When the Houthi rebels who control Sanaa and large tracts of northern and central Yemen demanded the formation of a new central government to their approval, it was seen by some as a mere charade to justify them then imposing their self-declared “salvation council” to run the country.
But well within the 10-day deadline imposed by the Houthis, a Shia minority supported by Iran, Yemeni president Abdrabu Mansur Hadi has done just that. On Friday, he announced a 34-member cabinet that includes several Houthis, who have been allocated portfolios including the civil service and social affairs.
This is, in effect, calling the rebels’ bluff. According to the UN power-sharing deal agreed last month, the Houthis are now supposed to withdraw their forces from Sanaa, which they captured on September 21. The question is whether, having got exactly what they said they wanted, the Houthis will honour their deal.
The answer is far more opaque than one side or the other keeping its promises. The fraught nature of events was underscored when a day after brokering the new government, Mr Hadi was yesterday dismissed from the leadership of his own party because some blamed him for soliciting the UN sanctions imposed on his predecessor, Ali Abdullah Saleh, and two Houthi leaders for political interference.
The influence of Mr Saleh and his supporters reflects the complicated nature of Yemeni politics. Mr Saleh has formed an unlikely alliance with the Houthis, a group he previously attempted to eradicate. Mr Saleh’s destabilising of the country that he ran for 22 years has rightly been seen as contrary to the interests of the majority of Yemenis, who seek a peaceful transition that will allow democracy, stability and eventually greater prosperity.
This is why optimistic predictions rarely come to pass in Yemen. But one need only to look at other Arab Spring countries to see the consequences when attempts to negotiate political transitions are usurped by violent minorities. A GCC-sponsored National Dialogue Conference has kept Yemen mostly peaceful and working towards a power-sharing agreement between its diverse constituent parts without major bloodshed. But as the events of this week show, Yemen could easily still become the next Libya or Syria, an option that would be truly unconscionable.
Company%20Profile
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MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid
When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
Marathon results
Men:
1. Titus Ekiru(KEN) 2:06:13
2. Alphonce Simbu(TAN) 2:07:50
3. Reuben Kipyego(KEN) 2:08:25
4. Abel Kirui(KEN) 2:08:46
5. Felix Kemutai(KEN) 2:10:48
Women:
1. Judith Korir(KEN) 2:22:30
2. Eunice Chumba(BHR) 2:26:01
3. Immaculate Chemutai(UGA) 2:28:30
4. Abebech Bekele(ETH) 2:29:43
5. Aleksandra Morozova(RUS) 2:33:01
Voy!%20Voy!%20Voy!
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Omar%20Hilal%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Muhammad%20Farrag%2C%20Bayoumi%20Fouad%2C%20Nelly%20Karim%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
World Cup League Two
Results
Oman beat Nepal by 18 runs
Oman beat United States by six wickets
Nepal beat United States by 35 runs
Oman beat Nepal by eight wickets
Fixtures
Tuesday, Oman v United States
Wednesday, Nepal v United States
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Almnssa
Started: August 2020
Founder: Areej Selmi
Based: Gaza
Sectors: Internet, e-commerce
Investments: Grants/private funding
Fighter profiles
Gabrieli Pessanha (Brazil)
Reigning Abu Dhabi World Pro champion in the 95kg division, virtually unbeatable in her weight class. Known for her pressure game but also dangerous with her back on the mat.
Nathiely de Jesus, 23, (Brazil)
Two-time World Pro champion renowned for her aggressive game. She is tall and most feared by her opponents for both her triangles and arm-bar attacks.
Thamara Ferreira, 24, (Brazil)
Since her brown belt days, Ferreira has been dominating the 70kg, in both the World Pro and the Grand Slams. With a very aggressive game.
Samantha Cook, 32, (Britain)
One of the biggest talents coming out of Europe in recent times. She is known for a highly technical game and bringing her A game to the table as always.
Kendall Reusing, 22, (USA)
Another young gun ready to explode in the big leagues. The Californian resident is a powerhouse in the -95kg division. Her duels with Pessanha have been highlights in the Grand Slams.
Martina Gramenius, 32, (Sweden)
Already a two-time Grand Slam champion in the current season. Gramenius won golds in the 70kg, in both in Moscow and Tokyo, to earn a spot in the inaugural Queen of Mats.