Sanaa was in for a major surprise when US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton decided to visit. The first in 20 years by a US Secretary of State, Clintons visit was aimed at sending a strong message to Yemeni people. That of friendship.
There is growing recognition in Washington that counter-terrorism efforts will not succeed on military means alone. That is why, from Afghanistan to Yemen, the focus is shifting towards broader socio-economic support to help societies and check any leanings towards radicalisation.
Clintons historic visit as stated by Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Al Saleh tried to do exactly that. In fact, while reiterating support to Yemen, Clinton emphasised a balanced approach incorporating social, economic and political assistance. While Washington has doubled aid to Yemen over recent years to $300 million, it is not deemed sufficient to deal with the dismal economic situation in the country. Besides, rampant poverty, high unemployment, lack of education, shrinking water levels, poor agriculture, Yemen faces political instability. President Salehs consolidation of power even after decades remains tenuous. Sanaa, to date, faces a tough time in dealing with political dissidents having failed to reconcile disparate factions and address their grievances. Besides Shia Houthi rebels, Sanaa is also battling separatists in the South.
In the midst of all the political turmoil, separate Al Qaeda affiliated groups have re-emerged as a powerful umbrella entity, Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) a serious contender to Yemeni and regional security. Not only that but the AQAP is now a major threat to international, specifically US security. Alluding to the US-born Yemeni cleric Anwar al Awlaki who is believed to be behind major terror plots targeting the US and currently in hiding in YemenClinton talked about the shared concern terrorists like him posed to both the people of Yemen and the United States.
Deteriorating socio-economic conditions are believed to be a primary contributor to the increase in recruitment by terrorist groups. This is why the US feels the need to balance the aid package. Clinton specifically spoke of the need to have a dialogue with the Yemeni government on how the US could help in bringing vital social and economic reforms aimed at improving the living conditions of the people. Clintons informal exchange with a select section of Yemeni society though this was the elite educated class was also aimed at delivering the same direct message.
Resentment among the larger section of Yemeni society against US strikes is growing stronger by the day. The US needs to realise that no matter how big the sweetener package of economic aid, it cannot substitute for the anger felt at the violations of sovereignty. Any aid package, therefore, should not come with such extra baggage. In short, any counter-terrorism operations must only be carried out by Yemeni security forces.
