Herndon High Students Visit Embassy of the Republic of Yemen

Vaqas and Maggie with Embassy of Yemen official Mohammad Albasha.  Students participated in a Q&A with Mr. Albasha, posed for pictures in the embassy courtyard and visited the World War II Memorial.  This took place on Nov. 14, 2012.

Vaqas (In Arabic)- Aslam-o-Alikom. What do you want Americans to know about the people of Yemen and their culture?  ANSWER-  American culture is affecting the youth of Yemen, which is a good thing. If you have an i-Phone you're a rock star in Yemen.

Maggie- What protections are women granted in Yemen?  ANSWER- They are slowing gaining more rights, they can drive, they hold positions in our government.

Yessica- Have you travelled through the United States and if so, what are your favorite places?  ANSWER- Yes. San Diego and New York City.  I love flying over your land and seeing all the green.  God has blessed you with productive land, beautiful beaches and smart people.

Usama- How would Americans be treated in Yemen?  ANSWER- With great hospitality! We are a welcoming people and likeable. 

Fahad (not pictured)- How is the crime rate in Yemen?  ANSWER- Everyone in Yemen has a gun so there is no crime.

Helen- Since you have worked in the U.S., are you concerned you might be targeted by Al Qaeda when you return to Yemen?  ANSWER- Yes, I am a target. I have travelled with guards in the past but on my last visit I did not.  I want them to be afraid.

William- Some of your people stormed the U.S. Embassy in Yemen because of the anti-Islam video.  Do most Yemeni's feel the same way as the protestors?  ANSWER- NO. The protestors were a small group. Some political groups try to embarrass our government. Most Yemeni's realize the video had  nothing to do with the U.S. Government.

Chloe- We have read that Yemen is encouraging coffee production instead of qat. When do you think I will be able to walk in my local Starbucks and buy Yemen coffee?  ANSWER- You can now.  It's called "Sanahi Coffee."

Ed - Will you ever have a peace treaty with Al-Qaeda?  ANSWER- Never.  There is nothing in that group that has a structure of government. They are about violence.  I eat Al Qaeda for breakfast.

Subhan- Do people in Yemen know much about the U.S. other than our drone strikes?  ANSWER- The U.S. focuses on counter-terrorism in Yemen. Yemeni's have mixed feelings about that.

Namra- The U.S. is concerned about the growing economic and military power of China. What nation or nations is Yemen concerned about?  ANSWER- I will just say Iran.

Martha- How has the killing of Anwar Al-Awlaki affected Al Qaeda's efforts in Yemen?  ANSWER- Anwar Al Awlaki was not famous in Yemen until 2009.  After his death there have been no foreign attacks planned by Al Qaeda.

Dora (r)- What do you think Yemen will be like in ten years?  ANSWER- A meeting will be held in six months will tell you where Yemen will be in ten years. It could go to bad path which would take Yemen to civil war.  I hope we to go a better place.

Rawdah (l)- The best friends of the U.S. include Canada, England and Israel. What nations are Yemen's best friends?  ANSWER- Saudi Arabia is a close neighbor and ally.  The U.S. has been very helpful.

Karen (r)- We read about the limited fresh water supplies in Yemen.  Is there anything that can be done to solve that problem?  ANSWER- We are building a de-salinization plant on the western coast of Yemen. People need to educated so they understand the value of water.

Devon- Americans look upon George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King as American heroes.  Who would you consider a Yemeni hero  ANSWER- My mom. There were also individuals that help defeat monarchy, but I would still say my mom.

Mikala- In the recent election between President Obama and Mitt Romney, did you have a preference?  ANSWER- I thought it would be a Win-Win either way. But I have met President Obama and I feel his policies have been  helpful towards Yemen.

Jose (2nd l)- Does Al Qaeda hold any territory in Yemen?  ANSWER- No. Some are hiding in the mountains.  Last year they held some territory but we pushed them out.

Carlos (2nd r)- What happened to the approximately 100,000 refugees as a result of the fighting in Yemen over the last few years?  ANSWER- Many towns have been broken because of the fighting, many schools destroyed. The U.S. is helping us build homes for the refugees.

Jorge (r)- Yemen has a lot of coastline.  Do you have good beaches?  ANSWER- Yes!  Some of my favorite beaches are the islands of Yemen.  They are better than the Caribbean. 

Ruth- The U.S. provides the Yemeni army with weapons, training and intelligence. With the U.S. 16 trillion in debt, please explain why Yemen is a good investment for our tax dollars.  ANSWER- The aid the U.S. provides Yemen is among the smallest amounts they give any nation. The oil trade could be affected if there is an attack and then we both will lose business.

John (l)- In a PBS report it stated the city of Aden was gripped by chaos. What is the status of that city now?  ANSWER- 8 cities including Aden were controlled by Al Qaeda.  All our now controlled by the government.

Subhan and Namra- Sibling Picture!

Students taking a quiz provided by Mr. Albasha.

Torice (r)- Some people in Pakistan were mad when the U.S. killed Osama bin Laden.  Do Yemeni's approve of military action by the U.S. in your nation?  ANSWER- There are mixed reviews but most are not upset.