U.S. kicks hornet’s nest in Yemen

Failed attack on Detroit-bound plane was retaliation for American military ops in the Arabian country, sources say

Eric Margolis, The Toronto Star, Jan 3, 2010

Welcome to the Afghanistan of Arabia.

Yemen, the likely source of the failed Christmas Day airliner bombing at Detroit, has just rudely intruded into the west’s awareness. Sources there claim the attack by a young Nigerian was retaliation for extensive covert U.S. military operations in Yemen.

I first explored Yemen in the mid-1970s. This magical land of fierce tribesmen was just then creeping into the 11th century. At the southwest corner of the Arabian Peninsula, mountainous, verdant Yemen was the Biblical land of the Queen of Sheba and originator of perfume.

Sana’a, the walled capitol, was straight out of Arabian Nights. At dusk, a ram’s horn would sound and its gates would close for the night. Beyond lay warlike tribesmen who would slit your throat for a watch.

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Tags: Eric Margolis, United States, Yemen