Yemen, Al Qaeda,and Revolution
The Future of the Poorest Arab Nation
Hosted by: AIIA NSW in Sydney
The event will start on: Tuesday, 22 February 2011 6:00 PM
And will end on: Tuesday, 22 February 2011 7:30 PM
At The Glover Cottages, Sydney
(02) 9247 8504 nsw.branch@aiia.asn.au
Posted by: nsw
Yemen is the Arab world’s poorest country, but it is not without strategic significance, located at the apex of the Red Sea and the Indian ocean, with a long border with one of the world’s richest countries, Saudi Arabia. It has been at the crossroads of the Middle East, Africa, and Asia for many thousands of years. It is also one of several places where Al Qaeda shelters and plans acts f terrorism.
Its people are in dire straits, potentially ready for revolution. Unemployment is thought to be around 40 per cent. A weak economy cannot keep pace with one of the world’s highest population growth rates.
In recent days, tens of thousands have taken to the streets in protest, and this weekend at least five people have been killed. For all that Yemen has some of the characteristics of a pluralist democracy, power and influence stem directly from the president, Abdullah Saleh, who has been in power for 32 years.
“In Yemen there is no longer opposition and regime.” said Mohammed Qahtan, a senior member of the Islah party, told the Financial Times. “There is a handful of corrupt elite and people suffering.” Read the latest WikiLeaks cable on Yemen. Read STRATFOR briefing via trial free subscription.
Sarah Phillips is one of the world’s foremost experts on Yemen, and the AIIA in Sydney is delighted to be able to welcome her to the Glover Cottages next Tuesday to share her insights into what might happen in this fascinating country.
Sarah Phillips lectures at the Centre for International Security Studies (Sydney University), where she specialises in Middle Eastern politics and the politics of state-building. She lived and worked in Yemen for nearly four years and has advised numerous Western governments and aid agencies on matters relating to Yemen. Sarah has published widely on Yemeni politics, including her book "Yemen's Democracy Experiment in Regional Perspective" (Palgrave Macmillan, December 2008).
Date: Tuesday 22nd February 2011
Time: Refreshments 6:00 pm; Presentation 6:30 pm - 7.30pm
Venue: The Glover Cottages, 124 Kent Street, Sydney (located adjacent to the Kent St Fire Station)
Cost: AIIA members $15; Senior members / students $10; Visitors $20; Senior Visitors $15
1. PLEASE RSVP ONLINE or EMAIL ACCEPTANCE to nswexec@aiia.asn.au
2. Telephone acceptance to (02) 9247 8504 (if unattended leave a voicemail message)
Payment may be made at the door by cash/cheque/credit card
July 2008 - June 2009 Past Events (