Yemen has released the mastermind behind the USS Cole attack in 2000.
Al-Badawi — who had escaped prison last year — was freed after turning himself in two weeks ago, renouncing terrorism and pledging allegiance to Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh, according to news reports.
Yeah. That makes me feel better. The guy has escaped twice from an obviously-incompetent Yemeni penal system. And now everything is ok because he pledged his allegiance to Yemen’s president. I’m sure the thug is rehabilitated now.
If you haven’t guessed by now, US officials aren’t exactly pleased about this. Add to this, the voice of the former commander of the USS Cole.
“In the war on terrorism, actions speak stronger than words, and this act by the Yemeni government is a clear demonstration that they are neither a reliable nor trustworthy partner in the war on terrorism,” said Cmdr. Kirk Lippold.
For all of the outrage, this one will go away quietly. Yemen has probably done just enough to be considered an “ally” in the war on terror. I’m keen to agree with Rudy Giuliani who proposes that we withhold $20 million in aid to Yemen over this travesty. Yemen isn’t a big enough player, but this is a true slap in the face. I’m tired of the two-faced “allies” in the Middle East.




