The ruler of the poorest country in the Middle East departs at last
Sanaa, Jan.28.─ Ali Abdullah Saleh (photo) ended his 33 years as president of Yemen on January 22nd and boarded a plane to Oman and may go on to America. This has brought to a close, at least temporarily, a violent power struggle.
Riven by civil strife for many years, opposition groups rose up in open revolt a year ago, following the example of youths in Tunisia and Egypt. Mr Saleh, weakened by an injury from a bomb attack in June, clung to power. For months Yemen appeared in danger of sliding into bloody chaos. Mr Saleh's loyal troops fought not only student protesters but also tribal bands and defecting soldiers, leaving extremist groups to set up strongholds in the north and south of the country.
His departure was brokered by Western diplomats and Gulf leaders. It follows an agreement that gives him and his loyalists immunity from prosecution. The final sign-off on the deal was delayed by several months, until it was enshrined in law by the Yemeni parliament. Mr Saleh's going should ease political tensions in Yemen. UN envoys have coaxed its competing factions into a detailed power-sharing plan that excludes jihadists. However, Mr Saleh has accepted neither defeat nor permanent exile and says he plans to return to Yemen, a possibility that could yet disrupt the delicate transition of power.
Mr Saleh left behind a country that is broke ...
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