It seems unlikely that Yemeni security forces "are observing and pursuing [al-Qaeda]around the clock" (Friction Develops In Yemen-U.S. Partnership To Fight Terror - Jan 6). According to the World Health Organization, nearly 90 per cent of adult Yemeni males chew qat - a mildly narcotic leaf that can induce euphoria and conversation but is often followed by manic swings, depression and hallucinations.
Assistant professor, Department of Environment and Resource Studies, University of Waterloo