى بناتها خلال مدة التحقيق وهي ستة عشر يوما.

وبالتالي وعلي حسب ما أفادت فهناك أكراه على الاعتراف على حد قولها وخوفا على بناتها وبقصد الإفراج عنهن .
قام اتحاد نساء اليمن بإرسال مذكرة إلى النائب العام لتأجيل تنفيذ حكم الإعدام إلى يوم السبت القادم الموافق10 ديسمبر2011م،وتم قبول المذكرة، وقام الفريق القانوني المكون من 5 محاميين من اتحاد نساء اليمن اليوم بالالتقاء ببنات السجينة( ريم ومريم). وفي بداية اللقاء واجهه فريق الاتحاد صعوبة التفاهم مع بنات السجينة اللتين رفضتا مجرد النقاش في العفو عن والدتهن ،وحاول الفريق إقناعهن بالعفو الا ان الفريق لاحظ إن الفتيات تحت ضغط أسرة المجني عليه ،ورفضتا العفو وتمسكين بالمطالبة بالقصاص من والدتهن صباح الجعدي ، رغم الرسائل التي حصل عليها الاتحاد بخط ابنتها مريم (مرفق الرسائل) تفيد أنها نادمة على كذبها أثناء التحقيق، وإنها اعترفت على سماع صوت الرصاص يوم مقتل والدها بالإكراه مبررة ذلك بالضغط الذي واجهته من أسرة المجني عليه والدها ،إذ أن الأطفال يعيشون لدى والد المجني عليه محمد غالب احمد الجعدي .

يناشد اتحاد نساء اليمن جميع المنظمات والجهات المعنية الوقوف معا لإعادة النظر في حكم الإعدام على السجينة صباح حسن عبدالله حزام الجعدي في الاربعينيات من عمرها من محافظة ريمة.

UNICEF Deplores Deaths among Children in Recent Armed Clashes in Taiz

2011-12-05T14:35:00.001+01:00

UNICEF in Yemen is following with great concern the armed confrontation that continues in Taiz day after day with a direct impact on the most vulnerable - women and children, despite the power transfer deal signed on 23rd November 2011. During the past four days alone, at least three children have been killed and seven other children have been seriously injured.

Access to basic social services and their availability is becoming ever more limited with both schools and hospitals under attack from the armed forces and groups. More than 100,000 children are directly affected having limited or no access to schooling or health facilities.

“We are greatly disturbed by the confirmed reports of violent attacks on children in Taiz and their increasing deprivation from accessing quality basic social services and the impact on their psychosocial well-being” says Geert Cappaelare, UNICEF’s Representative in Yemen.

“All parties to the conflict have to put the interests of children above all other considerations. No single war is worth the life of a child. Education, Health, Quality Nutrition, Protection and Drinking Water are not luxury goods that can be dispensed with. They are fundamental rights and their fulfillment is critical to assisting Taiz and Yemen to move forward and bring an end to under-development and human suffering,” adds Cappaelare.

Taiz, I love you!

2011-12-03T12:50:00.001+01:00

While I'm typing this post, Taiz city, at the moment, in Yemen is under a heavy shelling from Saleh's security forces. So far, more than 20 people have been murdered and tens got wounded over the past three days due to the continuous shelling over residential buildings.

One wonders, how is that happening while, the semi-truce deal, the GCC deal was signed! “As if shelling the city was one of the GCC deal's passages which the JMP signed upon,” tweets @TahaAbdoh from Taiz. It's extremely heartbreaking to follow the news from Taiz while nothing has been done to stop the horror and the bloodshed.

My relationship with Taiz starts when I was a teenager and we had a relative of my family visiting us. Her name was Sa'ada (Happines) and she was from a village called al-Raheda, located at the countryside of Taiz. She was very sweet and spoke a pure Taizi dialect. She was very wise and taught me lots of housekeeping skills. I must admit, she was struggling with poverty but had a great grace. She stayed at our place for couple months while she was going forth and back from hospital; having medical treatment for her daughter, Hend, 6, who suffered from Meningitis.

Sa'ada used to tell me many stories about how life was difficult in Taiz. My teenage mind didn't really comprehend that Sa'ada used to tell me those stories with a great sense of resilience and fortitude. Now things are getting clear for me. She had the warmest smile .. I loved her dearly and will always do. The couple months passed and Sa'ada had to leave our house in Sana'a. She went back to Taiz with Hend. Months later we received the news that the little angel Hend passed away due to her chronic illness and probably lack of finance for proper medical treatment.

Years later, my family and I visited Taiz and met Sa'ada again .. life was still hard in Taiz; economically and infrastructure speaking. Yet, people of Taiz were very hospitable, warm-hearted, and welcoming with big smiles in their faces.

I have many stories about Taiz .. my best friends are from Taiz .. my two cousins are in Taiz at the moment .. I want to write about that too but .. I can't handle the pain anymore. My tears will ruin the keyboard .. I'll just leave it hear and hopefully Taiz rise up again and peace comes back to the city that I've always loved.

Taiz Under Attack

2011-12-01T12:38:00.001+01:00

Exactly like how Saleh lost legitimacy with the first blood drop from protesters, the GCC deal lost legitimacy while Taiz is savagely being shelled at the moment. So far, 7 people have been murdered and tens were wounded. What GCC deal and immunity for Saleh are were talking about!! I don't get it!

It breaks my heart watching this clip..

This is not the first time Taiz is under attack or mothers in Taiz mourning and crying over their loved ones. It's been over 6 months since the city has been savagely targeted by Saleh's armed loyalists and security forces. Till when! Till when the people could tolerate the horrible situation .. it's indeed crimes against humanity and Saleh must not get away with this.

"توقيع صالح على المبادرة الخليجية هو محاولة فاشلة للإفلات من المحاكمة العادلة التي لن يغفرها له هذا الشعب الذي قام بثورة عظيمة هي اكبر ثورة شعبية في التاريخ المعاصر .. وإذا كانت أحزاب المعارضة قد أعطت لنفسها الحق في منح صالح الحصانة فيما ارتكبه من جرائم فإن أرواح ودماء الأطفال و النساء و الشباب العزل سوف تلاحق صالح و أعوانه حتى تحقيق العدالة المنشودة حتى لو كان الحامي له هي دول الخليج ومن ورائها أمريكا و الغرب لأنهم يستقون روح.."

- منقول

In Solidarity with Tahrir - Demo

2011-11-28T19:50:00.000+01:00

Yemen is experiencing two revolutions, says female activist

2011-11-28T19:42:00.001+01:00

(Published on cnn.com, 17th Nov. 2011) It's hard not to become distressed, when I'm carefully following the situation in Yemen since violence got worse. It's even more troublesome not to become distressed thinking that there is a bleak future waiting for Yemen.

