Q&A
Christopher Boucek
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Source: Getty
In The Media
The Threat from Yemen
While the rise of al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula has focused international attention on Yemen, the country’s economic and demographic challenges pose a greater threat to its stability than al-Qaeda does.
Published on Jan 3, 2010
Source: Al-Jazeera
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After the January 2009 merger of the Yemeni and Saudi al-Qaeda affiliates of al-Qaeda into a single group called al-Qaeda in the Arabian Penisula (AQAP), the terrorist threat from Yemen has grown exponentially. There have been numerous attacks planned by AQAP, most notably the Christmas day bombing attempt on a U.S. aircraft and several operations in Saudi Arabia. While the United States is now investing in efforts to curtail AQAP’s activities, the real challenge is to help Yemen with the manifold economic and demographic problems it faces. According to Christopher Boucek, “It is not al-Qaeda that will doom Yemen. Rather its failing economy, rapidly depleting water and oil reserves, and massive population growth are the main challenges the country faces.”
About the Author
Christopher Boucek
Former Associate, Middle East Program
Boucek was an associate in the Carnegie Middle East Program where his research focused on security challenges in the Arabian Peninsula and Northern Africa.
- Yemen After Saleh’s Return and Awlaki’s Exit
- Rivals—Iran vs. Saudi ArabiaQ&A
Christopher Boucek, Karim Sadjadpour
Recent Work
Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.
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