[Angelus Errare]

Keep in mind that the average al-Qaeda grunt is better trained than the members of most Arab militaries, something the Yemenis have learned quite a bit over the last two years. The Yemeni government only controls about 1/3 of the country, and al-Qaeda already rules three of the northern provinces in the country. They basically want quasi-autonomy from the government in return for ceasing attacks in the country.

And the Yemenis are considering it ...

[Peach]

That IS bad news.

The more I learn about AQ, the more I realize what a big mistake it was for Clinton to let him operate as long as he did. I'm not trying to politicize this, and perhaps other presidents would have done the same, but it was one of those tactical blunders that will cost us in human lives and $$'s for geneartions to come.

[livius]

They basically want quasi-autonomy from the government in return for ceasing attacks in the country.

Well, it worked for FARC in Colombia (under Clinton). Of course, they didn't stop their attacks on the rest of the country, because being a terrorist means never having to say you're sorry.