The fight by the security forces against unarmed protesters is indeed inhuman. More than 2,000 protesters have been murdered and more than 8,000 wounded by security forces across Yemen. Admittedly, the uprising has a long way to go but one of its great merits so far is the exceptional participation of women.

I have been astonished by the growing numbers of female protesters as the uprising has proceeded. It started with just a few women; then day after day the number multiplied. Thousands of female protesters have been actively participating in demonstrations across the country since February 2011. Female doctors have been playing an important role treating wounded protesters and female activists have been running seminars on political issues.

Mr Saleh's (Yemen's current president) security forces arrested four female doctors on 19 April 2011, while the doctors were marching along with a peaceful demonstration to provide medical help if needed. The female doctors were released after a huge condemnation and pressure from protesters. Even female protesters were not immune from the savage killing by pro-government thugs. On the 16 October 2011, I was saddened to see a female protester being shot dead by a thug's bullets. Aziza Othman was murdered in Taiz during an attack at a peaceful and unarmed protest by women. A very important recognition of women's participation in Yemen's uprising is the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Tawakkol Karman, one of the leading pro-democracy figures in Yemen.

I believe that there are several motives behind this amazing participation by women -- I myself joined the protests and rallies because I want to build and improve my country. I wanted it to be a double revolution; a political one to topple President Saleh and a feminist one to ensure that women have equal rights in what Yemenis hope will be a new Yemen. It was a double political statement: First, that women have as much right to call for democracy as men, and an indirect message to lift gender apartheid.

Indeed, it's been hard to be a woman in Yemen. A woman's gender, by default, deprives her of rights enjoyed by men. Women in Yemen have been always marginalized in law. As in many developing countries, women in Yemen suffer from limited access to healthcare, economic opportunities and education.

I remember vividly attending a seminar in Sana'a by Amal al-Basha, one of the leading feminist and human rights activists in Yemen and founder of The Arab Sisters Forum for Human Rights in in March this year. I asked her, "Do you think that the uprising will serve women's rights?" "We have been dealing with a state system that marginalised women for over three decades; unfairly snatching their rights," she said. "Women in Yemen have only a restrained degree of legal protection in regard to family matters such as marriage, divorce and inheritance.

"Many women in Yemen are forced to get married when they are still children. This corrupt system means women in Yemen have one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world. Seven women are raped every month in Yemen, with no concrete punishment from the state for rapists. "Women in Yemen also suffer from illiteracy. The current system provides a relatively low degree of protection for women's physical integrity. "There are no laws against domestic violence and the law does not recognize the concept of spousal rape. There is zero observation and accountability by the government to ban the practice of female genital mutilation. How can women not call for change! Of course the uprising will serve women's rights," she told me.

In a nutshell, the participation of women in the uprising has huge merit. What women have done so far embodies their civil and political liberty. Bearing in mind that freedom for women in Yemen is usually subject to numerous limitations; their participation in the uprising is extraordinary. What they are doing is really a protest against socio-political norms that have always limited their freedoms.

What Happens in Egypt Doesn't Stay in Egypt

2011-11-26T00:47:00.001+01:00

Dear crazy beautiful Cairo,

How are you? I hope this letter finds you well. I thought to send you this letter since I'm leaving you tomorrow. I want to tell you about my two weeks trip to you and Egypt as a whole, so here we go!

I have always wanted to visit Cairo.. I have always been eager to see the place Um Kulthom, Najib Mahfouz and most of the Arab world's intellectuals came from; and see Egypt, the country rich with history and civilization. Then, your revolution started against Mubarak's tyrant regim on the 25th of January, 2011 and that doubled my eagerness to visit you. It was really a dream that I impatiently wanted to come true. Then, I was lucky and over-joyed to have the chance to finish my diploma from the Swedish Institute in Egypt. I arrived in Alexandria on the 12th of Nov. and stayed for one week. The week later; I rushed to Cairo to go directly to Tahrir square to have a political dosage from Egypt. And, of course, to spend one more time around Cairo's venues, cosy cafes(A'ahwa) and see the Pyramids.

To be honest, I liked Cairo more than Alex ,, I don't know why! My first week in Alex was relatively calm from the political level. There was no demonstration and I spent most of the time on studying with the Swedish Institute. The walk along the coast was really soothing and wonderful; thanks to the sea's nice breeze and the lovely accompany I had with the other participants in the course. During the walks, it was very easy to hear what the people were talking about. Definitely, politics was the hot topic. It was like there was preparation for something but I couldn't figure it out. It was not clear that the revolution was about to have the second round.

"The raining at that moment" Alexandria has wonderful cafes (A'ahwa) flavored with classical songs of Abdel-Halim, Um Kultholm and Mohamed Abdel-Wahab. One coup of tea with mint at one of those cafes could easily make anyone forget all his problems and relax. I loved the cafes and its tea... THE tea with mint ;)

Then, I moved to Cairo; the crazy beautiful Cairo. My first day was on Friday 18th of Nov. Once I arrived, I headed along with friends to Tahrir Square. It was pretty calm and vibrant. The chants were magnificent. That represented the political liberty that the nation is thirsty for. I walked out of Tahrir to walk over the bridge where the great attack took place against protesters by the security forces during the first days of the revolution earlier this year. That gave me goose bumps.

Next day, the violence began as protesters were protesting next to the Interior Ministry. A number of protesters were killed and hundreds were wounded by security forces. After being warned hundreds times by the Swedish Institute, friends in Cairo and family in Yemen not to go to Tahrir, I had second thoughts of going. My friends and I waited one day and went next day to see what's the situation for real.

Well, the critical situation was at Mahamed Mahmoud St. where the clashes took place, so we avoided going to there. The square is so big that have more than four streets siding from it. It was pretty safe everywhere except Mahamed Mahmoud St. but the tear gas around the whole Tahrir was really harmful to anyone who was there. Personally, I got physically ill. My throat and chest were hurting me a lot and my voice vanished and one of my friends had her eyes hurting; tearing because of the tear gas. It was really awful and I can't imagine what the protesters at Mahamed Mahmoud St. went through.

Interestingly enough, people outside Tahrir have a normal life; like nothing is happening. That was a bit confusing but I have seen such situation in Yemen too. Life goes on anywhere, no matter.

Couple days later, I went with few friends to donate blood at Qaser al-Eini hospital for protesters. Two of my friends managed to donate, one Swedish friend fainted while donating and I was rejected to donate because of my small weight. I was very sad for myself and my friend who fainted. Thank God he was alright afterwards.

