• Research
  • Diwan
  • About
  • Experts
Carnegie Middle East logoCarnegie lettermark logo
LebanonIran
{
  "authors": [
    "Frederic Wehrey"
  ],
  "type": "legacyinthemedia",
  "centerAffiliationAll": "dc",
  "centers": [
    "Carnegie Endowment for International Peace",
    "Malcolm H. Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center"
  ],
  "collections": [],
  "englishNewsletterAll": "menaTransitions",
  "nonEnglishNewsletterAll": "",
  "primaryCenter": "Carnegie Endowment for International Peace",
  "programAffiliation": "MEP",
  "programs": [
    "Middle East"
  ],
  "projects": [],
  "regions": [
    "Middle East",
    "Yemen",
    "Gulf"
  ],
  "topics": [
    "Political Reform",
    "Security",
    "Foreign Policy"
  ]
}

Source: Getty

In The Media

An Inside Look at Al Qaeda in Yemen

The struggle to root out al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula will require extensive Yemeni and U.S. cooperation, but it is ultimately a problem that the Yemenis must solve.

Link Copied
By Frederic Wehrey
Published on May 31, 2012

Source: Fox News

In the continued fight against Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), the Obama administration has relied on a two-track strategy of conducting drone strikes and working to build the capacity of the Yemeni government. Speaking with Fox News, Carnegie's Frederic Wehrey explained that this dual track approach “is the best option given the circumstances and the lessons we’ve learned from Iraq and Afghanistan." Wehrey discussed how AQAP, like other branches of al Qaeda, feeds off the local grievances in a country.

In response to a question regarding whether or not the administration should utilize a larger military campaign, Wehrey noted, “This is ultimately a Yemeni problem that will have to be addressed and solved by the Yemenis.” Indeed, there is mounting evidence that the drone strikes are exacerbating radicalization, he added. Ultimately, the struggle to root out AQAP is destined to be a long battle that will require extensive Yemeni and U.S. cooperation, Wehrey concluded.

About the Author

Frederic Wehrey

Senior Fellow, Middle East Program

Frederic Wehrey is a senior fellow in the Middle East Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, where his research focuses on governance, conflict, and security in Libya, North Africa, and the Persian Gulf.

    Recent Work

  • Commentary
    The Iran War Is a Stress Test for Gulf States

      Frederic Wehrey, Charles H. Johnson

  • Research
    Russia in Africa: Examining Moscow’s Influence and Its Limits
      • Nate Reynolds
      • +11

      Frances Z. Brown, Nate Reynolds, Priyal Singh, …

Frederic Wehrey
Senior Fellow, Middle East Program
Frederic Wehrey
Political ReformSecurityForeign PolicyMiddle EastYemenGulf

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.

More Work from Malcolm H. Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center

  • Commentary
    Diwan
    Corrupted by Absolute Power

    In an interview, Marc Lynch discusses his new book decrying the post-1990 U.S.-dominated order in the Middle East.

      Michael Young

  • Commentary
    Diwan
    Why Does the Middle East Suffer “Forever Wars”?

    Because perpetual conflict enhances control, offers economic benefits, and allows leaders to ignore popular preferences.

      • Angie Omar

      Angie Omar

  • Commentary
    Diwan
    Climate Worsens the Distress of Yemen’s Muhammasheen

    The community already suffers social discrimination, so addressing inequalities requires sustained interventions.

      Musaed Aklan , Mohammad Al-Saidi

  • Commentary
    Diwan
    A Military Balance Sheet in the U.S. and Israeli War With Iran

    In an interview, Jim Lamson discusses the ongoing regional conflict and sees an unclear picture when it comes to winners and losers. 

      Michael Young

  • Article
    Kuwait’s Bidun in the Face of Climate Change are Invisible, yet Exposed

    Mitigating the repercussions of climate change in Kuwait is crucial for lessening economic disparities and achieving social justice.

      Courtney Freer

Get more news and analysis from
Malcolm H. Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center
Carnegie Middle East logo, white
  • Research
  • Diwan
  • About
  • Experts
  • Projects
  • Events
  • Contact
  • Careers
  • Privacy
  • For Media
Get more news and analysis from
Malcolm H. Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center
© 2026 Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. All rights reserved.