Yemen: all you want (2011-2013)

[davidbfpo]

Gregory Johnsen's book 'The Last Refuge' has now been reviewed by Bruce Hoffman:

In The Last Refuge, Johnsen provides a useful depiction of how that war began, even if he, regrettably, offers no prediction of how and when it will end. The book relates a compelling story about an implacable and formidable enemy. Although more descriptive than analytical....

Bruce's review is a useful summary of how AQAP in the Yemen has got to where it is today.

Link:http://nationalinterest.org/bookrevi...7892?page=show

[davidbfpo]

A BBC report:

A recent crackdown in Yemen against protesters calling for southern independence has inflamed tensions in the country, and divisions look set to deepen....

Link:http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-21586344

Now whether AQ can exploit this situation is a moot point, partly as working in a coalition is not their way:

What will be worrying to the Americans and Saudis is that some young people - in anger and desperation - are turning to al-Qaeda in the region. The group's numbers have grown in the south since 2011.......That is not to say that all Southern Movement protesters are supporters of al-Qaeda. Herak is an umbrella group for different groups, including those who want more autonomy under a federal system, those who want independence and also some parts of Ansar al-Sharia, which wants a religious emirate. They are very disorganised and all that unites them is a shared animosity to the central government.

(Added) A link to a Yemeni site giving more details:http://www.yemeniaty.com/2013/02/the...2007-2013.html