Overall, the welcoming looks and words I got from Egyptians when I told them that I was from Yemen, were priceless. The discussion and talks about politics were deliciously never ending. The whole trip energized me totally and I cherish every moments. No doubt, this was my first trip and will NOT be my last. I loved Egypt and I can't wait till it gets the freedom it aspires for. I want to come back next time to celebrate that.

Post Card from Tahrir Square in Cairo

2011-11-19T03:22:00.001+01:00

Finally, I landed on Tahrir square in Cairo, Egypt.

After a busy week in Alexandria with the YLVP11 training program, we all arrived to Cairo today. No doubt, the first thing most of the participants had in mind to do was to go directly to Tahrir square. Unfortunately, while the big demonstration was taking place we were on our way with the bus. Though, we managed to catchup with the news on the TV at one restaurant on the way. The mass was huge. I felt so happy that the revolution is continuous and that I’d
get to go there later.

Ignoring all the warnings we got from the Swedish Institute of being careful to go there for our security, most of us were determined to go. Before reaching the square; I saw the burned building that was part of the day of anger during the first days of the revo in Egypt. Then, the bus went on the same bridge that hundreds protesters were fighting security forces with their unarmed & peaceful protest. The buildings and spots are really memorable and the events are unforgettable.

Then, I arrived to Tahrir square and my inner battle began. I felt the most intense mixed feelings. Right at the entrance, there was a tent for Yemen’s revolution. There was a photo exhibition for victims in Yemen; who were killed; wounded by security forces. I kept seeing the photos and felt the rush of all my blood.

It touched my soul and heart. I was astonished of the new Arabian deep bond since Egypt’s revolutionaries were supporting Yemen’s revo for sure. I felt nostalgic for Yemen and Change square in Sana’a. It was an extreme emotional moment for me. I was very touched to see the big posters for Yemen. I really couldn’t hold my tears.

I was very moved about the whole trip to Tahrir. Then, a dear friend told me; "This is good. we being touched and moved; is a great indicator of how really passionate we all are about our causes." In all cases, it’s not only that Egypt’s revolution continuous, but also Yemen’s. Egyptians want the military to hand over the system to a civil one; and Yemenis’ want ouster of Saleh who seems not to leave at all. Both countries are still working to make it! Till then, the revolutions are continuous.

A Real Massacare in Taiz

2011-11-11T17:37:00.001+01:00

"What's happening in Taiz is a real massacare on unarmed civilians at their houses and there is no guarantee that anyone is safe," tweeted @TahaAbdoh from Taiz. So far, at least 13 people, including women and kids have been killed after Saleh's troops savagely attacked pro-democracy protesters and civilans at their houses. Also, dozens of others were wounded, including civilians.

While United Nations envoy, Jamal Benomar is in Sana'a to discuss the GCC's deal, extremely graphic clips from Taiz depict the real horror and crime against humanity taking place at the moment.

Here is a clip of parents telling of how their son, Hani, was shot dead; shattering his whole head while he was only at home.

And here is Hani's sister writing with her brother's blood on the wall of their house, the word (Irhal ya Safah) meaning "Murderer, leave!" ; refereeing to Saleh.

And here is when couple of women protesters were attacked with shellings at the Freedom Square in Taiz.

And this is Zaynab al-Audini who was murdered today; at the Freedom Square.

Here is Zaynab's sister mourning over the death of Zaynab

And here is Amal Abdel-Wahed, a little girl who was also murdered today

Here are several kids being rushed to hospital after they were injured during the clashes. The little girl screams with a traumatized face, "I don't want to die!"

The hospital was also shelled. Here is a clip depicting what was taking place inside the hospital while the attack

Sanaa Could Explode at Any Time

2011-11-07T18:09:00.003+01:00

By Journalist, Dr. Mohammed al-Qadhi

The crisis in Yemen has entered its 10th month, with few signs that Ali Abdullah Saleh is willing to step down despite a transition deal offered by the Gulf Cooperation Council and the United Nations. As Yemen slips from political paralysis towards outright anarchy, its people press on with their daily lives. Among them is Mohammed Al Qadhi, who has reported for The National in Yemen since 2008. Born in 1974 in the district of Shara'ab Al Salam in Taiz province, Al Qadhi was awarded a doctorate in English literature from Sanaa University in 2007. He, his wife, Haifa, and their four children live in Sanaa. The following are excerpts from his journal.

************************************

It's September and I'm hunkered down with my wife, Haifa, and four young children in the basement of our single-family villa in Nahda. Once a virtue for its proximity to the centre of the capital, the location of our home is now a liability. We're one kilometre away from the headquarters of the First Armoured Division, which defected from the army and is now a regular target of artillery volleys. We're also one kilometre away from the Sufan district, where pro- and anti-government forces frequently fight. My family is terrified by the latest shelling, which shakes the house.

As I write this, my daughter Aseel asks, "what is that noise?". I keep telling her that it is fireworks being shot off to celebrate at a wedding. But even though she's only 7-years-old, she doesn't believe me. "You're lying to me," she says. "Let's travel to another place where there's no gunfire."

It saddens me that such a young child, let alone my child, is faced with gunfire, violence and killing. She should be thinking about what other 7-year-old girls think about in safer, saner countries. Since the uprising began here in January, we have been subjected to artillery explosions, random street violence and power outages, as well as food and fuel shortages. We have been unable to enjoy the simple pleasures of normal family life.

Nothing has been normal since January.

January and February

After the uprising in Tunisia, protests start at the gates of nearby Sanaa University. Demonstrators are demanding the resignation of President Ali Abdullah Saleh. He blames the protests on "suspicious foreign agendas".

Like many Yemenis and other Arabs, though, my wife and I are excited. We're thrilled that what kept our eyes glued to the television broadcasts from Tunisia and Egypt may now be happening here in Yemen, which is way overdue for political reform.

As more and more people join the protests, the security forces respond with more and more force. Haifa is nervous whenever I go to report on the demonstrations, which I do most days.

Protesters are harassed and driven off by either the police or the government thugs known as Balatijah. Agents of the secret police, Mukhabarat, accost me and other reporters, demanding to know our names and for whom we work.

At a February 18 protest, a policeman in plainclothes threatens me and a colleague with his baton when we try to escape into the safety of an alley. We convince him that we're not protesters and that we're heading home. Another reporter isn't so lucky: the Balatijah beat him badly. On February 20, despite the violence and threats, the protesters establish a permanent camp in front of the university.

March and April

On March 18, when the protesters try to erect more tents and expand their camp away from the university's front gates, all hell breaks loose. Government snipers kill 53 protesters. Haifa is shocked at the sight of the dead bodies on television and begins to weep. Our comfortable life in Sanaa ends today.

