Yemen’s Ambassador Suddenly, and Eloquently, Calls It Quits

As is the case with any good ambassador, Yemen’s Abdulwahab Abdulla al-Hajjri was many things to many people. Veteran diplomat, posted here almost 20 years, most of them as ambassador, with the cred of being related to the now (former) ruling family of Yemen; informed, intellectual, handsome, charming and social. His dinner parties at his impressive gated Spring Valley home were intimate and interesting, often introducing members of the Washington establishment to Yemeni foods and dining customs; the conversation almost always delicately walked the line of the troubled and difficult US relationship with Yemen. He made himself available to presidents, secretaries of state, and members of Congress. One could easily despise Yemen for its al-Qaeda connections, but it was not possible to feel ill will toward Abdulwahab. One sensed his professional and familial loyalty had to override his personal, silent political opinions.

If there is such a thing as social diplomacy, he was a master. Maybe that was always his plan, to woo Washington with exclusive parties, swag of Yemeni almonds, pistachios, coffee beans, books, and other delicacies. Once, in his car, I casually commented on how much I liked the music that was playing. He ejected the CD, put it in its new case and handed it to me. “It’s yours,” he said.

When Abdulwahab said he “loved” Washington and thought it was a “perfect city,” it rang sincere and essential. He’d gone to American University. He raised his children here. (And he knew how to throw a good dance party). He said that even when US-Yemen relations began to erode further over the last year, that he would hang on. 

But then yesterday, unexpectedly, he sent out this e-mail to his Washington friends. It indicates a sudden departure. Because of what it says, and how it is said, it bears being quoted in full:

At the bottom he attached “Adioses” by Pablo Neruda.