InfoAnda - Qaeda may outnumber tourists in Yemen's mythical land

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

Why Mel Gibson's lawyers haven't dropped him | | 30 July 2010
New book puts a spotlight on the Bauhaus movement | 31 October 2009
El-Ad Properties eyes S'pore property stakes sale-report | 24 December 2008

NZ dollar pares gains on risk aversion; debt firm | 23 November 2008

">Forum Views () ">Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : Qaeda may outnumber tourists in Yemen's mythical land

Yahoo! My Yahoo! Mail Yahoo! Search Search: Sign InNew User? Sign Up News Home - Help Navigation Primary Navigation Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Secondary Navigation Asia Pacific World Search Search: Qaeda may outnumber tourists in Yemen's mythical land AFP - Wednesday, March 11 MARIB, Yemen (AFP) - - In Yemen's region of Marib, capital of the mythical kingdom of the Queen of Sheba, the followers of Al-Qaeda might well outnumber tourists these days. ADVERTISEMENT The road linking the capital Sanaa with Marib 170-kilometres (around 105 miles) to the east is dotted with 17 army and police checkpoints, reflecting the dire state of security in the impoverished Arabian peninsula country. The threat of attacks by a rejuvenated local Al-Qaeda franchise and the risk of kidnappings by local tribesmen trying to extract concessions from the government, have forced Westerners wanting to travel outside Sanaa to obtain permits -- and a security forces escort. Concerns have increased in the capital as well, after the US embassy was targeted last September by a double car bomb attack claimed by Al-Qaeda that killed 19 people, including seven attackers. Some Western embassies are now concealed behind five-metre-high (16-foot) blast walls, and some diplomats have said they believe there is an influx of "terrorists" in Yemen. In January the local Al-Qaeda branch announced in a video message posted on the Internet the merging of the Saudi and Yemeni branches into "Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula," led by Yemeni Nasser al-Wahaishi. Experts say the fact that Saudi militants have pledged allegiance to the Yemeni branch confirms that the Saudi section has been practically wiped out. Some Yemen-based Western companies and institutions have moved staff and their families out of the country after a string of attacks claimed by the local Al-Qaeda branch. In January 2008 two Belgian tourists were shot dead along with their local guide and driver in eastern Yemen. Two months later, the US embassy was the target of mortar fire which missed and hit a school, killing two people. In April 2008 a complex of villas inhabited by US oil experts in Sanaa was hit by rockets, and the same month the Italian embassy also came under attack. It later relocated to a less exposed location. Also last April the French oil group Total, involved in oil and liquefied gas projects in Yemen, decided to repatriate the families of its employees. And in July Paris announced the closure of the French school in Sanaa and told the families of French government employees to leave as a precaution. "It was an accumulation of things," said Joel Fort, General Manager of Yemen LNG, in which Total is the lead shareholder. Experts believe Al-Qaeda has found a second life in Yemen -- ancestral home of the group's founder Osama bin Laden -- after seemingly being eliminated in neighbouring Saudi Arabia. "Every indication points in that direction," according to one Sanaa-based diplomat who, like others interviewed by AFP, asked not to be identified. Another diplomat said: "It is almost certain that there is an influx of terrorists in Yemen. The terrorists driven out of Afghanistan or elsewhere tend to take refuge here and find, if not a sanctuary, at least a place to hide." Yemen is an ideal hiding ground for terrorists, courtesy of rugged mountainous terrain which covers large swathes of the country and the government's quasi inability to control the vast tribal areas in the east. The authorities acknowledge that Al-Qaeda militants could be hiding in provinces east of Sanaa, such as Al-Jawf, Marib, Shabwa, Ataq or Hadramawt. In February President Ali Abdullah Saleh visited Marib to urge the tribes not to support Al-Qaeda, in a trip highlighting the government's concerns. However some Westerners believe the situation has stabilised since last September's attack on the US embassy. "Over the past months, the situation has been, maybe not excellent, but has stabilised," said Yemen LNG official Fort. A Sanaa-based diplomat agreed. "Some are listing Kabul, Baghdad and Sanaa in the same category. But we are not there yet. You have to have a reasonable approach," he said. Few tourists visit Yemen, probably more discouraged by the abductions of Westerners by powerful tribes who then use them as bargaining chips with the authorities rather than by the threat of "terror" attacks. Those kidnapped are generally freed unharmed. Italian tourist Pio Fausto Tomada, 60, is among the few to visit Yemen. "I'm definitely not scared," he said with a smile, as he waited on the steps of a Sanaa hotel to join a group of aged Italian tourists on an excursion under heavy protection. In Marib tourists are rare since a car bomb attack in July 2007 killed eight Spanish holidaymakers and two Yemeni drivers. The attack took place at the entrance to Mahram Bilqis, an ancient oval-shaped temple which legend says belonged to the Biblical Queen of Sheba. Ali Ahmad Musallah, a guard at the site for the past 12 years who earns a meagre 20,000 Yemeni Riyals (100 dollars) per month, well remembers the 2007 attack in which he said one of his children was hurt. "Before the attack, this was the most frequented tourist site in Marib" with 40-60 visitors each day, he told AFP, clutching an antiquated rifle. Hotel infrastructure is almost non-existent outside the big cities, ruling out mass tourism in Yemen, despite its incredible archaeological riches. Email Story IM Story Printable View Blog This Recommend this article Average (0 votes) Sign in to recommend this article » Most Recommended Stories » Related Articles: Entertainment & Lifestyle Sundance names John Cooper festival directorReuters - Wednesday, March 11 MTV sets its sights on comedy scriptsReuters - Wednesday, March 11 Aussie politician turns rocker again for benefit gigReuters - Wednesday, March 11 "Slumdog" star to be feted at L.A. festivalReuters - Wednesday, March 11 Publisher pays big for Niffenegger's 2nd novelAP - Wednesday, March 11 Enlarge Photo A tribal guard walks with his son as he patrols the Throne of Balqis, a historical site in Yemen's Mareb province, east of Sanaa. Along the 170 kilometres between Sanaa and Mareb, a long-time tourist attraction in Yemen, army and police checkpoints are spotted every 10 kms. Security measures outside the capital are increasing to prevent attacks from Al-Qaeda militants. Most Popular – Entertainment Viewed Chimp used planning skills to attack humans Madoff set to plead guilty, could face 150 yrs in jail World faces 'Great Recession': IMF chief Citi outlook sparks explosive Wall Street rally Sea levels to surge 'at least a metre' by century end View Complete List » Search: Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - Community - Intellectual Property Rights Policy - Help

