Reports noted that as protests in Yemen intensify and as they grab world attention, the US is again trying to find an appropriate response to the situation in Yemen. The United States, which long supported Yemen’s president, even in the face of recent widespread protests, “has now quietly shifted positions and has concluded that he is unlikely to bring about the required reforms and must be eased out of office, according to American and Yemeni officials.”1 The protests have picked up intensity as many thousands have started participating in the protests over a period of time. “In the capital, Sanaa, two rival demonstrations are being held – one in support of and another against President Ali Abdullah Saleh. Representatives from the government and the opposition are reported to have met and agreed to avoid confrontation.”2 For over a few months now, the US has been trying to calibrate its views and its position on the mass, anti – establishment protests that have been happening in various countries of West Asia. To this effect, the US intervened militarily in Libya to stop the Libyan army from killing its own people.

• 1. “US Shifts to Seek Removal Of Yemen’s Leader, an Ally” The New York Times, April 3, 2011, at http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/04/world/middleeast/04yemen.html
• 2. “Many Thousands turn out for Yemen Protests” BBC News, April 1 2011 at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12931727