Ali Abdullah Saleh vs Lord Elgin

Ali Abdullah Saleh, as president of North Yemen, negotiated the unification with South Yemen on May 22, 1990. He became president of the unified Republic of Yemen, a major achievement in Arab unity.

Saleh initially supported Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, straining relations with Saudi Arabia and the West. This led to the expulsion of nearly a million Yemeni workers from Saudi Arabia and economic hardship.

After southern leaders attempted secession, Saleh's forces crushed the rebellion in a brief civil war. This solidified his control over a unified Yemen but deepened regional divisions.

Mass protests erupted against Saleh's 33-year rule. After months of violence and a failed assassination attempt, he agreed to a Gulf Cooperation Council-brokered deal to step down in exchange for immunity.

After switching sides in the Yemeni Civil War to ally with the Houthis, Saleh was killed by Houthi forces on December 4, 2017, while trying to flee Sanaa. His death ended a complex political career.

Lord Elgin served as Viceroy of India from 1894 to 1899. His tenure was marked by the growing strength of the Indian National Congress, which held its annual sessions with increasing demands for political reforms. He also dealt with the devastating famine of 1896-1897.

Lord Elgin authorized a military expedition to relieve the British garrison at Chitral in the North-West Frontier. The successful relief operation secured British control over the strategic region, but it also involved heavy casualties and was part of the ongoing 'Great Game' with Russia.

Under Lord Elgin's viceroyalty, the Indian National Congress grew in influence, holding its annual sessions with increasing attendance and more assertive demands for political reforms, including the expansion of legislative councils and Indian representation in the civil service.

During Lord Elgin's viceroyalty, a severe famine struck large parts of India, affecting millions. The British government's relief efforts were criticized as inadequate, leading to widespread suffering and mortality. The famine highlighted the shortcomings of colonial famine policy.