A Talk With the Top Man
President Ali Abdullah Saleh spoke with U.S. News's Kevin Whitelaw. Excerpts:
On being a U.S. ally: We have been dealing with the Americans for many years, and so far nothing has happened to create any misunderstandings between us. But I could imagine that America's alliances are based on self-interest rather than on principles. Interests come first, and principles do not overcome interests.
On U.S. fears that al Qaeda would find haven in Yemen: Not all American expectations are right in all cases. But it was very useful because it created some incentive for us and created a high alert among the security agencies.
On domestic effects of cooperation with the United States: Yes, we have domestic problems. For example, political forces inside the country do not wish a good relationship to exist between the government and the United States--so that they can say to the people, look, the government has bad relations with the United States because of the mismanagement of the government. But if they were in power, they would work to improve the relationship with the United States.
On corruption in Yemen: Corruption is a virus that is prevalent throughout the world. But in Yemen, it is not as [bad as] it has been described by the media. We have policies to eradicate this corruption. And many actions have been taken to fire those people suspected of being corrupt and to send them to court.
On competing voices for modernization and conservatism: If we recall the past, the situation then was more difficult than it is now. The country is moving toward modernization and progress--in terms of education, in terms of economy, politics, and social affairs. Certainly, these voices--conservative voices, tribal voices, provincial voices--will continue to exist. However, they shall not have great influence.
On criticism of moving backward on freedom of the press: First of all, journalists aren't being harassed. They are being held accountable by the law, not through a political decision.
This story appears in the March 13, 2006 print edition of U.S. News & World Report.
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