Middle East

Saleh Forced Out As Yemen Is Latest Country To Fall In Arab Spring Riots

From January 2011 he struggled to quell big popular protests against his rule as a spate of gunbattles pushed Yemen closer to civil war. The violence culminated in deadly clashes between forces of the Hashed tribal group and government troops. Under mounting pressure, Saleh agreed to sign a Gulf accord in November that was meant to see him gradually relinquish power.

Published

13 years ago

February 20, 2012

Geoffrey Grider

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SANAA (Reuters) – Ali Abdullah Saleh, who once compared his 33-year rule of Yemen to “dancing on the heads of snakes,” formally steps down this week after Yemenis anoint a new president in an election many hope will give Yemen a chance for democracy.

A boy looks through a hole in a banner, with an image of Yemen's outgoing President Ali Abdullah Saleh, as he performs the weekly Friday prayers during a rally to show support for him in Sanaa January 27, 2012. REUTERS/Mohamed al-Sayaghi

No ceremonies are expected to mark the end for Saleh, who is out of the country being treated in the United States for injuries he sustained in an assassination attempt last June.

But the election, in which Saleh’s deputy Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi is the only candidate, is expected to pave the way for Yemen to introduce political and economic reforms and give it a chance to restructure security forces currently run by the outgoing president’s relatives.

Before he flew to the United States last month, Saleh apologized for “any shortcoming” in his rule and said he planned to come back. “I will return to Sanaa as head of the General People’s Congress party,” he told senior party and government officials in a televised speech before his departure on January 22.

But fears remain that the accord, inked in Saudi Arabia, the world’s No. 1 oil exporter which shares a long porous border with Yemen, may not provide the impoverished Arabian Peninsula state with a roadmap out of misery and chaos.

The bombing of Saleh’s compound in June, an apparent assassination attempt, left Saleh with severe burns, forcing him to seek treatment in Saudi Arabia, one of Yemen’s resource-rich neighbors which had tried in vain to ease him from power.

Ever nimble, Saleh reneged on three deals to transfer power before the attempt on his life and shrugged off U.S. and Saudi pressure to stay in exile, making good on a promise to return home in September.

But international pressure redoubled in October, when the U.N. Security Council adopted a resolution demanding he sign a handover plan brokered by Gulf neighbors. France and Britain hinted at European Union sanctions against him.

The United States has talked openly of its concern about who might succeed Saleh, an ally in the fight against al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, a Yemen-based wing of the militant group.

Until last year, Saleh’s grip on power seemed unshakeable. In 2010, supporters pushed for constitutional changes to allow him unlimited five-year terms as president. Speculation was high that he was grooming one of his sons as a possible successor.

But popular uprisings that toppled Tunisian President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali and Egypt’s Hosni Mubarak resonated in Yemen, drawing tens of thousands to daily protests in Sanaa and in Taiz to the south, threatening his apparent dynastic ambitions.

Saleh began to offer concessions.

First, he said he would not stand for re-election in 2013 and dismissed the idea of his son succeeding him. Then he offered a referendum on a new constitution by the end of the year and a shift to a truly democratic “parliamentary system.”

But after the death of 52 protesters in March, mostly by sniper fire, a string of generals, tribal leaders, diplomats and ministers either resigned or switched their allegiance to the protesters.

They included key figures in the al-Ahmar and Sanhan tribes, kinsmen who Saleh had placed in key military and other positions.

When confronted with a power transfer deal brokered by the six-member Gulf Cooperation Council, Saleh was forced to accept that he has lost the ability to win back his former allies, and sign up to the deal.

OVERSAW UNIFICATION

Saleh became the ruler of North Yemen in 1978 at a time when the south was a separate communist country, and has led the unified country since the two states merged in 1990.

Opponents often complained that he failed to address the basic needs of Yemen’s people, two-thirds of whom live on less than $2 per day. Oil wealth is dwindling and water is running out, though liquefied natural gas exports began in 2009.

Yet Saleh managed to keep Western and Arab powers on side.

After the September 11, 2001 attacks on U.S. cities, Washington became more aware of Yemen as a source of foot soldiers for Osama bin Laden’s al Qaeda network. Bin Laden himself, though born in Saudi Arabia, could trace his roots back to Yemen’s Hadramaut region.

Saleh cooperated with U.S. authorities, and the CIA started taking action against wanted figures. But by 2007, militants had regrouped in Yemen, and in 2008 they announced that their Saudi and Yemeni wings had united under the banner of al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula.

From 2009, the resurgent group made ever bolder attempts to stage attacks on Saudi and U.S. targets beyond Yemen, as well as targeting foreign tourists at home. At the same time, Shi’ite Muslims in the north rebelled against Saleh’s rule and southerners, feeling marginalized, began a new separatist drive.