We are now scared to send our daughters, Maha, 10, and Aseel to school. It is just too dangerous. They run the risk of getting caught between the protesters and government security forces. Although I feel safe enough to continue doing my work, Haifa and the children are basically locked indoors. Three days after the massacre, General Ali Mohsen Al Ahmar, the president's long-time confidant, defects from the government side and takes the First Armoured Division with him. They take up positions around the protest camp to protect the demonstrators.

Sanaa feels like it could explode at any time. If that weren't unsettling enough, it's tough to obtain gas for cooking and petrol for the car because tribesmen have blown up a crucial pipeline.

May and June

The violence has ruined the school year for my daughters. On afternoons when street fighting has broken out, I tell our driver to take them to their aunt's house when classes are over because it's closer to the school. He brings them home after things calm down.

Sometimes it's so uncertain what will happen during the day that we don't even try to send them to school. Even when they manage to make it to class, they don't know what they'll find. Many teachers have gone on strike so they can protest against Mr Saleh. The complex and fragile alliances that make up Yemeni politics have been roiling since January.

In May, there's a cataclysmic shift, as fighting breaks out near my neighbourhood between soldiers loyal to the president and supporters of Sheikh Sadeq Al Ahmar, leader of Yemen's Hashid tribal confederation. The next day, I go to the sheikh's house where tribal chiefs are meeting with representatives of the president to negotiate a ceasefire. Gunfire erupts and I and another reporter race to my car and speed away. Minutes later, an artillery shell hits the sheikh's house, killing at least nine people and wounding 30 more. Towards evening, Haifa calls in a panic. A blast has shaken the doors and windows of our home. Aziz, our two-year-old son, is screaming.

When I get home, Aziz, who we call Azooz, vents his fear and anger against Saleh. Too young to understand what is going on, he blames the man whose image he sees so often on television. "I want to beat him. He scared Azooz," he shouts.

Fearing more violence, I decide to take my family to our hometown, Taiz, about a four-and-a-half hour drive from the capital. There, we stay in Haifa's family home. After spending two days there, I tell her that I have to return to Sanaa. She is afraid about what can happen to me and furious that I'd leave her and the children alone.

"If you're not going to take care of yourself, you at least should take care of us," she says. In the end, I go and Haifa phones constantly to check that I'm all right.

Back in Sanaa, the atmosphere has grown more sinister. People are afraid to go out, the streets in parts of Sanaa are deserted, and the Mukhabarat are more aggressively searching out reporters working for foreign news organisations. One day, I'm unable to find a taxi and catch a ride with a man on a motorbike. I hear gunfire and suddenly feel too exposed. A bullet could hit me and it would be over. On June 3, Saleh is badly wounded in an assassination attempt and he flees to Saudi Arabia for medical treatment.

It turns out that the attack is a blessing for me and my family because a few days later, the fighting stops, thanks to a truce mediated by Saudi Arabia.

By mid-June, my family is back in Sanaa.

Egyptian activist/blogger Alaa Abdel Fattah blogs from detention

2011-11-05T02:56:00.001+01:00

I am writing this blog while being ashamed of myself, I left Tora Investigative [jail] on my insistence and nagging because I could not take the difficult circumstances of the appeal detention, the darkness, the filth, the cockroaches that crawl over my body day and night, there is no break and we don't see the sun, darkness again, but the issue that bothered me most was the toilet, I don't know how to handle the filth of the toilets and the absence of doors and stayed five days fasting, binded binded binded.

I was confounded by Nawarah (Negm)'s article in which she spoke of my manliness, but Naglaa Budeir's article reminded me of my previous detention where the blog was my refuge and where I was honest with myself.

I didn't know how to man-up and take (the conditions), even though thousands are bearing such conditions and worse, even though I haven't experienced the agonies of a military jail and wasn't tortured like other colleagues of military trials.

I have let down my colleagues of the Maspero (incident) detention and that of the Ministry of Defense along with other politicians, I have let down the convicts who were moved by the commotion that was created for me and decided to tell me about the atrocities of the Interior (Ministry) so I can tell the people, they were happy that someone could tell of the baltagiya (thugs) and the organized gangs, and yet I fled for the toilets.

I have exchanged the youthful company of the convicts that was filled with happiness & joy with that of the (ones accused of embezzling) public funds that is full of geezers, depression and boredom. During the appeal (prison time) I was daily discovering stories of those who were wronged and (other) important cases, the low ranked police officers who were detained after their first protest and were accused of burning the ministry. I didn't believe that there was something genuine amongst their ranks until I had met them. Tamer Rashwan, whose case is very ambiguous makes us doubt that the State Security is developing new discreet tools instead of detention, torture and neglect that I have witnessed in front of my eyes that I was memorizing so I can tell you about them when I get out.

It's not the convicts only who felt that I can play a role from the inside, the detectives were also harassing and inspecting whoever was conversing with me and the large number of informants and all what I said found its way to the administration.

I left all that for a more spacious, cleaner and brighter cell, and because I couldn't man up and withstand the toilets of the appeal (prison). This is my capability, these are my limits and this is my weakness.

Even the decision of rejecting being investigated in front of a military prosecution that you are celebrating has an element of cowardice, the day we gathered to take the decision I did not have any courage to listen to (my wife) Manal's opinion whom I will leave alone in the last days of her pregnancy and will leave her alone to oversee the workers who are preparing Khaled's room, I who shall be detained and she who shall be burdened while she is running around for my demands, my sustenance and my visitation permits as well as the campaign that was founded for my case.

I took the decision in a meeting with colleagues from the revolution and got her stuck and didn't listen to my wife and depended only on the certainty that she will back me up in all my choices.

And yet I am proud, it's true I am not the macho that Nawara (Negm) thinks I am but I am not a coward either, I was offered by an important person from the revolution a plea that allows me a swift exit, get out but refrain from insulting the General (Tantawi), only that, a small sacrifice was asked but I rejected it, how would I have faced my family if I had accepted?

Let's begin from the start: How are you? I am Alaa, a foot soldier in the revolution, there are those who sacrificed more than me, those who are much more courageous than me, and those whose role is much more important than mine.

I am Alaa, proud that I am doing what I can and sometimes surprise myself with what I am capable of. And I know myself and what I am not capable of. I try never to fail my commitments, I try to overcome fear always and I constantly try to be in the front lines at all times.

If you see in me any magnanimity, courage or bravery know that I draw them from my mom, my younger sisters and my wife (who being separated from is the hardest part of detention).

The Fifth Day and the First Night in Cell 1/6, Ward 4, Tora Investigative (Prison)
3-November-2011
Alaa Abdel Fattah
@Alaa

More Agony for Yemen

2011-11-05T02:40:00.001+01:00

I'm stealing the title from this VERY brief but interesting text taken from this (blog) . Notice the date for the article and you'll have an idea of how LONG Yemen has struggled for democracy and change. Also, the titel does really describe the situation in Yemen currently.

