The Empty Quarter

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So it was a high-level request. Interesting that the embassy confirmed Muellers demands for al Badawi (a Yemeni, and therefore unlikely to be handed over) and not ElBaneh, who holds an American citizenship and would presumably be easier to get…of course, I suppose Jaber would have to be locked up first before he could be [...]

So it had nothing to do with security, nor the status of al Badawi in Yemeni custody…only the refusal of Yemen to extradite. This explanation would be convenient for Yemen, as the constitution prohibits extradition - it allows them to throw up their hands and say its not their fault, they’re bound by the constitution. [...]

An excellent article from the NYT…Very balanced. I am happy that the author discusses the generational differences between the old Afghan-trained al Qaeda (which I call AQ-Yemen A) and the new Iraqi, Zarqawi inspired generation (AQ-Yemen Z). Almost all of the AQ-Yemen A has been killed, quelled or allied with the government. Al Badawi [...]

This piece by Gregory Johnsen speaks to the generational split between the AQ-Yemen Afghan generation (AQ-Yemen-A) and the newer Zarqawi-inspired generation (AQ-Yemen-Z). I agree with a lot of what’s written here. I have been saying for a while now that the regime treats the two generations differently - and with good reason. Not only does [...]

Another interesting article from al Wasat. An AQ-Yemen spokesman said in a phone call with the paper that al Badawi was not released and that he is currently being treated well in prison. He also said that al Badawi’s imprisonment “was a result of American pressure on the system“
The main focus of this article, however, is a [...]

Here’s an interesting article. Motamar.net is claiming that “the opposition media and some extremist forces are exploiting the climate of freedom and democracy to tarnish the image and reputation of Yemen.” Namely, they leaked misinformation on the release of al Badawi, causing the trip cancellation by the MCC representative.
The article makes the same connection I made earlier…except [...]

I suppose he is only affirming the obvious here. The US asked, “but he told them very clearly that the Yemeni constitution does not allow it, and they know that. And he [al Badawi] is now in prison serving the remainder of his 15-year sentence, of which half is left I think.”
He also says that Yemen’s [...]

MCC cancelled Yemen’s reinstatement ceremony - hah! That’s embarrassing. A visit with the US Ambassador to top it off…”to discuss mutual cooperation” - double hah! - love the spin. Only question is who summoned whom?
Favorite part: Govt. news agency SABA admits Saleh and Seche discussed Yemen’s Millennium Challenge status. Money really does talk.

U.S. says bomber of U.S. destroyer Cole still jailed 
Reuters
Monday, October [...]

No surprise here, other than the muted criticism by the U.S. administration…Some headlines have said the U.S. is outraged at the decision, but I have yet to see such outrage publicly. Where’s George, where’s Condi - Hell, as I pointed out Fran Townsend WAS JUST THERE! Instead this act didn’t even warrant condemnation by someone in [...]

The newspaper al-Tijma’ reported that seven members of al Qaeda have been arrested by Yemeni forces in the al Mualla area of Aden. The arrests include one man named “al Daba’i” who is believed to be the AQ-Yemen leader responsible for recruiting and sending jihadi’s to Iraq. Apparently he was receiving funds to carry out his recruiting campaign.
So soon after the [...]

Dar al Hayat reports that the government was in negotiations with al Badawi for over 9 months. The “informed source” said that Jamal was on the run, living in multiple places until settling in Abyan (Surprise). The source said there is a secret deal between al Badawi and the government, in which he agrees to [...]

 
Why would Jamal al Badawi just surrender? The information here is scant to say the least. I gotta go find more on this…come back for updates.
UPDATE: AFP reports :
A witness in Aden told AFP Tuesday that Badawi had returned to his home there two days ago amid reports in the neighbourhood that authorities had allowed him [...]