Revolution in Yemen: the Background and the Internal and External Barriers

This paper intends to look into the unrests and protests in Yemen in the first half of 2011, which were formed in line with the modern Arabic revolutions in the region. To gain an accurate understanding of the developments in Yemen, first, the socio-political structure of this country will be introduced, so that the reader can easily put things into perspective. Then, following a discussion on the background of these protests, the roots of people’s dissatisfaction with Ali Abdollah Saleh’s regime, which was manifested in the recent protests, will be dealt with. The cause of the prolongation of the protests and people’s failure to overthrow Saleh rapidly is another issue in explaining which factors such as differences of perspectives, the practices of the opposition forces, and the role of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Persian Gulf, particularly Saudi Arabia as well as the U.S. concern over the Islamists’ gaining power will be considered.