In the Great Mosque in Sana'a's ancient city, a guard, whispering as pious men pore over Korans, points out Jewish carvings.

ECONOMIST: Yemen's dwindling Jews

The hotel building forms just part of part of the Abraj al-Bait complex, a Gotham City-like eruption of seven huge towers, conveniently sited a stone's throw from the Great Mosque.

ECONOMIST: A Saudi tower

In 1979, some 300 armed Shi'ite rebels seized the Great Mosque at Mecca and occupied it until December 4, when they were driven out by the army with many casualties.

CNN: Wednesday,