Yemenis Protest for Fifth Straight Day

Egypt-inspired demonstrations demanding reform in the Middle East continue to gain momentum.

Thousands of Yemenis clashed with security forces on the streets of Saana Tuesday as the ripples of the Egyptian uprising continue to be felt by the region’s autocrats. Ali Abdullah Saleh, a U.S. ally, has been president of Yemen for 30 years and under his rule the country has suffered from poverty, unemployment, and corruption, the same grievances that compelled Egyptians to topple Hosni Mubarak. Yemen is extremely poor and sources close to Saleh say his regime does not have the power to withstand concerted opposition against him. He has promised to step down in 2013 but in the meantime is relying on the support of tribal leaders and the armed forces to sustain his rule.