Saudi Arabia, the United States and other allies responded by stepping up financial support to bolster Saleh’s rule.

If Saleh has been a determined survivor, he has also been a charismatic and often popular ruler with a canny understanding of the workings of Yemeni society.

Born in 1942 near Sanaa, Saleh had only limited education before joining the military as a non-commissioned officer.

His first break came when President Ahmed al-Ghashmi, who came from the same Hashed tribe as Saleh, appointed him military governor of Taiz, North Yemen’s second city. When Ghashmi was killed by a bomb in 1978, Saleh replaced him.

In 1990, an array of domestic and regional circumstances propelled North Yemen under Saleh and the socialist South Yemen state into a unification that Saudi Arabia at first opposed.

He angered Riyadh by staying close to Saddam Hussein during the 1990-91 Iraqi occupation of Kuwait, leading to the expulsion of up to one million Yemenis from Saudi Arabia. Before the crisis, Kuwait had given Yemen financial aid.

But Saleh then won plaudits from Western powers for carrying out economic reforms drawn up by the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, and made efforts to attract foreign investors.

His General People’s Congress party swept to victory in a 1993 parliamentary election, the first held after unification. South Yemen tried but failed to secede in a brief civil war in 1994 and Saleh then proceeded to move closer to Saudi Arabia, allowing an influx of its radical Wahhabi form of Sunni Islam. source – Yahoo News

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Emmanuel Macron

French President Emmanuel Macron And King Abdullah II Of Jordan Join Forces Today In France To Demand ‘Immediate End’ To Israel Defending Itself In Gaza

Published

2 weeks ago

March 19, 2025

Geoffrey Grider

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King Abdullah II of Jordan arrived at the Élysée Palace in Paris on Wednesday, where he was received by French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss Israel.

Today over in France, Emmanuel Macron welcomed King Abdullah II of Jordan into the Palace, and top of their list of ‘action items’ to discuss was how to stop Israel from continuing to neutralize the existential threat posed by Palestinian terror group Hamas. Both Macron and King Abdullah demanded an ‘immediate end’ to the recently-renewed attacks by Israel on Hamas. Macron was seen in the main photo for this article grinning like Nicolae Carpathia, shaking hands in agreement with the Jordanian king.

“And a mighty king shall stand up, that shall rule with great dominion, and do according to his will.” Daniel 11:3 (KJB)

With Donald Trump back in the White House, bombing Yemen and threatening Iran, the temperature in the Middle East continues to push toward the boiling point. We told you last week about the war games exercises between Russia, China and Iran, leading one to speculate that Russia and China would back Iran up in the case of attack. The Jerusalem Post today is reporting on the IDF entering into the Netzarim Corridor with tanks as Hamas calls for a global siege on US and Israel embassies. Yes sir, all the elements are, once again, firmly in place for end times escalation. That’s the memo.

THIS 850-PAGE TREATISE OF THE TRUE HISTORY OF THE STATE OF ISRAEL WILL GIVE YOU AN EXCELLENT UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT’S COMING FOR THE JEWS AND THE MIDDLE EAST, CLICK TO ORDER!!

King Abdullah II calls for immediate end to violations in Jerusalem in meeting with Macron

FROM ROYA NEWS: During joint statements with Macron, King Abdullah condemned the ongoing violations against Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, stating that such actions escalate tensions and must stop immediately.

He also warned that the forced displacement of Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza threatens to expand the conflict and further destabilize the region. Addressing Israeli Occupation’s renewed attacks on Gaza, the King described them as a highly dangerous step that worsens an already dire humanitarian crisis.

“We call for a permanent ceasefire and the release of all hostages held by Hamas in Gaza,” Macron added.

For his part, President Macron called Israeli Occupation’s resumed strikes in Gaza a “major setback” and stressed that a military solution is not viable. Speaking alongside King Abdullah at the Élysée Palace, Macron urged for an immediate halt to hostilities and a resumption of negotiations under US mediation. READ MORE

Jordan’s King Abdullah II and French President Emmanuel Macron meet in Paris

Jordan’s King Abdullah II meets French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris to talk about the situation in Gaza, the latest Israeli airstrikes and humanitarian aid.

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“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;” Titus 2:13 (KJB)

“Thank you very much!” – Geoffrey, editor-in-chief, NTEB

China

AXIS ALLIANCE: Iran, Russia And China Begin Joint Military Exercise ‘Operation Maritime Security Belt 2025’ In Preparation For The Coming World War

Published

3 weeks ago

March 11, 2025

Geoffrey Grider

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Russia, China and Iran come together for naval drills in ‘Operation Maritime Security Belt 2025’ as Axis alliance continues to grow and gain power

Five years ago, on January 1 2020, our very first article of that incredible year was about the first-ever joint military alliance between Russia, China and Iran, that’s how 2020 started. The operation was called the ‘Marine Security Belt’. Yesterday, Russia, China and Iran kicked off ‘Operation Maritime Security Belt 2025’, whose aim is to increase coordination between Russia and China to defend and protect Iran. Today is Day 1,821 of 15 Days To Flatten The Curve, and the needle remains pinned at the top of the end times meter. That’s the memo.

