in the media

The Importance of Yemen

An international approach is needed to mitigate Yemen’s economic and security challenges before it becomes a failed state, creating a harbor for extremists on the border of Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest oil producer.

by Christopher Boucek
published by
Dan Rather Reports
 on January 5, 2010

Source: Dan Rather Reports

Please Download Flash Plugin

The failed Christmas day bombing attempt drew the attention of the United States and the international community to the threat of terrorism emanating from Yemen. Yet the resurgence of al-Qaeda in Yemen is only one of the myriad challenges the country faces. Endemic corruption, rapidly depleting water and oil reserves, a civil war in the North, and a secessionist movement in the South all threaten to render Yemen a failed state. Yemen's failure would have dire security and economic ramifications for the entire region. In order to prevent this, “an international approach is needed. These challenges need to be met immediately or it could be too late for Yemen,” warns Christopher Boucek. 

Political ReformEconomyForeign PolicyMiddle EastYemen
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.