The worsening security situation has prompted Yemen's neighbours and a number of Western powers to attend more seriously to the country's problems. However, the US, which has primarily focused on assisting Yemen's intelligence and security services, will have to tread a fine line in seeking to assist the government's anti-terrorism efforts, while not being accused by pro-democracy activists (both at home and abroad) of propping up the regime. Meanwhile, Yemen's Gulf neighbours will be less wary of providing economic support to the regime, including direct development aid and, potentially, absorbing more Yemenis into their labour forces. Saudi Arabia, however, is likely to take a more direct security interest in Yemeni affairs, especially if it decides that Mr Saleh's grip on power is slipping.