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Yemen Is New Haven for al-Qaeda

Group's numbers likely to see boost from freed Gitmo inmates

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 30, 2009 4:11 PM CST

(Newser) – As the US prepares to close the detention center at Guantanamo Bay, Yemen presents a problem: Despite government efforts, the country is becoming a safe haven for al-Qaeda operatives, the Economist reports. Rebuffed by anti-terror initiatives in Saudi Arabia and Iraq, jihadists have flocked to Yemen, where rugged countryside, weak rule and tribal culture make an ideal gathering spot.

The formerly Saudi Arabian and Yemeni brances of al-Qaeda merged last March, and numbers are sure to be boosted by the roughly 100 Yemeni nationals at Guantanamo. The government plans to put returning inmates through a terrorism-rehabilitation program, but the Economist notes that two prominent al-Qaeda leaders currently active in Yemen are alumni of both Guantanamo and a similar Saudi program.

Angry Yemenis protest against the Israeli offensive in Gaza, demanding the general expulsion of Israeli ambassadors, at a demonstration in San'a, Jan. 9, 2009.
Angry Yemenis protest against the Israeli offensive in Gaza, demanding the general expulsion of Israeli ambassadors, at a demonstration in San'a, Jan. 9, 2009.   (AP Photo)
Al-Qaeda and similar militants have found a safe haven in Yemen, whose rugged terrain, tribal culture and lax government make it hospitable.
Al-Qaeda and similar militants have found a safe haven in Yemen, whose rugged terrain, tribal culture and lax government make it hospitable.   (SITE Intelligence Group)
Al-Qaeda and similar militants have found a safe haven in Yemen, whose rugged terrain, tribal culture and lax government make it hospitable.
Al-Qaeda and similar militants have found a safe haven in Yemen, whose rugged terrain, tribal culture and lax government make it hospitable.   (SITE Intelligence Group)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
Corona_Kinq
Jan 30, 2009 10:25 PM CST
Wow, who would have thought this "whack-a-mole" approach to terrorism wouldn't be very effective?
Guest
Jan 30, 2009 10:08 PM CST
FWIW, the Yemeni guys with the corner store by me are totally cool... I leave my house keys with 'em anytime in a pinch to pass on to another person when I'm not home... My only complaint is I wish they would crank out some rockin' Arab music in their store... But hey, they're good capitalists, "working for the Yankee dollar," so who can blame them?... (Offered as a point of contrast from the NYC melting pot, where we're always on Orange Alert!)
Guest
Jan 30, 2009 7:56 PM CST
Afganistan, Iraq, Iran, Oman...what is next ?

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