in the media

Terrorism in Yemen

The Saudi and Yemeni affiliates of al-Qaeda have merged into a single regional group and undertaken a series of attacks on U.S. interests from Yemen, taking advantage of the increasing instability of the Yemeni government and making the situation in Yemen a much higher priority for U.S. policy makers than it was a few months ago.

by Christopher Boucek

published by

KCBS News Interviews and Analysis

on December 28, 2009

Source: KCBS News Interviews and Analysis

Al-Qaeda’s Saudi Arabian and Yemeni affiliates have merged into a regional al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, and Saudi militants are fleeing to Yemen, where national instability and large amounts of ungoverned territory create a space for extremists to train. Carnegie's Christopher Boucek discusses the distinct tribal culture of Yemen, and its links with the Horn of Africa. Caught in a perfect storm of economic, political, social, and environmental challenges, the Yemeni government may not have the ability to overcome its numerous problems. The United States needs to find a way to help the Yemeni government end its war in Sa'da so that it can focus its attention on fighting Al-Qaeda.

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