Yemen walking a tightrope in its cooperation with US

Yemen has been walking a tightrope in its cooperation with the US on fighting terror. It must find a balance between the "absolutely impossible" US demands and its limited financial resources on one hand, and internal anti-US sentiments caused by US backing for Israel, on the other. It seems it is extremely difficult for Yemen to keep a balance.

With nearly half of its 20 million population living on less than $2 a day, Yemen will not be able to control its porous 1,800km border with Saudi Arabia and its 2,500km of coastline without additional foreign aid. Actually, it needs enough funds to meet the growing US demands for the anti-terror war.

Yemen's Prime Minister accused the United States of making "absolutely impossible" demands on his impoverished country in the "war on terror" but giving too little in return.

"They want so many things from us, like securing our immense borders and coastal lines. But we are a poor country and we are receiving almost nothing," Prime Minister Abdul Qader Bajammal said in a press interview late last week.

"The Americans can't continue this game without closer cooperation with the concerned countries like Yemen. These are poor countries which they must help develop to fight terrorism."

However, Assistant Secretary of State William Burns, who paid a two-day visit to Yemen on this issue, disagreed with the Prime Minister saying security and development are Yemeni issues, not American.

"It is in your interest to have secured borders, it is in your interest to fight the violent extremists who threaten your economy and the security of your citizens," Burns told reporters.

"Helping Yemen was in Washington's interest because it is very important to have and see a stable prosperous and secure Yemen emerging in the future."

The US is giving Yemen up to $100 million a year for military training and providing it with coast guard boats. US aid also includes a project to cut illiteracy among women, which is estimated at 70 per cent.

Earlier, the Prime Minister said Yemen asked for $600 million for development projects in three governorates believed to be harbouring militants.