Former president Ali Abdullah Saleh handing over power to Abed Rabbu Mansour Hadi

Yemen is one of several Arab nations that have been going through the major political and social upheavals sweeping across the Middle East. Despite President Ali Abdullah Saleh stepping-down, and his subsequent immunity from prosecution over the deaths of protesters who were calling for his resignation, the turmoil is yet to subside; the country is now demanding that he face trial. So, it looks like the newly appointed President Abed Rabbu Mansour Hadi will face an immense challenge in restoring peace and prosperity in Yemen.

It is estimated that over 200 have been killed since the protests began at the start of January 2011, making Yemen's security situation increasingly unstable. It is, therefore, imperative for foreign companies operating within the country to keep abreast of all the latest news and developments. Yemen Focus covers the big political issues that affect Yemen in the light of international efforts to prevent the country deteriorating to a point that could threaten this fragile state's stability.

On top of the threats posed by a secessionist movement in its southern and eastern governorates, and an intermittent rebellion in the north, Al-Qa'ida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) uses Yemen as a base to attack Western interests and regional states. This, in particular, has focused international attention on Yemen but it is only one of several major problems that contribute to gloomy prognostications about possible state failure. It is vital that a support programme launched by Yemen's Western and regional allies succeeds in hauling the country back from the brink. Time is of the essence.

Menas Associates, drawing on its long and deep experience of Yemen, takes the view that the country does indeed face formidable challenges but that there is sufficient time to deal with them if action focusing on the key difficulties is taken quickly. Looking beyond conventional news coverage, Yemen Focus provides both exclusive information and a balanced analysis of the very difficult political, economic and social environment in the country. It is essential reading for governments, international agencies and companies with vital interests there. For more information about Yemen Focus, please contact us here.