Yemen destabilized by tribal violence

LONDON, Aug. 6 (UPI) -- Women and children are among the victims in Yemen most impacted by tribal vendettas as the government attempts to restore stability, an analysis shows.

Yemen, facing pressure from Western allies, is attempting to revitalize the nation as it struggles with a looming threat from al-Qaida and other terrorist elements.

Meanwhile, with government efforts in full force, tribal violence is ravaging parts of the domestic community, with women and children bearing the brunt of the problem.

In a review of the culture of violence in Yemen, the pan-Arab daily Asharq al-Awsat notes a phenomenon of homeless and other secondary effects of violence are creating vast societal problems.

Women suffer gravely, as cultural norms prevent them from taking part in any efforts at reform. Many complain that the use of guns and bombs violates tribal ethics as violence spirals out of control.

Children, meanwhile, are forced into displacement if they choose to flee the violence, or risk getting caught up in the fighting.

State officials have looked to various sanctions to punish any party that targets women and children, while considering special provisions for child soldiers.

Meanwhile, the Interior Ministry claims thousands of weapons were forfeited following a ban on firearms in major cities.

The United Nations, however, says the two-year ban claimed only modest success as locals prefer customs over formal judicial measures.