Skip to content
  • Image
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Podcasts
  • Email
  • Contact
  • Home
  • Opinion
  • News
  • Features
  • Comment
  • Store
The Arab Daily News

The Arab Daily News

Original news, features, opinions from Chicago to Jerusalem

  • About
    • About
    • Our Writers
    • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
    • Book Store
    • Contact
    • Submit Book Reviews, Press Releases
    • Advertise
    • Privacy Corrections Policy
    • Profile on Ray Hanania
  • Features
    • Food
    • Book Review
    • Humor
    • Movies
    • Travel
  • Arab Stores Targeted
  • Arab Community Network Page
    • Arab Community Network Page
    • Arab Heritage America resources
    • Directory
      • Groups & Organizations
      • Mosques, Churches
      • Restaurants
      • 2008 & 2014 Arab Media Directories
    • National Arab Heritage Month
    • Video: Chicago Arab History
    • Video: Photo Array of Chicago Arabs
    • Overview of Arabs in America
    • Hanania standup comedy
    • Arabs on the Titanic
    • Obituaries
  • Podcasts
    • Arab News Ray Hanania Radio
    • Ray Hanania on Politics Podcast
    • Podcast Info
    • Hanania Podcast intro
    • Live Arab Radio
  • Your Views
  • Submit Press Release
  • Toggle search form
  • J.B. Pritzker from his election campaign Facebook Page at UFCW union endorsement.
    Pritzker interview with Arab American newspapers American Arabs
  • AHRC Logo new Feb 2021
    AHRC “Spirit of Humanity” Awards & Dinner Gala, New Date:  Friday, October 21, 2022  Activism
  • rab American Democratic Club hosts a gathering of elected officials and journalists looking at the recent elections, celebrating Ramadan and Arab American Heritage month (April.)
    Arab American Heritage Month, Ramadan feted by Journalists and elected officials American Arabs
  • Chicago Mayoral candidate Dr. Willie Wilson promised to ensure that Arabs and Muslims will be included in his administration during a visit he made to celebrate the Eid Al Adha with Chicagoland's Muslim community.
    Chicago Mayoral candidate Dr. Willie Wilson promises to support Arabs and Muslims Activism
  • Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    Pritzker makes more appointments, none are Arab American American Arabs
  • The American Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East (American FRRME) helping Christians in Iraq
    New report on Christians in Iraq shows desperate situation and needs Arab World
  • Winter in Bekaa Lebanon January 2015 Photo courtesy of NRC Lebanon. January 7, 2015 in Bekaa valley Lebanon. Heavy snowfall in Lebanon January 7, 2015. Yesterday staff from NRC Lebanon’s Bekaa office were working with refugees to put in place flood mitigation measures in advance of the forecast harsh storm which hit overnight. Field teams distributed 1,205 plywood sheets and 885 bricks as floor-raising kits for tents in two settlements in the town of Sarain, and 250 wooden pallets to ensure a clear pathway in five settlements in the town at risk of flooding. Niamh Murnaghan, NRC’s Country Director in Lebanon said, “This morning residents of these informal settlements awoke to a knee-deep blanket of snow. With roads impassable in Bekaa, our staff have not been able to reach refugee settlements, but refugees have sent photos of themselves clearing the snow from their tents.” Photo credit: NRC Lebanon/Syrian refugees in Lebanon. January 7, 2015 in Bekaa valley Lebanon. Heavy snowfall in Lebanon January 7, 2015. Yesterday staff from NRC Lebanon’s Bekaa office were working with refugees to put in place flood mitigation measures in advance of the forecast harsh storm which hit overnight. Field teams distributed 1,205 plywood sheets and 885 bricks as floor-raising kits for tents in two settlements in the town of Sarain, and 250 wooden pallets to ensure a clear pathway in five settlements in the town at risk of flooding. Niamh Murnaghan, NRC’s Country Director in Lebanon said, “This morning residents of these informal settlements awoke to a knee-deep blanket of snow. With roads impassable in Bekaa, our staff have not been able to reach refugee settlements, but refugees have sent photos of themselves clearing the snow from their tents.” Photo credit: NRC Lebanon/Syrian refugees in Lebanon.
    AHRC Observes World Refugee Day American Arabs
  • Endorsements: Democrats in the Illinois June 28, 2022 Primary election Activism
  • The Arab Daily News candidate endorsements: Cook County, Illinois American Arabs
  • Endorsements: Republicans in the Illinois Republican Primary Election June 28, 2022 Election
  • Joseph Gutman was appointed by Gov. Pritzker to serve as a Member of the University of Illinois Board of Trustees. Gutman was a Partner at BDT & Company from 2017 until retiring in January 2020 where he remains a consultant today.
    Gov Pritzker makes more appointments to state commissions, boards but no Arabs American Arabs
  • World Jewish Congress Chairman Ronald S. Lauder
    WJC President Ronald S. Lauder Receives France’s Top Distinction  Activism
  • Project DYNAMO rescues more than 600 people from Mariupol, Ukraine over the last week Major Mariupol rescue operation conducted by Project DYNAMO, more than 480 people from Mariupol as city under violent siege falling to Russian forces. 
    Project DYNAMO rescues more than 600 people from Mariupol, Ukraine over the last week Human Rights
  • US Congressman Sean Casten, 6th District, Illinois
    Congressman Sean Casten joins Ray Hanania Radio Show American Arabs
  • The U.S.S. Liberty photo courtesy of the USS Liberty Veterans.
    Survivors of Israel’s strike on USS Liberty commemorate 55th year June 6 – 8 American Arabs
Gamal Gasim, associate professor of Middle East Studies and Political Science at Grand Valley State University

