18.01.2011                     13.Shevat, 5771

Yemen:

Yemen’s hidden alcohol problem

Since alcohol is largely forbidden in this Muslim country, treatment for alcoholism is private, as government brushes it under the rug.

It’s nine o’clock at night on a busy road on the outskirts of Sana’a and a man is waiting at the shadows. Samir, a 22-year-old university student, has been cruising in his car with his mates and has been engaged in a constant mobile phone negotiation with this man until finally, a location for the deal is made. 
Samir halts his car. The man emerges from the shadows and quickly passes him a plastic bag containing two bottles of Stolichnaya vodka, wrapped in local newspapers and asks for the money. Samir gives him 12,000 Rials ($60) for both bottles….