The president of Yemen has made a serious mistake in rejecting the GCC's plan for a transition government to take over that troubled country. Ali Abdullah Saleh refused to sign the plan two days ago, throwing the whole process into doubt. His actions raise the prospect of serious violence engulfing the country within days.
Over several months the opposition in Yemen has mustered vast crowds to show their wish to move on and find a new government after Saleh's 33 years in office.
Government forces have shot large numbers of protesters on occasion, and at other times have shown commendable restraint. But the demand for change remains constant, and Saleh has not managed to find a way to work with that demand.
Yemen faces serious challenges as the government barely controls its territory. It is challenged by southern secessionists who want a larger share of power in the government; Al Qaida which wants to control territories from where it can operate with impunity; and traditional tribal Al Houthi rebels in the north who have been able to resist government authority with ease.
A specific example of Yemen's capacity for violence was shown this week when armed loyalists of the embattled president surrounded the UAE embassy in Sana'a, mounting an obvious threat to the safety of the GCC diplomats working to find a solution to the crisis.
Saleh's rejection of the GCC plan gives the opposition very little room for manoeuvre. They were waiting impatiently for GCC to get Saleh to agree, but his continued refusal to go means that they have little option but to move to more violent action on the streets. This should be avoided and Yemen should find a peaceful way to move to a transitional government. Saleh needs to recognise that he has to move on.