Is a Military Coup d’état imminent in Yemen?

Posted on January 7, 2015January 7, 2015 By Ali Younes No Comments on Is a Military Coup d’état imminent in Yemen?
SHARE ...
          
 
  

  • Tweet

By: Gamal Gasim, Ph.D

Professor Gamal Gasin
Professor Gamal Gasim

Is Yemen on the verge of a rapid and dramatic change through an imminent military coup d’état?  It has been difficult to follow the dramatic events unfolding in Yemen since the Houthis entered the capital city, Sana’a, on September 21, 2014; but when looking carefully at the trajectory of events in Yemen and other Arab Spring states, one can see a common theme: the brutal fight to stop the Arab Spring. 

This brutality has taken various forms, such as a total civil war in Syria and in significant parts in Libya, as well as a strong organized military intervention in Egypt.   In Yemen, the signing of the Gulf Imitative for power transition brokered by the Gulf States and once blessed and hailed by the international community, has given the former authoritarian leader, President Saleh, legal immunity from future prosecution.

 However, Saleh has used this controversial immunity not only to glorify his government’s legacy—he opened a presidential museum to document and showcase his political history—but also to undermine the entire transitional process.  Once again, Saleh has demonstrated his unscrupulous Machiavellian skills in leading the opposition.  Saleh made an offer to his opponents—primarily the Islamic party (the Islah) and the Yemeni Socialist party (YSP)—that when he stepped down from the presidency he will teach them how to lead an effective opposition, essentially mocking their inability to competently oppose him during his rule until the Arab Spring erupted in late 2010.  Ironically, Saleh proved that he is a man of his word and immediately reached out to his former enemies, the Houthis, to establish an unholy alliance targeting key actors who participated in the Yemeni Uprising: the Islah, the Alhmar family—the most powerful tribal leadership in the country, and general Ali Mohsen Al-Ahmar who once was Saleh’s right hand-man.  

The Houthis’ expansion and the sudden fall of the capital city, Sana’a, into their hands revealed calculated and highly-planned military tactics that would not have been possible without the help of Saleh loyalists in the military who remain powerful despite president Hadi’s military restructuring measures.  Indeed, the role of Iranian money and weapons in aiding the Houthis is beyond any reasonable doubt.  The Islah, the most organized political party, viewed the Houthis as a tool to eliminate Islamist power in Yemen.  Thus, the party elected to capitulate in the interest of political expediency and avoid direct military confrontation with the Houthis.  This facilitated the Houthis’ easy military victory in Sana’a.  Now, with the Houthis controlling Sana’a and other significant key cities and military camps, president Hadi appears extremely weak, with no real political power or allies. 

Sana'a
Sana’a (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The terms of the political arrangement between Saleh and the Houthis remain undisclosed; however, it is clear that they have been enormously successful in halting Yemen’s democratic transition and are in the final stages of consolidating all political power in Yemen.  Increasing political rumors coming out of Sana’a and the formation of an informal military group to restore political stability and security in the country suggest that the Saleh-Houthi alliance is in the final steps toward a military coup to permanently quell the Yemeni uprising.  Although it is unclear how the Houthis and Saleh will rule Yemen, it is almost certain that a military coup will open the door to political chaos and civil war.  Increasing Al-Qaeda attacks coupled with the growing frustrations of tribal leaders and youth activists will only fuel further destruction in Yemen.  Scenes showing the destruction of the Houthis’ opponents homes and leaked videos of tribal leaders humiliated at the hands of the Houthi militia will likely radicalize many previously nonviolent political actors.

Where does the international community stand with respect to the precarious situation in Yemen?  While Iran appears victorious at this juncture and may now have access to the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has lost the patronage of significant traditional supporters such as the Al-Ahmar family and general Ali Mohsen.  Although the Houthis may appear to be helping the United States in its war against Al-Qaeda, the group is gaining support as the only political force that can stand against the Houthis.  It is very dangerous to assume that the Houthis are capable of eliminating Al-Qaeda in Yemen; they are not. What will happen instead is that Yemen will likely become a failed state, which history shows as the best political environment for the growth of political terrorism. Yemen is at a crossroads and needs to be saved!

