From Foreign Policy · John Haltiwanger · · 3m
UAE-Saudi Reconciliation Could Shift Yemen Conflict
Saudi-UAE rapprochement might turn tide in Yemen war against Houthis.
In brief
Saudi-UAE rapprochement might turn tide in Yemen war against Houthis. Saudi Arabia and the UAE could strengthen anti-Houthi forces in Yemen if they reconcile, according to a Yemen expert. Originally reported by Foreign Policy.
Saudi Arabia's Yemen War Challenges
Saudi Arabia faces growing problems in its war against the Houthis in Yemen, which has entered one of its deadliest chapters since it began more than a decade ago.
Houthi Territorial Gains
The Iran-backed Houthis made major territorial gains along the Red Sea coast in a blistering offensive last month.
Houthi Attacks on Saudi Territory
There’s been a sharp rise in deadly attacks on Saudi territory by the Houthis in recent weeks, including a strike on Oct.
Saudi-UAE Tensions
Saudi Arabia has struggled to convince international partners to join the fight or offer support beyond defensive assistance, with powerful allies such as the United States refusing to intervene.
Anti-Houthi Fragmentation
A huge part of the problem in the fight is the lack of cohesion among anti-Houthi forces in southern Yemen, which is linked to tensions between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Expert on Reconciliation
A leading Yemen expert said that Riyadh and Abu Dhabi reconciling, and leveraging both the UAE’s military effectiveness and influence over anti-Houthi Yemeni factions, could be a gamechanger in the fight.
Historical Tensions
The war in Yemen began in 2014, when the Houthis seized the capital, Sanaa, and overthrew the country’s government.
Saudi-UAE Split
Those tensions reached a boiling point last December, leading the UAE to disengage from Yemen.
UAE Withdrawal Impact
Analysts see this as among the many factors contributing to fragmentation among anti-Houthi forces.
Recent Talks
Following recent discussions between the two, the UAE has reportedly agreed to resume funding for forces in southern Yemen.
October 18 Talks
The latest known talks occurred on Oct. 18, when Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman met UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi.
Southern Transitional Council
The STC has pushed for an independent state in southern Yemen with the borders prior to the unification of the country in 1.990.
STC and Saudi Relations
The STC has a deeply complicated relationship with the Saudi-backed government in Yemen, largely because of its secessionist aims.
UAE Bombing Incident
Saudi Arabia bombed a UAE arms shipment to Yemen in late December as it moved to reverse STC advances.
UAE Withdrawal
This led Abu Dhabi to withdraw its forces from Yemen. Riyadh subsequently took up the mantle of restructuring anti-Houthi forces.
The essence
Saudi Arabia and the UAE could strengthen anti-Houthi forces in Yemen if they reconcile, according to a Yemen expert.
