Yemen’s Al-Islah Party to Reintroduce New Administrative Framework

Yemen’s Al-Islah party head Mohammed al-Yadumi. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Yemen’s Al-Islah party head Mohammed al-Yadumi. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
TT

Yemen’s Al-Islah Party to Reintroduce New Administrative Framework

Yemen’s Al-Islah party head Mohammed al-Yadumi. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Yemen’s Al-Islah party head Mohammed al-Yadumi. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Yemen’s Al-Islah leader Mohammed al-Yadumi said that his political party is in the process of preparing for the Fifth General Conference to comprehensively assess overlapping positions and issues, including the process of renewing frameworks under which the party is run.

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Yadumi highlighted efforts spent by neighboring Gulf states, namely Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

“The party highly appreciates the Arab Coalition’s support provided by the Saudi Kingdom and the UAE to the internationally-recognized government and the Yemeni people,” he said.

He described the recent meeting between the party's leadership with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, and UAE Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed as defining and positive.

Addressing repeated accusation of the party's affiliation with the Muslim Brotherhood, Yadumi stressed that his party is a national political party with a reformist approach, as it is mentioned in its name—Al-Islah is Arabic for reform.

"There are no organizational or political relations with the international organization of the Muslim Brotherhood."

Yadumi said that it was efforts spent by “heroes that served the Houthi militias a severe blow—Houthis have sought to detach Yemen from its Arab identity and reintroduce it as a pawn for Iran’s expansionist agenda.”

Iran seeks control over Yemen so that it may access other countries it perceives as arch foes, creating a source of disturbance to Gulf and international security and stability.

The right-wing political leader also welcomed the General People's Congress party back into Yemen’s political life, so long as it adherence to constitutional legitimacy.

He also urged the Congress to overcome differences and focus on the liberation of Yemen.

"Today, Yemen cannot tolerate any side battles that the coupists could exploit to prolong the conflict and the suffering of the people," said Yadumi.

He highlighted that coup militias register losses daily to pro-legitimacy forces-- slamming Houthis as "liars who deceive with every breath they take."

Rarely speaking to media outlets, Yadumi refused to address rumored extortion practiced by his party against the coalition combating the Houthi militias.

“Reform has already released a declaration supporting Saudi-led efforts on restoring the legitimately elected government into power, which was in response to the request issued by President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi to help save Yemen,” he added.

As a political party, Al-Islah spared no effort in mobilizing the national public opinion to support the legitimacy government and engage in resisting the coup by all means.

“This has been our permanent and firm political position since the beginning of the battle,” said Yadumi.

In addition to this strong and clear political position, Al-Islah has been involved in the pro-government popular resistance and in supporting the national army.



Salih Muslim: Self-Administration Firm on Northeast Syria Elections Schedule

The co-chairman of the Democratic Union Party (PYD) Salih Muslim (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The co-chairman of the Democratic Union Party (PYD) Salih Muslim (Asharq Al-Awsat)
TT

Salih Muslim: Self-Administration Firm on Northeast Syria Elections Schedule

The co-chairman of the Democratic Union Party (PYD) Salih Muslim (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The co-chairman of the Democratic Union Party (PYD) Salih Muslim (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Salih Muslim, the co-chairman of the Democratic Union Party (PYD), the main party of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), reaffirmed commitment to holding local elections in August despite increased Turkish threats of military action.

Muslim emphasized that these elections are aimed at managing local affairs in areas outside Syrian government control, stressing they have no intention to secede from Syria.

The PYD leader disclosed that US officials urged Syrian Kurds to announce the elections promptly.

He noted that Turkish reactions, which he termed “provocative,” were met with silence from the Syrian official side. He added that the Damascus regime fully understands that there are no Kurdish separatist plans from the Syrian state.

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat at his office in Al-Hasakah, Muslim explained the reasons for the repeated delays in local elections in AANES regions.

“The elections were first postponed from May 30 to June 11 due to logistical issues with the Higher Elections Commission. There was a lack of preparation, possibly due to inexperience or unfamiliarity with our area,” said Muslim.

“Secondly, some political parties objected to the Commission's decision to shorten the campaign period from 20 days, as stipulated in the social contract, to just 10 days.”

“Thirdly, we wanted international and Arab observers and guests to monitor the elections.”

“However, arranging their travel takes time, especially since our region requires visas and approvals that can delay the process. We could only provide them with a 10-day notice.”

“These were the actual reasons for delaying the elections until August, despite claims linking it to American pressure and Turkish escalation.”

“It was expected, as hostile parties such as Türkiye would object to any local efforts to manage our region’s affairs,” clarified Muslim.

When asked about commitment to holding elections, Muslim said: “We are committed to proceeding with these elections as planned.”

“The decision lies with the entities involved in the Higher Commission and political parties.”

“The postponement aims to address initial shortcomings, but it is imperative that these elections proceed on schedule,” he affirmed.

As for the US reaction when elections were announced by the AANES, Muslim said: “They told us, ‘We see you are moving quickly with this.’ That was their only comment, without further explanation.”

Muslim agreed that the US might have a point regarding logistical preparations and significant deficiencies in organizing elections, particularly concerning visits by foreign delegations and observers.

However, Muslim said that the real reason behind the US caveat on rushing elections remains unclear.