Dr. Gamal Gasim, is Assistant Professor of Middle East Studies and Political Science at Grand Valley State University

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Ali Younes
Ali Younes
Ali Younes

Ali Younes is a Senior Political Analyst for The Arab Daily News online newspaper. He is a veteran news-editor, Journalist, and a Middle East analyst working for major American news network . He is based in Washington, D.C.

Reach Ali at aliyounes99@gmail.com
Ali Younes
Latest posts by Ali Younes (see all)
  • Christian College to fire professor for saying Christians and Muslims worship the same God - January 7, 2016
  • Jordanianagents arrest well-known anti-ISIS salafist Sheikh’s son - December 3, 2015
  • Why ISIS Attacked Paris But Not Other Cities - November 18, 2015

  • Tweet

SHARE ...
          
 
  
 
          
 
 Tweet 
Ali Younes, Arab World, Bloggers, Commentary, Guest Columnist, Gulf States, News, Spotlight Tags:Al-Qaeda, Ali Abdullah Saleh, Arab Spring, Houthis, Iran, Sana'a, Saudi Arabia, Shia Islam, Sunni Islam, Yemen

Post navigation

Previous Post: Snow Storms Threatens Syrian Refugees
Next Post: Author of racist anti-Palestinian book dies

Related Posts

  • GE Israel urged to embrace principles of fairness Arab World
  • The committee room of the Norwegian Nobel Committee. On the wall are portraits of all the winners of the Nobel Peace Prize. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
    BDS movement nominated for Nobel Peace Prize Activism
  • Silverstein bill to censor critics of foreign country stymied in Illinois Senate American Arabs
  • Staunch Sisi supporter calls for opening of stadia and dialogue with ultras Arab World
  • HE Mohammed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of TCA (PRNewsFoto/Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Auth)
    Dubai event explores culture in facing global challenges Arab World
  • Arab News newspaper promo layout, by Faisal Abbas, "rewriting the future"
    Arab News Newspaper launches Research and Studies Unit American Arabs

More Related Articles

Dome of the Rock view from Jerusalem street. Photo courtesy Ray Hanania Arabs should support J Street Bloggers
Abdennour Toumi at AlJazeera Offices Gulf Crisis the Reason of Discorde: al-Jazeera Intrudes Again Abdennour Toumi
Asra Nomani details her fight against extremism American Arabs
Star singer Tony Eid releases latest hit “Lamma Sheftik” American Arabs
Palestinians and Israelis protest the annual Jerusalem Marathon. Photo courtesy of the protestors. Dozens of Israelis, Palestinians protest Jerusalem Marathon Arab World
Animals rescued from Gaza zoo Arab World

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

  • OPINION COLUMNS
  • Israeli soldiers and settlers attack Palestinians in Khirbet al-Mufaqarah, on Sept. 28, 2021 captured by B'Tselem video. The attacks were intentionally distorted by Israeli TV to blame the Palestinians
    Weaponizing Anti-Semitism as a tool to protect Israel’s war crimes
    July 27, 2022
  • AHRC Logo new Feb 2021
    Time to ditch the spoils system, our elected officials need to be more inclusive
    July 26, 2022
  • Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    Nearly four years in office, Pritzker fails to deliver on promises to Arab Americans
    June 12, 2022
  • Palestinian refugees forced to flee their homes at gunpoint by Jewish terrorist groups operating in Palestine in the 1930s, 1940s and after Israel was created on May 14, 1948. Photo courtesy of the United Nations
    Unresolved status of Palestinian rights makes UNRWA essential
    May 7, 2022
  • NEWS
  • AHRC Logo new Feb 2021
    AHRC “Spirit of Humanity” Awards & Dinner Gala, New Date:  Friday, October 21, 2022 
    July 21, 2022
  • Chicago Mayoral candidate Dr. Willie Wilson promised to ensure that Arabs and Muslims will be included in his administration during a visit he made to celebrate the Eid Al Adha with Chicagoland's Muslim community.
    Chicago Mayoral candidate Dr. Willie Wilson promises to support Arabs and Muslims
    July 16, 2022
  • Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    Pritzker makes more appointments, none are Arab American
    July 11, 2022
  • The American Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East (American FRRME) helping Christians in Iraq
    New report on Christians in Iraq shows desperate situation and needs
    June 20, 2022
  • NEWSWIRE
  • Imad Hamad Director American Human Rights Council
    AHRC Calls for Moral Consistency on Human Rights, Urges President Biden to Pause His Trip to Israel:
    May 24, 2022
  • The U.S.S. Liberty photo courtesy of the USS Liberty Veterans.
    Survivors of Israel’s strike on USS Liberty commemorate 55th year June 6 – 8
    May 23, 2022
  • AHRC Logo new Feb 2021
    AHRC hosts an open meeting with TSA & community
    May 19, 2022
  • Closure notice posted on the doors and windows of Arab American businesses during Mayor Lori Lightfoot's closure of Arab owned stores in June - Sept. 2021. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania
    Chicago aldermen to host forum on Arab businesses closed by Mayor Lightfoot
    April 15, 2022

