by Chris Bodenner

Some context from Global Post:

Yemenis first took to the streets over the past weekend, In response, the president made a number of concessions, including releasing a rights activist from prison, announcing plans to raise the salaries of government employees and military personnel by almost $50, and issuing a public denial that he is grooming his son to take over power. Tensions reached a boiling point in Yemen on Sunday when plain-clothed police officers arrested Tawakul Karman, a female activist responsible for organizing the uprising, in the early hours of the morning while driving home with her husband. Authorities released Karman on Monday with a commitment from her family that “she will no longer offend public order and law.”

More from the BBC:

President Saleh, a Western ally, became leader of North Yemen in 1978, and has ruled the Republic of Yemen since the north and south merged in 1990. He was last re-elected in 2006. Yemenis are angry over parliament's attempts to loosen the rules on presidential term limits, sparking opposition concerns that Mr Saleh might try to appoint himself president for life. Mr Saleh is also accused of wanting to hand power to his eldest son, Ahmed, who heads the elite presidential guard, but he has denied the accusations.

And the Guardian:

Yemen is struggling with soaring unemployment and dwindling oil and water reserves. Almost half its 23 million people live on $2 or less a day, and one-third suffer from chronic hunger. "We are partners in this nation and we won't submit to exclusion," protesters chanted. "Look at Tunis and what it did. Yemen's people are stronger."

Early footage of the mass demonstrations here.

(Photo: Yemeni protesters, holding up pictures of detained political activist Tawakel Karman protest on January 24, 2011 outside the public prosecution headquarters in Sanaa in solidarity her. By Gamal Noman/AFP/Getty Images)

We want to hear what you think about this article. Submit a letter to the editor or write to letters@theatlantic.com.