I was shocked to watch this clip from Hasabah St. in Sana'a where the battle is really intense between Saleh's forces and al-Ahmer's forces. It's about pieces of a dead body thrown on the street.

HEARTBREAKING! Why! why all this bloodshed!!?? I can't understand! this guy could be someone's son, someone's father, someone's brother; husband...and there could be many other bodies shattered like that which were not filmed. This feels my heart with sorrow and pain; realizing for sure that there are crimes against humanity in Yemen, while the world is doing nothing! I guess, our fault is that Yemen is poor and has little Oil; unlike Libya! If we were just as rich as Libya; France, US, Britain, NATO, X & Z would have rushed to give us a hand!

Unfortunately, while Yemenis wish to hear the world's voice to support it, it only hears this ;

Every Yemeni activist; inside and abroad that I know of is doing whatever he can do to support Yemen. Tawakkol also is actively working on brining more international media and support for Yemen.

Tawakkol also had an article published on my favorite newspaper, the Guardian.

Overall, the uprising shall continue. Here is the proof of a clip taken Fri. 4th of Nov.

Yemen’s Power Cuts; an Extreme Hard Life

2011-10-29T18:46:00.001+02:00

Amal Ibrahim, a housewife living in the Yemeni capital Sana'a, has to contend with power cuts that have become a daily occurrence since the protests and consequent political crisis began in the Arabian Peninsula country earlier this year. “I am unable to do my household chores such as cooking and washing as an electricity outage can last for 22 hours a day,” she told dpa. “This reminds me of the hard life in the early 1980s when housewives used to do housework manually for there were no electric appliances,” Ibrahim adds.

Millions of Yemenis have taken to the streets since February demanding an end to President Ali Abdullah Saleh's 33-year rule. The crisis has recently turned violent with clashes, frequently resulting in deaths, between forces loyal to Saleh and his rivals becoming more frequent in Sana'a. Before the eruption of the anti-Saleh uprising, residents in Sana'a say the electricity supply was erratic but not as bad as it is now.

“I miss those days when electricity used to be cut off for only four to five hours a day,” says Mohammed Abdullah, who runs a furniture workshop in Sana'a.Due to the frequent power blackouts, Mohammed says he cannot meet orders from his customers on time. “I have bought an electricity generator so that I can do my job,” he says. But he is facing another problem: a shortage of diesel fuel necessary for operating his generator.

“Diesel is not available in Sana'a. I have to go outside the capital to get it at prices, which are at least twice as high as before,” he says. Work at the International Bank of Yemen in Sana'a has also been negatively affected by the lack of electricity, according to employee Basim al-Bahri. “Worse, we sometimes run out of diesel fuel for generators used by the bank,” he adds.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said on Friday that essential services such as healthcare, electricity, water and education have been deeply disrupted, if not suspended, in Sana'a due to violence.“Over the past few weeks, there has rarely been a moment of calm in Sana'a,” the ICRC said. “For everyone, it is difficult if not impossible to move about within the city, which is filled with armed men, checkpoints and roadblocks,” said Eric Marclay, the head of the ICRC delegation in Yemen.

Despite the power outages, people in Sana'a notice that on certain occasions, electricity is always available. This was the case on September 23 when the Yemeni president returned to the country from Saudi Arabia where he had stayed for almost four months recovering from injuries sustained in an attack on the presidential palace

Likewise, there are no power cuts when the president gives a televised speech. “Only on such occasions, we can lead a normal life,” says al-Bahri. Government officials have blamed power outages in Sana'a on attacks mounted by anti-Saleh tribesmen against electricity grids. But the opposition accuses the government of deliberately disrupting electricity supplies to distort the image of anti-Saleh forces. - Sapa-DPA
*Source; Daily News

***
Here is a clip of a peaceful demonstration to protest against the power cuts in Yemen. They are chanting "Shame shame, there is no electricity day and night!"

#Saleh Regime Continues Crackdown and Violence against Peaceful Protesters

2011-10-25T21:55:00.000+02:00

Sana'a. - "I can't bear it anymore", said a volunteer nurse in Taiz. "Half of the time we can’t do anything for the injured but pray. There are so so many.” 6 protesters killed, 11 critically injured, 105 injuries from beatings & 383 injuries from tear gas inhalation, according to medics.

At least four civilians were killed in governmental raids on the Ahmar Family residence in the Hasaba and Sofan districts of the capital. The Ahmar family was one of the first supporters of a regime change.

Despite a UN delegation currently visiting Sana’a, Saleh’s forces continued with the crackdown of peaceful protesters. At least two pro democracy protesters were killed in Change Square today when government security forces shot at demonstrators. More than 47 people were fired upon, according to Dr. Mohammed Qubati, a doctor in the square.

“Injured continue to enter the medical hospital here,” said Qubati, “the death toll will rise due to the lack of medical equipment we have. The government is committing a massacre here against unarmed youth.”

************

Taiz. - 8 killed & dozens wounded

Central security forces continued to attack pro democracy protesters according to eyewitnesses and residents.

In the Rawdha district of Taiz, hospital doctors have reported eight deaths so far, amongst them a 13 year-old child.

Dozens of casualties are now streaming through the doors of the hospital said medical staff.

Yasser Nusari, a doctor in Freedom Square Taiz said five protesters were shot by the government. “Streets are now chaotic and forces are everywhere attacking anyone who is against the regime,” said Nusari.

“At least 38 people were shot by government forces. It’s unbelievable how the government is killing its own people.” Eyewitnesses said that security forces bombarded the center of Taiz. Moshiqi and Rowdah districts were hit hard by the government as RPG’s and heavy artillery were used against protesters as well as pro revolution fighters.

Clashes then erupted between the government and fighters loyal to the democracy movement. Clashes between them started at noon and are still ongoing.

*Source. Avaaz.org

'Video shows Muammar Gaddafi being sodomized'

2011-10-23T17:26:00.000+02:00

OMG!!!!!

Exclusive: Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Tawakkul Karman on the Struggle fo...

2011-10-21T22:30:00.000+02:00

Yemen's youth continue calls for change

2011-10-18T20:58:00.000+02:00

My Heart Aches Deeply for Yemen

2011-10-17T23:17:00.001+02:00

I’m sacred to call family and friends as I see Yemen’s bloodshed intensfying like never before. I don’t want to hear bad news. I’m scared to think that at this moment, while I’m typing, a house in Sana’a could be being rocked with explosion; a house of family and friends of mine. I’m scared to think that I could have lost a loved one. So, I don't call. Hundreds houses in Yemen have already been rocked with explosion and more than 2 thousands people have already been shot dead by security forces’ savage bloody oppression. With each rocket and murder my heart aches deeply. It’s unbearable feeling I have. I feel bitterness and helpless.

