Number: RL34170
Title: Yemen: Background and U.S. Relations
Authors: Jeremy M. Sharp, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division 
Abstract: U.S.-Yemeni relations have generally been good, though marred occasionally by differences over Iraq and the Arab-Israeli conflict. U.S. officials have welcomed Yemen's support for the war on terrorism since September 11, 2001; however, because the Yemeni populace is ambivalent about any Western military presence, the Yemeni government tends to downplay U.S.-Yemeni military and intelligence ties. The U.S. government has modestly increased aid for Yemen, which had virtually ended in the late 1990s. In 2003, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) reopened its mission in Yemen after a hiatus of seven years. Over the past several fiscal years, Yemen has received on average between $20 and $25 million in total U.S. foreign aid. In FY2009, the Administration has requested $28.2 million in assistance for Yemen, an increase from its $20.7 million aid package in FY2008.
Pages: 13
Date: June 10, 2008