Uncertain Political and Security Situation Challenges U.S. Efforts to Implement a Comprehensive Strategy in Yemen

Abstract : Yemen is an important U.S. partner in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism. According to U.S. officials, al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) which is based in Yemen is one of the top national security threats facing the United States. AQAP has shown the intent and capability to carry out attacks against U.S. targets both in Yemen and in the United States, including the September 2008 bombing of the U.S. embassy in the Yemen capital, Sanaa, and the failed attempts to blow up a U.S.-bound airplane in December 2009 and to send packages containing explosives on two separate airplanes bound for the United States in October 2010. Further, Yemen faces severe economic and social challenges, such as escalating unemployment at a time when over half of the population is under 18 years old. These challenges have not only made the country internally unstable, they have also created an attractive environment for recruiting militants. As a result, in recent years, U.S policymakers have dedicated greater attention and resources to addressing threats emanating from Yemen. Recognizing both the variety of threats emanating from Yemen, as well as the significant increase in U.S. assistance to Yemen, a Senate report directed the Comptroller General to, among other things, review this assistance.