Poor President Saleh

Attack after attack, by Al-Qaeda over the last five months, has given President Saleh a new issue to worry about, especially after he thought that making peace with Houthi loyalists would make his life easier.

Only to feel relaxed, President Saleh decided to please his enemies one by one, hoping for a chance of relief and a good night sleep.

Last month he agreed with Houthi leaders on a seize fire, which no one knows the conditions and points of the agreement. This was done for one reason by Saleh, a chance for a break from problems.

Also, In order to get rid of opposition pressure, he decided this week to sign a letter ordering the release of political prisoners. He agreed to release Ba’awn, Qarni, Al-Khiawani, among many others, even though court hearings gave a large number of them long prison terms.

So, after pleasing Houthi loyalists with a seize fire and opposition with the release of its prisoners, out of nowhere comes Al-Qaeda and its attacks that have started to occur on a weekly basis. What does he do now? Should he also please Al-Qaeda and release its prisoners too, or should he negotiate any deal that could make him pass the critical and hard situation he has been facing throughout 2008.

My advice for President Saleh is to stop making short term negotiations and start dealing with all matters precisely.

If he does not do so, who knows he might even give Sheikh Abdul Majid Al-Zindani a high political post soon, only to weaken the opposition, and not to forget, give himself a chance for a better night sleep.

* Editor-in-Cheif could be reached at:  editor@yemenpost.net