The government in Yemen needs action from the country's GCC neighbours and the international community to overcome its growing violence. Attacks against western targets are believed to have been carried out by Al Qaida terrorists, which have given impetus to America's focus on fighting the terrorist group.
"Terrorism is a real challenge and we support the government to combat it. The more the Yemeni government works on combating corruption, and encouraging national dialogue and allowing civil society to participate, the more we mobilise efforts for more support," said William Burns, the US Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs.
But Burns' comments on civil society are as important as fighting Al Qaida. The best role the US could play is to be more involved in assisting Yemen to build an infrastructure that provides assistance to the people where it is needed the most — such as in the areas of education and health care.
This is also where the GCC states should be doing a lot more to help. Yemen needs support, but the long- term solution is not military: it is in supporting the population to prosper and gain from a good education, with individuals seeing a way to advance themselves.
Yemen needs support from GCC
