According to Stephen Steinbeiser, the attack on the anti-government protesters______.

Anti-government protesters shouted, jeered and ran for cover after government security forces attacked their protest camp Saturday close to Sana’ a University. The attack, which took place during dawn prayers, caught the mostly young protesters off-guard.     Eyewitnesses said that police used live ammunition to try and disperse the crowd, along with tear-gas and batons. The protesters threw rocks and bottles at police to try and stop their advance.
    Arab satellite channels showed dozens of young anti-government protesters being carried away on stretchers, some with blood pouring from their faces. Others appear to have passed out and lay sprawled on the ground. Doctors also reported treating numerous victims of gas-inhalation.
    Stephen Steinbeiser of the American Institute for Yemeni Studies in Sana’ a says that the attack on the anti-government protesters is causing a backlash among the public and that activity appears to have ground to a halt in many places.
    The attack on the anti-government protest camp comes two days after President Saleh offered a vast series of political reforms to opposition political leaders and to the protesters. The protest movement is demanding that Mr. Saleh, who has ruled the country since 1978, resign.