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More than 20 world leaders converged at a London summit to discuss their role in shaping economic and political reforms to resolve the crisis in Yemen.  Leaders believe reforms are the answer to instability in the region, caused by al-Qaeda militancy.  But previous attempts at reforms have failed.

We’re taking a look at why these reforms will succeed, with perspectives from BBC News, The Financial Times, Al Jazeera English, and CNN.

First up, an article from BBC News explains why the British foreign secretary thinks the conference broke new ground, paving the way for big impact.

“David Miliband, who chaired the conference, said there was now a structured and systematic engagement with the country.  A new grouping - the Friends of Yemen - had been established which would meet regularly, he said.”

In an article from The Financial Times, a European official adds that collaboration is key to implementing influential reforms.

“Until now all the actors operating with Yemen have been ploughing their own furrow.  It’s been an inefficient and incoherent effort.  What the London summit has been about is getting the top 20 stakeholders in Yemen to agree how to move things forward.”

But Yemenis are divided over looming international assistance.  A leader of a Yemeni tribe expresses strong opposition toward foreign interference on Al Jazeera English.  On CNN, a reporter explains why other Yemenis welcome aid.

Al Jazeera English: “We don’t want a conference that could lead to a reoccupation or division of Yemen.  We reject foreign intervention in the most categorical manner.”

CNN: “Many Yemenis say they understand all the attention their country is getting now might be a rare blessing, an anxious West pouring in aid and investment to foil the influence of al-Qaeda.”

So what do you think?  Why will this attempt at developing reforms work?

Writer: Courtney Cebula

Producer: Courtney Cebula