Publication

This paper analyzes the Yemen uprising, tracing its causes to the multiple problems marking the Saleh era. In particular, the author identifies rampant corruption, personalization of the state, the distortion of culture, social divisiveness and rent-seeking. Consequently, in the eyes of many Yemenis, President Ali Abdullah Saleh is now part of the problem, not the solution. Many observers fear that the possible collapse of Saleh's autocratic regime would entail grave risks to domestic, regional and international stability. However, the author believes that the political change could in fact reverse the appalling trend toward lawlessness and disintegration of the state.