Yemen: Qat, the Jambia, Cholera

The ambiguities of Yemen: Qat, the jambia, and cholera.

Qat, a narcotic leaf used by almost all Yemenis, is one of the country’s main cash crops. It has no nutritive value, robs the soil of needed water for other crops, and may have a carcinogenic effect with prolonged use. Even in the face of deteriorating social and economic conditions, the use of the drug continues. But where else can the Yemenis turn?

The jambia is a curved decorative dagger, often with a jeweled handle, which for the most expensive jambias may be made of rhino horn. The dagger is worn by all Yemeni men with a leather belt strapped around the upper abdomen. The jambia is a source of pride with the most expensive jambias worn proudly by the rich.

Meanwhile the cholera epidemic proceeds with more than 100,000 cases and at least 1000 deaths, mostly children.

And  Saudi Arabia bombs Yemen, with the assistance of the US.