WarSclerotic

The rally–one of the largest demonstrations this capital has seen in recent memory– unfolded in four different neighborhoods and was inspired by the uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt.

The unrest here represented a widening of the upheavals unfolding across the Arab world, and poses yet another threat to the stability of this U.S. ally, which Al Qaeda militants are using a base to target the West and its allies.

“Look at Tunisia with pride,” the crowds chanted. “Yemen has strong people, too.”

But unlike the protests in Tunisia and Egypt, Thursday’s rally here was peaceful, fueled by boisterous opposition party members, from socialists to Islamists, and youth activists.

Protesters shut down streets, sang songs and shouted patriotic slogans, as soldiers and riot police wearing helmets and carrying batons and shields watched. Security was tight around the capital.

“The people want the president replaced,” the crowds chanted. “Live free, Yemen.”

The poorest country in the Middle East, Yemen is struggling with many of the same problems faced in other Arab nations, including high unemployment, low wages, rising prices and widespread corruption. In addition to the threat posed by Al Qaeda, the weak government is grappling with a rebellion in the north and a secessionist movement in the south.

In the wake of the Tunisian rebellion and growing tensions here, Saleh raised the salaries of the army and denied accusations that he was trying to anoint his son as his successor. He also ordered income taxes cut in half and sought adequate controls on inflation.

But despite his efforts to defuse the unrest, Yemenis from all walks of life have taken to the streets over the past two weeks, calling for Saleh’s removal–a demand that few citizens in the past would have dared to utter.