Page 14 - What Kind of Yemen ?

Until a few years ago, Yemen would remind a Turk of the folk
song that is sang for the Turkish soldiers that were martyred there. Of

course, it would also remind people of the coffee known in Europe as
'Turkish coffee' which, in fact, was brought to Istanbul from Yemen
and whose reputation spread from there as far as Vienna. And for
those who are even more familiar with Yemen, it would remind them
of the Yemeni houses made of clay, mud and basalt, and the daggers
Yemeni men invariably keep at their waists.
However, today Yemen only reminds people of civil war, suicide
attacks, cities devastated by bombardment, hunger and poverty.
Upon reading the articles in this book, you will witness the ever-

growing social and economic problems facing Yemen, and see that
almost no solution or reconciliation efforts are made on the part of any
of the parties. These articles serve as the images of a country that, step-
by-step, seems to be heading for a catastrophe.
Each article tells us of a side of Yemen that is full of anguish and
suffering. While reading these lines, you will witness how tribalism,
discrimination against women, and the narcotic herb called 'khat' have

devastated the country at one time or another, and you will have the
opportunity to acquaint yourselves with genuine suggestions that will

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