Thank you so much. I'm an emotional wreck. The guy doesn't know I'm really a housewife. But maybe the blogosphere collectively can do something for him. I really appreciate your support.

Jane, this is what we're all about. This is what we do. And you live in an age where "non-official" people can make a real difference.

As for the nerves... We have a Jewish proverb that translates loosely as: "You aren't obliged to complete the task, but you aren't allowed to ignore it." The subject in question is nothing less than the perfection and redemption of the world.

Setting this man free is not your responsibility - but you can make it your cause, and see what happens, and know that you're helping to make the world that much better by playing your part.

Thanks, I really needed that. Now if I can just remember to breathe...

I would imagine this gentleman wishes that Yemen wasn't assisting the US so much in the WOT.

You don't see a lot of rhetoric about bringing democracy to Yemen out of Washington.

That is the gist of it. Meanwhile Yemen hosts a load of democracy conferences and Congress just honored Yemen for its program of reforms. But there is no democracy without a free press. The new US State Dept human rights report on Yemen was pretty harsh in its press freedom section-this crackdown on the press has only been going on since September but it must seem a lifetime to al-Khaiwnai.

Yemeni governmental assistance in the war on terror has been typically fickle. Perhaps if the USA were more involved there, they'd be coming to his aid just as they recently did for an Egyptian democracy dissident.

But of course, Davebo just enjoys taking cheap shots at the USA. Makes him feel good. Doesn't help our Yemeni friend - and it isn't honest, either.

Sounds like the State Dept. is being candid about this guy (a nice change), which covers the USA's public position clearly. Beyond that, the American government has limited tools at its disposal in Yemen. Having told the truth, it has discharged its most basic obligation and may now hope for international pressure and public campaigns to create a push - one it can then work with to extend its own influence. Hopefully with a successful conclusion.

Robert Kaplan makes the point (somewhere) that Salih views the US something like another tribal faction that he has to placate, play off against others, etc. Very interesting country, Yemen. There are some apocryphal accounts (hadith, whatever) that Mohammed said to go to Yemen and hide out if the chips get down. So lots of bad guys seem to think that's what they're supposed to do. I think you need to be a real badass to poke around in ye olde tribal badlands. Wonder what's going on there these days?

Joe.

So that was a cheap shot in your opinion?

It's factual is it not? You say it isn't honest. Care to elaborate? Were you so incapable of pointing out a specific bias that you could only sputter out CHEAP SHOT!!?

I suppose I should be glad that you didn't mention how I (a five year military veteran with two close family members serving in Iraq) am just a "hate america" type.

So much for the "elevated discourse" a Winds eh?

Ever been to Yemen Joe? Worked with the ruling class there? I have. I worked for Yemeni's in Jeddah for 5 years. I'd like to think I'd gained a little insight into how they play other people and countries.

But hey, it's your playpen. If this is how you choose to run it far be it from me to rain on your parade.

DaveBo, of course it was a cheap shot. For all the reason ennumerated in my post. And yours.

As you yourself point out, the Yemenis are game-players. U.S. influence is not overwhelming, either, as the regime certainly doesn't depend on anything from the USA except perhaps non-invasion. But Yemen doesn't even make the top 5 list anyway, and they know it. So where's the lever?

What we have seen in these kinds of situations, including some that were much more serious, is a pattern of State Dept. evasions and refusal to get involved. Except that didn't happen here, did it? The State Dept. condemned these actions publicly, and publicly mentioned the guy by name.

All this while the U.S. President calls for democracy and freedom all across the Middle East and says it is the birthright of all peoples. I must've missed the part where W said "All peoples in the Mideast, except for the ones who live in that Qat-chewing hellhole, Yemen."

I'd call that pretty good, all in all. Especially given a situation in which the USA wants Yemeni cooperation on a couple of fronts, and just risked antagonizing the government there on principle.

There is no magic wand here. Sorry things aren't ideal in Yemen but that isn't the USA's fault. And anyone who has spent time in in Yemen surely ought to realize THAT.