A little Yemeni politiking

We visited the Yemeni parliament today. A few of the individuals we met with included the President of the Parliament, the General Manager of the Media, and the lone female Parliamentarian among her 300 male colleagues. I can't say as the visit was in any way surprising. The President of the Parliament was very welcoming, thanking us for being the "true ambassadors" for Yemen to the world (because, he said, most of the people the rest of the world considers ambassadors won't stay here, so you're really it.). We had the opportunity to ask "any question you want." In answer to the ultra-basic question, "what are some of the problems in Yemen that the Parliament is trying to fix," the answer amidst laughter was simply: "What problems? We have no problems." And after a few moments we realized that was the extent of the answer that was going to come. One student posed a more specific question: "We know that the water shortage in Yemen is a huge problem. What is the Parliament doing to address this problem?" And the answer was equally concise: "We cannot control the rainfall." At which point one of the professors got a little riled up and began expanding in Arabic about sustainability, infrastructure to hold more water, etc. The answer was not elaborated upon. And in regards to future increases in female representation in Parliament, it is as expected: there very well might be more, and there is a move from the President to expand female representation to 15% of Parliament, but it will be done where the parties consider it in their best interest. Of course you must have the party's endorsement to run for office.

We did get one amusing answer to an equally amusing question. One of our guys asked, "Can members of Parliament chew (qat) during session?" At which the Manager of the Media laughed and said, "Yes, of course, only in the afternoon sessions." This question was followed up with, "Do you see the qat culture here as a problem?" and he answered, "Yes. It is a big problem." But then in far more words essentially said what can be done about it. Another question about the large amount of water that is used for growing qat when it is desperately needed elsewhere was posed, and he said there has been some movement to limit the amount of water that can be used for such purposes. That might be one legislative initiative worth following. Since all legislation is introduced by the President and then voted on by the Parliament (with the ruling party voting as a block in agreement with any of the President's proposals), it will only move if the President so desires.

Our conversation with the one female member of Parliament was of just as much originality. Still, she was very gracious and hospitable and most eager to share about the role of politics and Parliament in Yemeni life. We also met the leader of the opposition party, an amusing old man who died his hair red (which doesn't work well for Yemenis I must say) but who of course would never miss an opportunity to talk to the foreigners.

All in all an amusing experience. I would recommend it.