PID News

(AL JAZEERA) — /SNIP/ The president has warned his country that any “coup” against his rule would lead to “bloody civil war” in Yemen, which is challenged by a secessionist movement in the south, sectarian conflict in the north and severe poverty.

Western nations also fear that chaos in Yemen could allow Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula AQAP to flourish, and that a failed state bordering Saudi Arabia and a major shipping route could pose an international threat.

via Fear of the future in Yemen – Features – Al Jazeera English.

(SIDNEY MORNING HERALD) — YEMEN’S President has fired his cabinet, as anti-government demonstrations in the capital grow in number and momentum.

The move came two days after government-directed forces opened fire on protesters, killing at least 45 and wounding more than 200

via Tribes unite in fury as Yemeni cabinet fired.

(LA TIMES) — Reporting from Cairo— Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh’s ruling coalition continued to crumble Monday as three top military commanders joined the opposition.

Maj. Gen. Ali Muhsin Saleh cited the killing of more than 50 civilians by government loyalists in a statement recorded for the Al Jazeera television network. He has family ties to the president and is chief of the military’s powerful first brigade.

via 3 high military commanders join Yemen’s opposition – latimes.com.

(DEBKAfile) — Despite security police efforts to dislodge them, anti-government protesters continued to occupy the main square of Manama, Bahrain Tuesday night, Feb. 15, even after its ruler, Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa made a rare television appearance to regret the two deaths and promised a full investigation.

Wednesday, first protests were reported in Libya, starting in Benghazi, where eyewitnesses reportpolice responded to stone-throwers with water cannon, tear gas and rubber bullets.

via DEBKAfile, Political Analysis, Espionage, Terrorism, Security.