Call for Change

Middle East Protests Reach Yemen

Thousands call for president's resignation.

Thousands took to the streets in Yemen's capital city Sana'a, calling for the resignation of the Middle Eastern country's president, Ali Abdullah Saleh. "The people want a change in president," protesters chanted in demonstrations. Police were present, but no clashes were reported. Saleh has become a key ally in the U.S. effort to rid the Arabian peninsula of al Qaeda. Yemen faces rising unemployment in a country where nearly half survive on $2 a day or less. Protesters, supported by the opposition party, clearly found inspiration in the changes rushing through the region. "Look at Tunis and what it did," they chanted. "Yemen's people are stronger."