The Tabboun Column

The Political Grapevine Political Tabboun. Original photo by tim-mossholder-KX1BBNY69Ao-unsplash
  • Tabboun
  • The Political Grapevine Political Tabboun. Original photo by tim-mossholder-KX1BBNY69Ao-unsplash
    The Political Grapevine/The Tabboun, Friday Dec. 16, 2021
    December 16, 2021
  • The Political Grapevine Political Tabboun. Original photo by tim-mossholder-KX1BBNY69Ao-unsplash
    Tabboun: Chicago remains strongest Palestine voice
    September 7, 2016
  • The Tabboun: Israeli human rights violations hit
    June 30, 2016
  • The Political Grapevine Political Tabboun. Original photo by tim-mossholder-KX1BBNY69Ao-unsplash
    Tabboun: Himes questions troop deployment to Syria
    November 3, 2015
  • The Political Grapevine Political Tabboun. Original photo by tim-mossholder-KX1BBNY69Ao-unsplash
    The Tabboun: Dearborn removes statue of racist former mayor
    September 29, 2015

Creative Commons License
All work on this website is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Do not edit original work. Give credit to the original source.

  • 08-09-21-Ziyad-Sices-Ad.jpg
  • 08-09-21-Ziyad-Ad-Pantry-essentials.jpg
  • ZiyadBrandLogo-2016BlackRedBackgrnd.jpg
  • HANANIA Arab News Op-Eds
  • Ukraine conflict gives Palestinians chance to redefine their conflict
    March 9, 2022
  • Mishmeshan PHC medical center destroyed in Syrian Government assaults. Photo courtesy of UOSSM Union of Medical Care and Relief Organizations
    President Biden’s dyslexic policy in Syria is a mess
    October 20, 2021
  • Annissa Essaibi George and family
    Annissa Essaibi George faces “race hypocrisy” in campaign to be Boston Mayor
    October 20, 2021
  • Jerusalem image of Jews and Arabs walking together. Shutterstock. Courtesy of Arab News Newspaper
    Jewish Michigan lawmaker leads push for Two State Solution
    October 7, 2021
  • BOOK REVIEWS
  • Stories My Father Told Me by author and artist Helen Zughaib, book cover. Photo courtesy of Cune Press
    Stories My Father Told Me by author and artist Helen Zughaib
    November 1, 2021
  • Girl Fighters, new book on Yemen Book Cune Press
    New Book: Girl Fighters: Break Tradition in Yemen 
    October 25, 2021
  • ENTERTAINMENT
  • The Ray Hanania Radio Show Live Wed 5 PM EST in Detroit, Washington DC, Ontario and on Thursday in Chicago. Watch the program live at Facebook.com/ArabNews
    Second Season of “The Ray Hanania Show” Arab American radio launches April 6
    April 4, 2022
  • American Arab CHamber President HassanNijem accepts the Proclamation from Chicago Ald. Roderick Sawyer at the Chamber dinner March 30, 2022
    Chicagoland celebrates Arab American Heritage Month
    March 31, 2022
  • Hollywood Sign
    Will Smith violence takes Oscar protests to dangerous level
    March 31, 2022
  • 03-30-22 Arab Chamber Heritage Month Flyer
    Arab Chamber to host Arab Heritage Month dinner March 30
    March 14, 2022
  • “Rupture”, the psychological thriller produced by MBC STUDIOS, has won Best Saudi Film at the 2021 Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF).
    MBC GROUP’s Rupture wins Best Saudi Film at the inaugural Red Sea International Film Festival
    December 15, 2021
  • New-iTunes-1400-x-1400-The-Ray-Hanania-Show-Podcast-Icon-300-x-300.jpg
  • terroristbookcover-300-x-300.jpg
  • The-Kings-Pawn-Book-300-x-300.png
  • powerpr300x300ad.jpg
  • Podcast-iTunes-Logo-Chi-City-Hall-1985.jpg
Arab News Newspaper Logo
Read the Arab News, the leading English language newspaper in the MIddle East

Follow Ray Hanania at Gab.com, MeWe.com and IDobbinate.com, the alternatives to Facebook and Twitter Censorship.

Click here to get information on The Ray Hanania Radio Show and its podcasts

Copyright © 2022 The Arab Daily News.

Powered by PressBook Premium theme