Other News on Wednesday, 11 March 2009
U.S.-China spat complicates minister's visit | International |
Mexican drug gangs dump human heads in ice coolers | International |
Italy high court to rule on CIA kidnap case | International |
EU's first 2009 bird flu case found in Germany | International |
IBM develops 3D patient record software | Technology |
Telecom firms eager to help U.S. spend $7.2 billion | Technology |
Inventor settles with Citrix on voicemail patent | Technology |
U.S. battle over patent reform headed for compromise? | Technology |
Tajikistan bans cellphones from schools | Technology |
Rap star Coolio charged with crack possession | Entertainment |
Netanyahu ally says met Syrian officials in U.S.
China navy officers harangue U.S. over ocean spat | International |
2 Iraqi journalists killed in Abu Ghraib bombing
Obama condemns Khartoum for expelling aid groups | International |
Suicide attack in west Baghdad kills up to 33
Suicide attack in west Baghdad kills up to 33 | International |
U.S. media chiefs urge release of reporter in Iran
US Congress passes spending bill, eases Cuba curbs
Netanyahu ally says met Syrian officials in U.S. | International |
Madoff set to plead guilty, could face 150 yrs in jail
Israeli kids get rocket-proofed indoor playground
Madoff to plead guilty, prosecutors seek 150 years prison
Iraq suicide bomber kills 33 in Abu Ghraib
Citi outlook sparks explosive Wall Street rally
Another reformer enters Iran's presidential race
Delta Air Lines to slash 10 percent of international flight capacity
Top level Afghanistan meet on March 31: Netherlands
Sea levels to surge 'at least a metre' by century end
Istanbul prosecutor indicts 56 more in coup plot
Diarrhoea a major child killer despite easy treatment: WHO
Major attacks in Iraq since Jan. 1
Sea levels to surge 'at least a metre' by century end
Scientists warn seas to rise faster than expected
An Error has occured |
Iraq media booming, yet still in sectarian grip | International |
Malaysia Christians battle with Muslims over Allah | International |
Pakistan bans protests on eve of long march | International |
US awards contracts for new embassies
Scotland Yard team in Bangladesh for mutiny probe | International |
Iran lacks nuclear bomb fuel: US officials
Seattle P-I employees may lose jobs next week
San Francisco mayor "tweets" as California politics goes Twitter
Disney launches new fan website
UN expert wants Gitmo probe before camp closes
US embassy says non-vital staff may leave Sudan
Craigslist claims 'spectacular' results in curbing sex ads
Apple orders touchscreens for Q3: source | Technology |
Arrests as N. Ireland faces 'abyss' after new killing
US struggles to pinpoint cyber attacks: Top official
Sony, NBC ink content deal for PlayStation | Technology |
Hewlett Packard to create 500 jobs in Ireland
SF Chronicle, union reach tentative agreement
Telecom firms eager to help U.S. spend $7.2 billion | Technology |
U.S. battle over patent reform headed for compromise?
France proposes disconnecting Web music pirates | Technology |
Telecom firms eager to help U.S. spend $7.2 billion
Inventor settles with Citrix on voicemail patent
Tajikistan bans cell phones from schools | Technology |
A volatile corner of Afghanistan gets policing
NKorea reopens border to stranded SKorean workers
Sri Lanka suicide blast kills 14, wounds minister
China-US sea confrontations could continue
Japanese teams off to flying start in AFC Champions League
Hollywood actors split over vote on contract offer
Two mild quakes off Indonesia's coast: USGS
Smallpox vaccine good for biological attack
Chris Brown, Rihanna recording love duet: reports | Entertainment |
Officials: US ship in China spat was hunting subs
China-US sea confrontation may have tested waters
Leno offers free show for Detroit's unemployed | Entertainment |
15 dead, minister hurt in Sri Lanka mosque attack
Big Love makers apologize to Mormons, to air show | Entertainment |
S.Korean won up over 2 pct to hit near 3-wk high
Aussie politician turns rocker again for benefit gig | Entertainment |
HBO, Mormons square off over airing of sacred rite
Seoul shares open after U.S. rise; banks rally
Slumdog star to be feted at L.A. festival | Entertainment |
Bill Clinton to speak at publishers gathering
