But Major General Ali Mohsin al-Ahmar, a long powerful military commanders Yemen's and now a prominent opposition figure, says the family has just about scenery behind.
Once it comes to energy, he says, the opposition will become a much more reliable counterterrorism ally to the United States of President Saleh ever was. Mr. Saleh, now grounded in a hospital in the Saudi Arabian Club, is the problem, the general says, is not the answer.
"While this regime is in power, Al Qaeda will continue to exist in Yemen," said General Ahmar, sitting in his Office at the headquarters of the first Armored Division of the army, which he leads. "Now, cooperation to combat terrorism is based on cooperation material only. It is for the exchange of funds. How much will you give me if I can kill a person for you? "
As soon as political power is no longer family consolidated General Saleh, Ahmar vowed: "we will deal with terrorism as a critical issue. He will fight the terrorists as a matter of life or death. Not for material gain ".
Generally regarded as the second most powerful man in Yemen, General Ahmar announced his support for what he called "the peaceful revolution of Yemen Youth" a few days after the massacre on March 18, when linked to Government snipers killed 52 protesters.
It was a turning point for the revolt. Immediately after the announcement of General Ahmar, soldiers of the first Armored Division were deployed around the perimeter of large anti-Government protests from Sana to protect the demonstrators. The demonstrators would be kissing foreheads soldiers as they entered the area, and many demonstrators suddenly has the feeling that the movement to overthrow the Government of Saleh could really succeed.
Numerous other military commanders, ambassadors, Ministers and other authorities in wake of Ahmar General followed the same week, expressing its support for the demonstrators and saying that the days of Government Saleh were approaching the end. He was also the starting point for negotiations between the opposition, the party in power and Western Governments, particularly the United States, to exit the Mr. Saleh.
Its chorus that Mr. Saleh and his family have not been serious partners in the campaign against terrorism, Washington is often heard these days leaders in Yemen's opposition movement. Although not a member, General Ahmar is very near Al Islah, Yemen's Islamic party and the most powerful force in the country's official opposition.
There are those in opposition and the ruling party who are skeptical of the intentions of General Ahmar. Although an affable man, he was an integral part of the Government, Saleh and was responsible for some of its corrosive policy. He played a central role in commanding the mujahedin who have returned from the war against the Soviet Union in Afghanistan to fight in the Yemeni army, especially in Yemen's 1994 civil war.
For the past six years, he commanded the war in Yemen against the Houthi rebels in the North of the country, during which human rights organisations have said that his army committed a series of war crimes against civilians. Along with the major allegations of corruption, say his critics, he is far from the ideal national hero.
Radhia al-Mutawakil, a Yemeni human rights activist, said she decided to take a minor role in the protest movement because of that.
Ms. Mutawakil "we cannot prevent anyone from joining the revolution," he said. "The revolution is for anyone. But to accept it and deal with him as a hero, which was a big problem. He is a very important part of the scheme. Ali Abdullah Saleh and Ali Mohsin al-Ahmar are the same thing ".
But Ahmar has generally been trying hard to put a gloss on his past dubious.
"He was weakened by war Saada and realized that joining the demonstrators he can clear some of the bad image," said a senior government official, independent, who personally know the general.
This article was revised to reflect the following correction:
Correction: June 23, 2011
An earlier version of this article incorrectly described military post of Ali Mohsin al-Ahmar. He is a major general, not a general.
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