Today's 2...Yemen optimisitc & Saudi outspoken...but is either enough?

It being a Saturday I have decided to post a "Today's 2..." rather than a "Today's 4...". That said, I will be going into a little more detail than usual in my comments below. If there are any fans of "Today's 4..." (lots, I'm sure...ahem) then never fear as the feature will be back in full on Monday. For now, here's Today's 2:

Al Jazeera reported on the positive mood in Yemen following the transition of power from Saleh to Hadi. So far, my comments about the "elections" in Yemen has been rather damning. I stand by my critique of the fact that the elections were uncontested, but that doesn't mean I am underestimating the significance of Yemen's first change of leader since the country's formation in 1990. Indeed, for those Yemenis who were citizens of the former state of North Yemen, this is their first new leader since 1978.

Clearly Hadi's presidency is the start of a new era for the troubled country, and the feeling of optimism is not only justified but should be encouraged. However, the Al Jazeera report wisely brings its readers down to earth by highlighting that in order to bring the country back to its feet significant investment is required, and Hadi's new government notably lacks the financial capability required. Arguably this means that Hadi's easiest option being "more of the same" rather than the implementation of some much-needed reforms.

Given the resource constraints of Hadi's government, both Yemenis and international observers should not expect major changes to take place overnight. However, I'd actually argue that Hadi's inability to implement swift reforms is not a bad thing. After all, his presidency is not universally supported (as we saw in the localised violence in the run up to the "election"). Dramatic and hasty reforms would undoubtedly provoke equally dramatic and hasty responses from the Hadi opponents, with the serious risk of Yemen spiralling back into violence.

So let's hope that Yemen's new president plays his cards sagely throughout his time in office (which could be lengthy). I certainly don't want to see no change, and as Al Jazeera reported, I don't think he has the resources for swift change. This leaves only one other option: careful, considered and gradual reforms to bring the country back on its feet. Good luck Hadi. I, for one, want you to succeed.

And secondly...

The Washington Post reported that Asad's regime in Syria has publicly lashed out at Saudi Arabia after the Saudi foreign minister backed the idea of arming the Syrian rebels fighting against Asad's regime. Asad used a state-run newspaper to accuse Saudi Arabia of supporting the killings in cities such as Homs.

Saudi's Foreign Minister
Saud bin Faisal bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud

Riyadh's verbal support arming Syrian rebels represents another low-point in Saudi-Syrian relations, which have deteriorated in recent months. Coupled with Kuwait's recent expulsion of the Syrian Ambassador from Kuwait City, and recall of their own representatives from Damascus, it is clear the Gulf is gradually waking up to the need to stand up to Asad. But is it too little, too late?

The answer is simple: yes. For some time on this blog I have highlighted the need for affirmative action to bring an end to the violence in Syria. Concerned comments are well and good so long as they are occasionally followed through on. Referring back to the Saudi Foreign Minister's words, it is interesting to note that, whilst he supports the idea of arming Syrian rebels, he makes no commitment for Saudi Arabia to actually help implement this idea. I'd be very surprised if such a commitment happens.

When Asad's action against his own people is so extreme, it's time we start asking some basic questions:

• Will Kuwait's expulsion of Syrian diplomats from Kuwait City save lives in Homs? Unlikely.
• Will Saudi's support of the idea of arming Syrian rebels help save lives in Homs? Unlikely
• Will Saudi's implementation of the above idea help save lives in Homs? Quite possibly, as it will strengthen the resistance against Asad and could force him into calling a ceasefire.

For me, the fact that the Saudi foreign minister got an almost immediate response out of Syria by suggesting he supports arming the rebels is a sign that this is something Damascus is genuinely worried about. By publishing the backlash at Saudi in the Syrian state newspaper, Asad has exposed his concerns - a stronger, better equipped resistance.

I sincerely hope that Riyadh has taken note of the implications of Damascus' response. Saudi Arabia is a country which likes to think itself the leader of the Arab World. Now's the time to prove it.