Yemeni Political Chromo-Dynamics or Weak Decay!

Quantum Chromo-Dynamics (QCD) is the physical theory that explains the strong interaction of sub-nuclear particles called Quarks. These are structure-less (point-like) particles that make up both the proton and the neutron which make up the atomic nucleus. Quarks are strongly bound together inside the proton or the neutron which are in turn strongly bound together inside the atomic nucleus. They are bound together by so to speak gluing particles called Gluons. These Gluons come in three distinct values (colors) of an intrinsic property called color quantum number, hence came the term chromo to describe Quark dynamics. Therefore in nature, the force that unifies particles (tightly group them together) is both powerful and colorful. On the other hand, the force responsible for nuclear decay (radioactivity) is a weak force; a very weak one.

That is how physics describes nature. In particular, that is how physics sees the force of unity as oppose to the force of decay among particles in nature, but what about Yemeni politics? Yemen unity was re-established in May 1990 by strong and binding factors in and outside Yemen. The force driving Yemeni unity was so powerful such that it defeated a secessionist movement with external funds in 1994. Nothing could deter the unity parties from fulfilling the dream of the Yemeni people of a unified country. Today, the picture is different as the Yemeni political landscape is even much more colorful but certainly not united. More political colors have emerged but with less unity among them. There are four main political colors or sets of colors that will end up collectively deciding the fate of the country. These are:

The ruling party (the State): This group is certainly not monochromatic by any means.

The main opposition coalition (Joint Meeting Parties and allies): This group is as colorful as it gets, in fact it is so colorful that one sometimes wonders how the red socialists get along with the green (moderate) or black (extremist) Islamic brotherhood.

The Huthis in the north of Yemen: This group is certainly as monochromatic as it gets.

“Al herak” in the south of Yemen: So far, this group has not formed a distinct color or a set of colors but the expectation is that it will be colorful. It is also expected to have colors close to the socialist party spectrum.

The interaction between these elements has been and will continue to be colorful and fits the description of chromo-dynamics. The interaction has sometimes reached the extremity of bloodshed, but the question remains: will this chromo-dynamics be a force of unity or a force of decay? The answer is by no means straightforward. Yet, the key as to the likelihood of where that answer is heading, is to answer another question which is: will all the four above political elements interact positively together? If so, unity will be preserved and if not, hell may break loose! Our politicians from all of the above colors must realize that they are all nationals and matter to Yemen’s future and therefore, none should be left out of the ongoing national dialogue. Today, the ruling party is in the lead and its Government can lead by example or screw up by habit!

In nature, the force of unity is both strong and colorful while the force of decay is weak and non-colorful. On the other hand Yemeni politics is quite colorful but it remains to be seen which forces will overcome, the force of unity or the force of disintegration? In both cases it is the Government that will end up being congratulated or blamed, and blaming will then be of no use!

Moustafa Bahran
Professor of Physics (qmbahra@yahoo.com)

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