“The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun. Is there any thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath been already of old time, which was before us.” Ecclesiastes 1:9,10 (KJB)

As sure as I’m sitting here writing this, and you sitting there reading it, we are headed for WWIII like a bullet, with all the key factors needed for such an event present and accounted for. WWI prepared the land for the Jews, WWII prepared the Jews for the land, and WWIII will prepare them for the time of Jacob’s trouble. Buckle up, Christian, and let’s work to put a few more souls in the seats on Flight #777 while we still can. TO THE FLIGHT!!!

Russia, China and Iran combine military muscle for ‘Operation Maritime Security Belt 2025’

FROM THE JERUSALEM POST: Iran’s navy is taking part in a three-day drill with Russia and China. Iranian media said that the Iranian navy had successfully executed the second day of the joint drill. “The three-day naval drills, codenamed the 2025 Maritime Security Belt, kicked off Monday in the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Oman,” the report said.

“Rear Admiral Mostafa Tajeddini, deputy operations commander of the Iranian Navy, said on Tuesday that aerial photography exercises and tactical formations were successfully conducted during the joint maritime drill,” IRNA added.

Iran says that its navy is “committed to establishing security both regionally and globally, adding that the Navy will not allow any threats or incursions into the nation’s maritime borders.” Iran doesn’t have a very large navy. The importance is largely related to coordination with China and Russia.

Meanwhile, Iranian Rear Admiral Shahram Irani slammed Trump in comments on March 11. He claimed that Trump had said that the US was not concerned about joint drills. “He said that the participation of three countries in the military exercise, titled Security Belt 2025, is focused on fostering security, contrasting it with the presence of countries like the United States, which consistently contributed to global instability,” IRNA noted. He also praised the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS, of which Iran is a member.

Russia ties are important. Iran provides Moscow with drones. Iran and Russia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to produce microelectronic components, Iran’s state media said. “Russia’s Ministry of Industry and Trade signed the agreement with the Nano and Micro Technology Development Headquarters, a division of the Iranian Vice Presidency for Science, Technology, and the Knowledge-Based Economy, on Tuesday, the Moscow-based Kommersant newspaper reported.” The report adds that the Zelenograd Nanotechnology Center (ZNTC), “one of Russia’s leading firms in nanotechnology,” will to produce advanced nanolithography equipment, telecommunication multiplexers, and automotive sensors.

The naval drills come as Iran seeks to project power in the region. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said, “Iran is determined to fulfill its obligation to the Iraqi administration in thwarting unlawful actions by the United States.” In addition, the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) said it has “dispatched 500 tons of humanitarian aid to Lebanon, according to Babak Mahmoud, the head of the IRCS Aid and Relief Organization.” This shows Iran shoring up support in Iraq and Lebanon.

Iran also said on March 11 that it has not received a letter from US President Donald Trump, “days after he claimed to have sent such a letter to Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei,” IRNA noted. READ MORE

“Finger On Trigger” Iran Warns US Amid “Security Belt-2025” Naval Drills With China, Russia

Iran, China, and Russia have launched their annual Security Belt-2025 naval drills in the Gulf of Oman, reinforcing military ties amid shifting global alliances under US President Donald Trump. The exercises, involving warships, helicopters, and support vessels, are strategically significant as they take place near the vital Strait of Hormuz, through which a quarter of the world’s oil shipments pass. While Trump dismissed concerns over the joint drills, asserting US military superiority, analysts view them as a sign of growing coordination among authoritarian states seeking to counterbalance Washington’s influence. With tensions escalating between the US and Iran—especially as Trump’s “maximum pressure” campaign intensifies—Iranian military officials have warned they are fully prepared for any confrontation. The presence of international observers from multiple countries highlights the broader geopolitical impact of these exercises, as Iran, China, and Russia showcase their ability to secure key maritime routes.

Now The End Begins is your front line defense against the rising tide of darkness in the last Days before the Rapture of the Church

HOW TO DONATE: Click here to view our WayGiver Funding page

“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;” Titus 2:13 (KJB)

“Thank you very much!” – Geoffrey, editor-in-chief, NTEB

Headline News

INCOMING: Iran Concerned That Airstrike On Their Nuclear Facilities By Israel And The United States Is Coming And They Are Rushing To Upgrade Defences

Published

1 month ago

February 25, 2025

Geoffrey Grider

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Iran’s defense systems are on high alert, particularly around the country’s nuclear sites, due to fears of a joint Israel-US strike, according to a report from The Telegraph on Tuesday morning.

