Ahmed Al-Rabei
 The declaration made by the Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh stating that he would not stand as a candidate for another term as president of the republic was a bombshell that surprised us all. It has introduced a new feature into the culture of Arab political ideology. If such a statement is followed through, historians will boldly write that Ali Abdullah Saleh is the first Arab president to step down and abandon rule completely aware of the road that he has chosen to take!
| He's right. Usually Arab heads of state either die in office from old age, like Yasser, or they're carried out feet-first, leaving a trail of blood from multiple performations. With the exception of Lebanon, which isn't a real good role model, he'll become the first Arab elder statesman ever. |
Me message to him is this, stand firm in your decision! Do not allow the voices of Sana'a to persuade you to reconsider your decision. They will tell you (and they probably already have) that if you resign the country will be ruined and the people will perish. Do not believe them and it seems that you are far more intelligent to believe such words. Let them protest and demonstrate, illustrating their support for you but do not listen to them.
| Balancing the guys hollering in the street is the knowledge that the U.S. isn't going to lift a finger to support a president-for-life should something untoward happen. We had good relations with Shevardnadze, and waved bye-bye when he departed. Same with Akayev. Same with Islam Karimov. We're obviously putting diplomatic pressure on Mubarak, Baby Assad, and the others like them, not that it's doing much good at this point, but unless Osama bin Laden himself descends on Sanaa, grimacing ferociously, Saleh would be on his own next term. And the knowledge that he's going to do the right thing will make us support him for the remainder of this term, plus give lots of positive strokes to Yemen. |
I assure you that your name will be proudly engraved into Arab history. Fathers will point out your picture in the newspapers and tell their sons that this is the Arab leader who consciously let go of power when he felt the time was correct. Your decision, Mr. President, has filled us with happiness. Therefore, please do not disappoint us by going back on it. It is your duty to contradict those who claim that the statement is a tactical effort towards the election campaigns and to ultimately, continue your post as president.
| Saleh's a pretty smart fellow. I think he's deciphered the handwriting on the wall without any assistance. |
Think about all the respect that you will gain when received as an honorable guest in Arab conferences and meetings, and when visiting the Yemeni governorates as a former president without the hassle of guards or procession cars. We want you to fulfill our dream of holding the title of 'former Arab president', a title that nobody has previously held.
| See? The world really is changing, and much of it's due to that idiot, George Bush. Amazing, how that works... |
Mr. President, fight for your decision! Refuse all calls to withdraw from it. We also plead that you persuade your son not to run for presidency so that it does not seem that you strategically gave up your position for it to be filled by him. You will discover after leaving office that there are joys of the simple, modest life of which you were deprived. Mr. President, uphold your decision and may God bless you! |