The nation of Yemen has been locked in a political crisis since January 2011. Negotiations between President Saleh’s regime and the opposition has reportedly led to an agreement for Ali Abdullah Saleh to transfer power to his deputy minister Abdrabuh Mansur Hadi in an act that will bring 33 years of uninterrupted rule over the tiny Gulf state to an end. Hundreds of people have been killed in the antigovernment demonstrations that have gripped the country and Saleh has so far been intractable in his desire to hold on to power. In return for his departure, President Saleh will be immune from prosecution for abuses incurred during his rule. The Gulf Cooperation Council has pressed Saleh to agree to step down in order to quell the violence in the country and the proposal of the GCC outlines the formation of a unity government. Two months after Saleh’s departure elections will be held. The GCC consists of nations like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates.

[Al Arabiya]