Friedman visits Yemen Observer for inspiration

Thomas Friedman, a world-renowned bi-weekly Foreign Affairs columnist for the New York Times, traveled to Yemen this week for the first time. Friedman, known for his expertise in middle eastern affairs, visited the Yemen Observer office to view the publications printed in Yemen and meet the staff of the newspaper. On a mission to get inspiration for his next column, Friedman questioned the staff and expatriates present what they were doing in Yemen and their thoughts on living in a country that is receiving much international attention. Most explained that they came to Yemen for language acquisition and later decided to stay and work. Many expressed their dissatisfaction with the media-hype that is currently burning Yemen. “We are living normal lives here in Sana’a. I have an apartment, I work, and I do not live with fear. I only worry that people who do not truly know Yemen are the ones communicating with the west and sending false alarms, misinformation that could seriously damage the progress Yemen is making,” said a participant at the meeting. Friedman emphasized that the international community needs to “sow the seeds” for the benefits it hopes to reap in harvest. Friedman’s visit will be included in his next column which can be found on the New York Times website.

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