As I’m being told that I’m labeled now as an “immigrant” in Sweden (But I'm a blogger in exile), I walk on streets and see Swedes walking normally and peacefully. I get confused. I feel I want to scream out loud, "HELLO! my people are being killed in my country, will you care please?!! " Then, my head gets shattered. I can't scream. No one will hear and it won't really make a difference. But secretly; I want to grap all the people's hands and tell them about the crimes against human rights in Yemen. I want to tell them; that Saleh is murdering innocent people because he adores power more than anything else. He'll kill humans or animals or whatever for him to stay in power.

Then, I realize my inner thoughts and feelings don’t match what I see outdoor. My daily activities consist of following news about Yemen, watching horrific footages from Yemen, tweeting about Yemen, blogging about Yemen, talking about Yemen with friends and at seminars, and studying at school about being an "immigrant". I have seen so much bloody clips than I could ever remember. I’m traumatized. My senses are becoming numb. I look at people on streets and I can’t help it but visualizing them without heads or their chests having bluets. It's been one week for me trying to cry really hard to let the feelings out but I'm not succeeding. I try to cry to feel better but I can't. I can't cry. I'm heavily traumatized and I really can't cry. I wish I can.

I’m worried all the time about Yemen. When I’m awake; it’s weather I’m following its news or daydreaming of how I’d like it to be. When I’m asleep, I have nightmares about explosion; blood, people dying in front of me and hearing bluets. While I’m asleep. I get so much stressed that my teeth hurts because I’d be biting so tight as I’m in pain unconsciously.

Messages and emails from people I know and I don’t know are pouring into my inboxes asking me to help them immigrate. They write to me that they can't take it anymore. I get shocked and paralyzed as I’m reading those messages. What shall I reply!! I can’t help it but get depressed because of the bleak current situation and pain people from Yemen have to endure.

Honestly, only hope that keeps me going. Only faith on my people and bright future that keeps me alive.

More Bloodshed in Yemen

2011-10-16T19:45:00.001+02:00

In 24 hours, Saleh forces kill, even with RPGs & anti aircraft guns, over 30 in #Sanaa & Taiz in total disregard to human life.

I dream...

2011-10-14T09:21:00.001+02:00

I dream of a day when only peace and tranquility exist in Yemen & the world.

I dream of a day when I call family and friends in Yemen and they tell me that they have safety, water, electricity, fuel, decent life and all basic services by the state.

I dream of a day when all Yemenis; men and women are the most educated people with the best quality education.

I dream of a day when Yemen is 1 of the wealthiest countries in the world.

I dream of a day when Yemen is a democratic and stable country.

I dream of a day when I blog about fashion and beauty since we don't have human rights violation.

I dream of a day when all soliders are playing guitars not carrying weapons.

I dream till my dreams come true one day...

**********

Another dreams by a beloved friend of mine as follows;

I want to open a hospital that provides good healthcare for free, funded by an independent charter
at least till the economy builds up again

I want the 6 rials to be worth at least 1 dollar

I want to see the children of Yemen speaking, reading and writing fluently in Arabic, English and French!

I want them to have the same opportunity that I had here, to live without fear and to learn without limits

Those are my dreams for Yemen

Yemeni Activist Tawakkul Karman, 1st Female Arab Nobel Peace Laureate: A node for Arab Spring

2011-10-07T19:46:00.000+02:00

‎"Tawakkol Karaman, first Arab woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize" oh! music to my ears :) ♥

Never Underestimate what Yemeni Women Could Achieve!

2011-10-07T15:43:00.001+02:00

تعليق وسيم القرشي على مشاركته في الاتجاه المعاكس

2011-10-06T00:20:00.000+02:00

اولا أشكر وأقدر كل الذين كتبوا اوارسلوا لي تقديرهم عن مشاركتي في الاتجاه المعاكس لكن ذلك يحملني عبئين الأول اني اشعر اني اقل الشباب عطاء واكثرهم جزاء والا فكيف تقاس مساهمتي بكلمة امام من قدموا ارواحهم ،الثاني أن شبابا بهذا الطهر وشعبا بهذه الروعة هل استحق ان انال شرف تمثيله في أي مقام .. أنا مطمئن لمستقبل اليمن لأنه يملك أبناء محبين يتوقون لمستقبل أجمل

The Most Heated Discussion about Yemen’s Uprising on al-Jazeera

2011-10-05T18:18:00.000+02:00

Thousands of Yemenis; inside & outside Yemen, were glued on their TVs, watching one of the most intese episod of the well-established show on al-Jazeera, al-Etjah al-Mu’akes, last night.

The guests were the revolutionary, Wasim Alqershi, who is a member of the organizational committee of the people’s youth revolution in Yemen, and one of Saleh’s thugs, Yasser al-Yamani , the ruling party spokesperson. Wassim started by stating most crucial and horrific statistics about Yemen’s worsening issues and he went on to discussing the current political turmoil. Yasser, was tumbling and looking stupid to answer questions addressed to him. It was very clear that the voice of truth was delivered by Wassim. He did a great job in voicing what lots of Yemenis would like to say in such challenging time; when more than 8 months passed for Yemeis’ struggle.

At the end, Wassim stated clearly that Saleh and all corruption figures will put of trails and justice must be served for all the crimes Saleh & his thugs have caused to Yemenis and Yemen.

Here is the link of the full interview;

حلقة ساخنة من برنامج الاتجاه المعاكس عن الثورة اليمنية

2011-10-05T08:22:00.000+02:00

حلقة تاريخية في برنامج الاتجاه المعاكس على قناة الجزيرة جمعت بين الثائر وسيم القرشي و البلطجي ياسر اليماني في الاتجاه المعاكس . بصراحة! وسيم القرشي زاد و وفى و قال ما في قلب كل ثائر يمني.

