HAMTRAMCK — Hundreds of Yemeni Americans participated in a
demonstration on Joseph Campau in Hamtramck Sunday expressing admiration for
their homeland’s president, Ali Abdullah Saleh.

Supporters wave Yemen’s national flag while holding signs in support of president Ali Abdullah Saleh. Both supporters and those against Saleh have rallied in recent weeks. PHOTO: Natasha Dado/TAAN

Protesters, including children, chanted slogans and held
signs in support of Saleh as loud music played. Many dressed in shirts
featuring Saleh’s face, and waved Yemen’s flag in the air along with pictures
of Saleh. Speeches were delivered on a stage by microphone. 

“Everyone who came here is saying yes to Ali Abdullah
Saleh. He is a great president,” Yemeni American Abdullah Al Masmari said. 

 Mohamed Qasem
of Hamtramck says the number of pro-Saleh supporters outweighs those in
opposition to the president. Qasem says the media has been biased in its
coverage, often ignoring pro-Saleh supporters.

“There is only a little bit of people who say no to Ali
Abdullah Saleh. Maybe we are about 25 million. Not even one million who doesn’t
want Ali Abdullah Saleh,” he said.

Qasem and other protesters at the rally say the ousting of
Saleh would lead the country into chaos by causing political divisions, and
tarnishing unity in the region. “Yemen will be like four Yemen. They will
have lots of things going on,” he said.

Some demonstrators say anti-government protests have been
sparked by various political groups who want to take over the country.  Yemeni American Arafat Mashrah believes
the political groups are fighting for Saleh’s power.

“Because what happened right now is everyone is trying
to go to that chair. That’s what they’re looking for. Some people from inside
the country, but some of them from outside the country,” he said.

 One
demonstrator said those attacking innocent civilians are people who are after
Saleh’s power.

Jamal Mogalli of Dearborn has been in the United States for
40 years. He takes trips to Yemen annually with his family and says the country
progresses on social and economic levels every visit. He’s witnessed the
openings of more schools and hospitals in recent years. 

Mogalli is concerned about civilians using live ammunition
against each other, and says there is a great abundance of dangerous weapons in
Yemen that are easily accessible. 
He said Saleh’s ousting could lead to civil war between villages.

The United States and Yemen have maintained strong relations
over the years. Mogalli says it would be at great risk if Saleh resigned.  “He is the right man to control
Yemen because he tries to be friendly with everyone,” he said.  “I hope and pray to God to save
Yemen. And keep the U.S. very close to Yemen.” He says Saleh has been
cooperative in fighting terrorism. 

Mogalli said he’s not against reform, but is worried about
how the process of achieving it is being conducted. Many at the rally are
encouraging Yemenis to be patient with Saleh until the 2013 national election.
“We keep praying to Allah and hope for good solutions,” Mogalli
said.  

Despite the rain and cold weather, an elderly man in a
wheelchair insisted on attending the rally to support Saleh.  “President Saleh, he’s the
greatest. And he will be like President Abraham Lincoln in history,” one
demonstrator said.