Saleh became president of the Yemen Arab Republic, what is now northern Yemen, in 1978. In 1990 he incorporated southern Yemen into a unified republic, which he has presided over ever since.
He has maintained his hold on power through an extensive patronage network, which includes members of his family and tribal leaders. He's been a master at playing various factions against each other and preventing the emergence of a strong and unified opposition. Saleh鈥檚 family is part of the Sanhan tribe, which belongs to the large and powerful Hashid tribal confederation.
Saleh鈥檚 oldest son, Ahmad Ali Saleh, is head of Yemen鈥檚 elite Republican Guard and the country鈥檚 special forces, which have stood by Saleh as other military units defect. Prior to the current unrest, he was being groomed to succeed Saleh as president.
Saleh also installed several of his nephews in government positions, overseeing the country鈥檚 national security, central security, counterterrorism forces, and presidential guard. Saleh鈥檚 half-brother, Mohammed Saleh Abdullah al-Ahmar, leads the country鈥檚 air force. Dozens more members of the Saleh family have vast land and economic holdings 鈥� everything from oil and tobacco companies to Yemenia Airlines 鈥� as well as government and security positions.
Even if Saleh did opt to step down, it wouldn鈥檛 be the end of the Saleh family鈥檚 power.