Orphanage director looks into Eclipse | Entertainment |
NZ terms of trade fall in Q4
"Big Love" makers apologize to Mormons, to air show
Devo whipping up first album since 1990 | Entertainment |
NZ stocks open 2.2 percent higher
Bolshoi Theatre may not reopen till 2013: report
MTV sets its sights on comedy scripts | Entertainment |
Japan's MUFG to have director in Morgan Stanley board
Hollywood actors split over vote on contract offer | Entertainment |
Chris Brown, Rihanna recording love duet: reports
Hitachi to pay 31 mln dlr fine for LCD price-fixing
China auto sales up nearly 25 pct in Feb: state media
Leno offers free show for Detroit's unemployed
List of top 20 shows in prime-time Nielsen ratings
Japanese real estate investment firm files for bankruptcy
ABC's `The Bachelor' brings the women
SKorea urges US to ratify trade pact
Boyd, 'I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa' singer, dies
Hollywood actors split over vote on contract offer
Teenage gunman attacks German school, kills 15 | International |
Israel-Lebanon borders stable despite attacks
North Korea accuses U.S. of plotting attack | International |
Media outlets: Iran must allow access to reporter
Anti-narcotics drive fuelled drug cartels: U.N. | International |
Former Saddam aide jailed for 15 years | International |
Swiss bank UBS says earnings 'at risk'
Hundreds flee as Sri Lanka fighting nears last throes | International |
Dutch advance with second World Baseball Classic stunner over Dominicans
Iran says capitalism on verge of collapse | International |
Migraines in pregnancy linked to stroke risk
Northern Irish unite in protest against killings | International |
Cash scandals hit rich, poor Latin Americans alike | International |
Dalai Lama hopes Beijing will use more common sense | International |
UN chief to share concerns with Congress
Cubans applaud U.S. bill easing trade, travel
Embattled top US intel pick Freeman withdraws: official
Eleven killed in Alabama shooting spree
Apple rolls out talking iPod Shuffle | Technology |
Eleven killed in Alabama shooting spree
Pearson partners with language website Livemocha
AT&T to spend $565 million for eco-friendly Ford cars | Technology |
Eight killed in Alabama shooting spree
Sony, NBC ink content deal for PlayStation
Nokia launches 3 music phones | Technology |
UN chief, Bill Clinton optimists on Haiti
Smartphone sales to jump in 2009: Gartner | Technology |
EU extends Microsoft antitrust deadline to April 21 | Technology |
Pearson partners with language website Livemocha | Technology |
Sony, NBC ink content deal for PlayStation
Michael Jackson to add concerts after sellout | Entertainment |
Strategy shift in Philippines insurgency fight
China to hike security budget: state media
China navy officers harangue U.S. over sea spat
2 provinces in Pakistan ban protests
Son jailed for murdering family in Australia
Palm oil prices unlikely to reclaim highs soon: Sime Darby
"Slumdog" star to be feted at L.A. festival
NKorea says to take 'every measure' to protect itself
Japan's machinery orders in record losing streak
Ex-NKorea spy believes Japanese abductee still alive
Taiwan c.bnk behind half of Wed T$ trade -dealers
Philippine leader signs law on maritime borders
Human-looking robot smiles in Japan classroom
UN accuses Tamil Tigers of misusing food aid
Samsung to recruit 5,500 graduates amid crisis
Never a plain Jane _ Fonda makes Broadway return
SKorea wants to conclude Qualcomm probe soon
Sundance names John Cooper festival director
China's exports plunge again, but car sales rise
50 jobs in 50 weeks: US man's economic odyssey
Taiwan Formosa to resume No.1 unit, shut No.3 unit
Australian sport's drinking culture under spotlight
S.Korea takes lead for Jordan nuclear plant deal-report
Qaeda may outnumber tourists in Yemen's mythical land
Asia stock markets solidly higher
MTV sets its sights on comedy scripts
Pakistan c.bank sells 15 bln rupees of T-bills
"Orphanage" director looks into "Eclipse"
Aussie politician turns rocker again for benefit gig
"Slumdog" star to be feted at L.A. festival
Japan still searching for 16 missing sailors
Publisher pays big for Niffenegger's 2nd novel
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph	VPN on MacOSX	BlogMeter 1.01