We have done this story so many times, I am reluctant to broach it again, but I will because at some point it has to happen. If the events of October 7th taught us anything, taught Israel anything, it is that Iran’s nuclear program must be wiped out. Iran is run by bad people who do bad things and who have no desire to play nice with the rest of the group. Iran has only one objective, and that is to destroy Israel and annihilate the Jewish people. Hamas has been a tough war, Hezbollah was a tough war, but they are symptoms. Iran is the source. That’s the memo.

“The ram which thou sawest having two horns are the kings of Media and Persia.” Daniel 8:20 (KJB)

Israel doesn’t need more war, but they need this war if they’re ever to slow down Iranian aggression and cut off the supply lines to the proxy terror groups that surround them. Donald Trump needs this war, too, if only to show to the world that America and Israel are inseparable. Trump came into great fanfare and high expectations, but actually getting done what you put in your Executive Orders can be challenging to do. Yesterday, hackers within the White House created an AI video of Trump kissing the feet of “the real president” Elon Musk, and posted it to hallway monitors around the Capitol. That’s a bad sign, and Trump needs a legitimate show of strength right now. Taking out Iran’s nuclear reactors are just the thing.

Iran rushes to upgrade air defenses, fearing joint Israel-US attack – report

FROM THE JERUSALEM POST: Defense systems have been bolstered surrounding key nuclear and missile sites with the addition of extra air defense system launchers, two Iranian high-level government sources told the publication. According to the report, Iranian officials started to take additional action after both the Biden and Trump administrations noted Israel’s likely plan to target key Iranian nuclear sites in 2025.

BREAKING NEWS: The Swamp and the Deep State are not going to go away quietly. This was the scene in Washington DC yesterday as monitors were hacked by the resistance. In fact, there’s a good chance they’re not going to go away at all. Long live the real king? Hmm. pic.twitter.com/VOdtIsiUKU

— Now The End Begins (@NowTheEndBegins) February 25, 2025

“The Iranian authorities are just waiting for the attack and are anticipating it every night, and everything has been on high alert – even in sites that no one knows about,” one source told The Telegraph. “Work to fortify nuclear sites has been ongoing for years, but it has intensified over the past year, particularly since Israel launched the first attack,” he added.

Threats from the Trump administration have only since intensified their preparations.

Iran has been waging a covert war against Israel through multiple proxies over the years, escalating their efforts on October 7 as Hamas launched a brutal attack that killed 1,200+ people and took more than 250 people hostage. Through Hamas, Hezbollah, Houthis, and even additional launches from Syria, Iran has used outside forces to do the nation’s “dirty work.”

In April 2024, Iran attempted to launch drones into Israeli territory. Their failed attempt led to a second, exponentially larger attack on Israel in October 2024, in response to Israel entering Lebanon. In response, Israel has carried out a number of strikes on key facilities Iran uses to continue terror activities against Israel. Iran is fearful that Trump’s support for Israel striking these nuclear facilities, having expressed that he wants Iran to back down and end their nuclear program, will lead Iran vulnerable in its defense systems, which were diminished heavily last year.

An Iranian official told the Telegraph that “Several additional air defence system launchers have been deployed, but there is an understanding that they may not be effective in the event of a large-scale strike.”

Iran has domestically developed their air defenses but also has employed Russian S-300s to protect its nuclear sites. Still, the country is not sure that the Russian S-300s they have will be sufficient against Israel’s weaponry. This led to additional pressure from Iran to expedite a delivery of S-400 systems.

The Islamic regime has domestically developed an air defense system and has Russian S-300s to protect its nuclear sites. However, these are not thought to be robust enough to protect against Israel’s cutting-edge weapons, prompting Iran to pressure Russia into expediting the delivery of S-400 missile systems. Earlier this week, IRGC’s General Amir Ali Hajizadeh announced the development of further ballistic missile defenses to prepare for an Israeli attack. They plan to equip Tehran and other major cities with the system.

Trump has adopted a “maximum pressure” approach on Iran, with US national security advisor Michael Waltz saying that “all options are on the table” in reference to US action on Iran. “They [Iran] are an irrational actor that we cannot allow to have their finger on the button,” he added. READ MORE

Iran Braces for Possible Attack from Israel and United States

Iran has heightened its defenses around nuclear sites, placing them on high alert due to fears of a potential joint military strike by Israel and the United States. Tehran has deployed additional air defense launchers to bolster its strategic sites, reflecting intensified efforts to safeguard its nuclear program. This move follows warnings from U.S. intelligence that Israel may target Iranian nuclear facilities this year, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowing to “finish the job” with U.S. support.