و اليكم تويتات تم نشرها عن الحلقة البارحة ضمن الهاشتاغ
#mu3ax on twitter

فيصل القاسم لياسر يماني: ما شاء الله.. تقتلوا القتيل وتمشوا بجنازته؟*

مسكين ياسر اليماني أهبل زياده عن اللزوم!مش كانت الحكومه تختار ناس عدله تتكلم بإسمها ؟*

انا ارشح وسيم يكون رئيس اليمن القادم.*

فيصل القاسم بتحصل له سكته قلبية في الحلقة من ياسر اليماني البلطجي حق صالح ههههههه وسيم القرشي رفع رأس*

القرشي:علي صالح يدعم القاعدة*

يتكلم على الجنوب ياسر اليماني وهو بري منة اين هو عندما كان الرئيس يقتل المظاهرين السلميين في الحنوب*

وسيم القرشي: سنحاكم كل الفاسدين والمذنبين واللصوص أولهم علي عبدالله صالح ،*
ولن يكون هناك أي استثنائات (يقصد أبناء الاحمر)

نعم.. صالح أكبر شحات وأكبر دليل مؤتمر المانحين لإنقاذ اليمن*

القرشي: مجموعة من الفاسدين يديرون اليمن*

وسيم القرشي ؛ نظام صالح ورم خبيث فشلت كل جرعات الكيمواي بعلاجه ولم يبقى سوى الاستئصال*

د. فيصل القاسم يشرشح ياسر اليماني والنظام اليمني*

يقول ان الديمقراطيه بصرف المستحقات للمعارضه وهذا ما يقوم به الصالح , وكأن الصالح يقدم حسنه من جيبه للشعب اليمني*

د. وسيم القرشي: أنا خُلقت وعلي عبدالله صالح رئيس*

الانتخابات تتحدث عنها يا غبي بعد فترة فترتين انتخابيتين اربع ثمان سنوات مش ٣٣ سنة*

مطبل.. مطبل.. مطبل.. مطبل.. مطبل.. مطبل.. مطبل.. مطبل.. مطبل.. مطبل.. مطبل..*

وسيم القرشي رفض يسلم على البلطجي ياسر اليماني ههههههههه*

القرشي في رساله اخيرة سوف نحاكم الصالح*

مقابلة مع الناشطة السياسية توكل كرمان

2011-10-02T09:26:00.000+02:00

Saleh is asking for the Sharia'a Laws to judge on anti-protesting in Yemen !!

2011-09-28T23:33:00.001+02:00

"An airplane was shut down by rebel tribal men, al-Qirbi, the Foreign minister was scolded by his friend with a touching message, Saleh is asking for the Sharia'a Laws to judge on anti-protesting in Yemen !! , and the next Friday's name is about to be made in coordination with Syria's revolutionaries. The political landscape in Yemen seems to have many developments all the time happening so fast that it's so hard to catchup."

That was my Facebook status couple hours ago. Since I had to be busy all day with doing some errands, I came home to see the news and I was overwhelmed by the fact that it's so hectic for Yemen's political space. Keeping in mind, this has been the case for almost a YEAR now in Yemen!

Couple hours later, I got a tweet from a follower saying; "There will be a fatwa (advisory opinion)announced tomorrow , Thursday by a so-called "Religious Leaders of Yemen" giving a religious permission for Saleh to forcefully disperse any form of protests or gatherings from streets."

My first reaction was laughing. This man has really surpassed himself in all his manipulative tactics. What kind of a move is that! I'm really pissed off. I hope it's not true and it won't be carried on for real. I hope Saleh was just joking or whatever! Time is ticking and apparently not only Yemenis are frustrated of this staging situation, but also Saleh. He's so frustrated that he's invention unbelievable ways to sneak out of this.

I hope he reads this or Yemen's Central Security forces read this and tell him. I tell him; Keep religion out of this you moron!! It's very unacceptable argument from you when you are the one who adores Whiskey ! (Check this)

Overall, best reply to the so-called fatwa is the following tweet;

The tweet says; Someone stops Saleh from his madness! He seems to be mentally ill. Instead of signing the GCC's initiative & saving himself, he'll destroy the country totally. My Allah be with Yemen! "

Yemeni women protest against Saleh

2011-09-26T22:22:00.000+02:00

Another Bullshit Speech by #Saleh

2011-09-25T21:11:00.000+02:00

Tomorrow is the 49th anniversary of September 26th Revolution when Yemen became a republic in 1962, overthrowing Hamidaddin family monarchy. Strangely enough, on that occasion, Saleh addressed "his" nation 1 hr ago; as if he's Yemen's legitimate president! Keeping in mind that he had lost his legitimacy, once one drop of blood was shaded from the peaceful protesters by his forces, his speech had nothing new. It was what we usually do hear from him since the upraising started. I really think that he's just buying more time like he's been doing since Feb.

Saleh Return Prompts Fears of More Bloodshed

2011-09-23T22:00:00.000+02:00

My piece for Institute for War & Peace Reporting

President Ali Abdullah Saleh, who has spent three months recovering in Saudi Arabia from injuries sustained in an attack on his compound in June, has returned to Yemen at the end of a bloody week of protests against his regime.

“Saleh sneaked into the country like a thief,” said Tawakel Karaman, a political activist in Sana’a. “He flew back to Yemen from Saudi Arabia... to Aden. Then he took a helicopter to his presidential palace in Sana’a in secrecy.”

Supporters of the embattled leader rejoiced at his arrival on September 23, with scenes of celebration in some parts of the capital.

“Pro-Saleh supporters... are singing and dancing, firing their guns in the air, shouting, “Thank God our leader has returned!” Sana’a-based journalist Tom Finn said.
“We had heavy celebratory gun fire this morning after the announcement that Saleh had returned. We’re getting ready for more after he gives a speech,” Atiaf al-Wazeer, a Sanaa blogger, added.

Activist leaders believe his return will improve the chances of eventually holding him to account.

“Saleh’s return is one of our demands and it will facilitate him to be dragged to the International Criminal Court. He’s a war criminal and he must be held accountable for the crimes he has done,” Foad al-Himiari, a spokesman for the opposition, said.

But Saleh’s reappearance has prompted fears that further violence is about to erupt in the troubled state, which in recent days has seem some of the worst unrest since the revolution began.

In Sana’a, at least 80 people have been killed and hundreds wounded in the last week in renewed clashes between security forces and soldiers from the renegade 1st Armoured Division, an army unit, led by General Ali Mohsen, which defected to the opposition in March.

Farea al-Muslimi, a youth activist in Sana’a, said, “This is the first time in my life I see Sana’a this unsafe.”

The escalation began on September 18 when protesters, joined by soldiers from the renegade division, marched from Change square, the focus for anti-regime protests.

Tens of thousands of protesters for the first time approached an area known as Al-Zubair road, near the office of the president’s son Ahmed Saleh, who is also the head of loyalist Republican Guards.

This has been regarded as the unofficial limit for protests, and demonstrators were reportedly fired on by the security forces. Images of protesters’ bodies with horrific wounds indicated that heavy weapons such as RPGs may have been used against them.

Clashes later broke out between opposition military forces and government troops.
Tareq al-Shami, spokesman for the ruling General People's Congress, GPC, said in a televised interview that “we were surprised at the military escalation coming from 1st Armoured Division”.

The surge in violence - at least two people were killed and 10 other injured in the city of Taez also - reminded many Yemenis of the so-called Friday of Dignity last March in which some 55 people were killed by government forces.

Gulf Arab mediator Abdul Latif al-Zayani and United Nations envoy Jamal bin Omar arrived in Sana’a soon after the clashes broke out.
They met Ahmed Saleh at the United Arab of Emirates embassy to discuss renewing talks relating to an initiative by the Gulf Cooperation Council, GCC, that would see President Saleh hand power to Vice-President Abdrabuh Mansur Hadi, in return for immunity from prosecution for himself and his family.

The Yemeni president has been in Saudi Arabia ever since he was injured in a June attack on his Sana’a compound, and has so far refused to agree to demands for a transfer of power that would bring about the end of his 33-year reign.

But Bin Omar left the country without reaching any agreement with Ahmed Saleh.

The negotiations were not welcomed by many in the opposition.

“We say enough with diplomatic and political solutions,” said Tawakel Karaman, one of the leading political activists in Yemen, in a television interview. “The revolution must succeed no matter what. We reject the GCC and we say it’s not welcome anymore. They just came to rescue the remnants of Saleh’s regime.”

-----------------------------------------

While I was writing the piece this wonderful clip was taking place next to the change square in Sana'a ; where protesters were chanting & holding their shoes for Saleh. Holding shoes in Arabic culture against a person, is a VERY degrading gesture.

The Devil is Back

2011-09-23T09:50:00.001+02:00

Silent Protest for Yemen in Stockholm

2011-09-23T00:21:00.001+02:00

I'm co-organizing a silent protest worldwide for Yemen in Stockholm, next Sat. at the Sergerls Torg. If you are interested and available in Stockholm, please come & bring as many friends as you can.

Date:Saturday, September 24
Place: Sergels torg
Time: 12:00pm - 2:00pm

The Facebook Event page: (here)

Anas, Peace be upon you!

2011-09-22T23:33:00.000+02:00

Ans, the 10-months-old little child shown in the following clip was among the 80 protesters killed in Yemen, since Sun. 18th Sept. by Saleh's savage & brutal forces. Anas was killed in the cross fire during the clashes with security forces.

His father had a message to the world about his son's murdered in the foloowing clip. The translation is below.

"A message to the friend countries, look at this child, where are the international organisations? Where are the children's organisations? Where are they not here to witness what Ali Abdullah Saleh did to those children? Why are his snipers killing them? My message to them is to stop supporting him, my message to them is to stand with Yemenis, the people of Yemen, those who will remain here once the regime falls."

Peace be upon you, Anas, & Saleh must be taken to intl. criminal courts for the sake of Anas and all the innocent people killed by his forces.

No Immunity for Saleh & his Remnants after all these Crimes against Humanity

2011-09-22T12:51:00.001+02:00

At least 70 anti-regime protesters were killed since the last Sun. 18th Sept. by Saleh's forces & hundreds were injured. Till this moment, shelling & bombing around change square & the capital Sana'a are taking place. Yemenis inside the country & abroad are terrorized & traumatized by the brutality the forces are facing peaceful protesters; the youtube clips coming from Yemen are the real proof. The following clip left me paralyzed & unable to move for couple minutes while my tears pouring on my face. I'm heartbroken & speechless because I can't imagine that Yemen's "security" forces could attack Yemenis ; just because the forces are defending their leader!! Then, who will defend Yemenis!!

The clip is very graphic; especially at the 00:58 seconds and forth. Truly, Saleh must be held accountable & dragged to the International Criminal Court for all the wars against humanity he has been done.

Crimes against Humanity In Yemen

2011-09-19T19:52:00.001+02:00

No words could describe the crimes happening in Yemen against the peaceful protesters. The images speak for themselves. I no longer could type .. my fingers are trembling while I'm in shock & disbelief of the brutality those youngster had to endure .. I'm losing my mind thinking that families would bury their sons with missing pieces of their bodies !!

The clips say one thing; WAR CRIMES by Saleh's forces in Yemen.

A Call for Sanctions on Saleh's Regime - #Yemen #UN #Humanrights #Warcrime

2011-09-18T20:28:00.000+02:00

Local reports indicate death toll rise to 24 martyrs & 800 injured in anew massacre by the regime against peaceful protesters while they were rallying towards Kentachi round. This round has been regarded as the limit where the protesters should never cross in their rallies since it's very close to Ahmad's house (Saleh's son).

It's another war crime by Saleh's regime.. I just can't dry my tears while I'm writing this post. Till when!! Till when Yemenis' blood is cheap!! I aslo think of the international community's silence towards Yemen's peaceful uprising!! I wonder ; how many people should be killed in Yemen before the world support Yemen's uprising!!!!”

I just pray that now before tomorrow, the UN must have a serious special meeting about Yemen. I really believe it's time to call for sanctions on Saleh's regime.

Feels Like I'm an Ambassador of #Yemen to #Sweden

2011-09-16T18:10:00.001+02:00

I asked; "Do you know where is Yemen?"
She answered; "In Africa!"

That was a true incident happened with me during the lastest seminar I participated in; where I was speaking about the need for democracy in Yemen. I find it hard to tell people about the uprising in Yemen when they have no idea where is Yemen, in the first place!

I don't want to generalize but I have to be realistic & admit that Yemen has been an invisible country for many people around the world. Perhaps, if it wasn't for the "Arab Spring" , many people would have never known about my country. It's interesting how if I find people who know or read about Yemen, they immediately mention al-Qaeda, Qat & kidnapping tourists in Yemen. These aspects are partially essential but Yemen is a country greater than those aspects.

Another incident that usually happens with me is when I meet people & tell me, "your the first person I know from Yemen." I really don't know how to feel about that. I guess I have a bit of mixed feelings. There are two main feelings I'd have. Firstly, I take it as a compliment. Secondly, I also feel sad for how Yemen & Yemenis have been isolated for a long time. I attribute my latter feeling to poverty, corruption & dictatorship which Saleh's regime made sure to prevail around the country.

Dictatorship regimes work in that mannar. They isolate its people so they don't get enlightened about freedom around the world. Yemen's government has been controlled by one person "Saleh" & his group for over 3 decades & his corrupt regime lead the country to immense challenging issues. One of those issues is destroying Yemen's image inside & outside Yemen.

For me, I was privileged enough to comprehend those hidden matters and I still have a long way ahead to realize more issues. It's not going to end here. Every time I'm socializing with strangers, I can't help it but to talk about Yemen; hoping to do a good publicity for Yemen; the great country. I seem not to be able to talk about anything else but Yemen, lately. It feels like I'm an ambassador of Yemen to Sweden. I'd not mind that at all if my feeling comes true. ;)