Yemen’s civil war, a humanitarian catastrophe unfolding for nearly a decade, is more than just a domestic conflict. It’s a bloody battleground where regional powers fight for influence, turning Yemen into a pawn in a larger geopolitical chess game.
The Fault Lines Emerge
The seeds of the current conflict were sown long before the first shots were fired in 2014. Years of political instability, economic disparity, and simmering sectarian tensions created a volatile situation. The ouster of President Ali Abdullah Saleh in the Arab Spring uprisings left a power vacuum, and the Houthi rebels, a Zaidi Shia group from the north, seized the opportunity.
Enter the Regional Players
The rise of the Houthis, seen by Saudi Arabia as an Iranian proxy due to their shared Zaidi Shia faith, triggered alarm bells in Riyadh. Fearing Iranian influence on its doorstep, Saudi Arabia assembled a coalition of Arab states and intervened in 2015, aiming to restore the Sunni-backed government.
Iran, on the other hand, has denied actively arming the Houthis but has expressed support for their fight against a Saudi-led coalition they view as a US proxy. This has created a dangerous proxy war dynamic, drawing in other regional players like the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with its own strategic interests in Yemen.
A Stalemate Fueled by External Agendas
Despite years of airstrikes and fighting, the war has reached a stalemate. Neither the Saudi-led coalition nor the Houthis have achieved a decisive military victory. The real cost is borne by the Yemeni people, with millions facing starvation and a crumbling infrastructure.
Why Does the Proxy War Continue?
Several factors keep the war machine grinding:
- Geopolitical Rivalry: Saudi Arabia and Iran are locked in a regional power struggle, and Yemen has become a battleground to assert dominance.
- Economic Interests: The control of strategic waterways and potential mineral resources in Yemen play a role in the continued conflict.
- Domestic Politics: Leaders on both sides may view the war as a way to solidify their own power internally.
The Path to Peace: A Difficult Climb
Finding a peaceful resolution seems distant. Deep mistrust between the warring factions and the complex web of regional interests make negotiations a challenge. Ending the external support that fuels the conflict is crucial for any lasting peace deal.
A Call for International Action
The international community must step up and play a more active role in ending the war. This includes:
- Pressuring Regional Powers: The international community needs to pressure Saudi Arabia, Iran, and the UAE to stop fueling the conflict and support a ceasefire.
- Increased Humanitarian Aid: Millions of Yemenis rely on international aid to survive. Increased funding and unimpeded access to deliver aid are crucial.
- Arms Embargo: An embargo on arms sales to all parties in the conflict can help prevent further escalation.
The war in Yemen is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of proxy conflicts. Only by addressing the root causes, pressuring regional powers, and prioritizing humanitarian needs can Yemen begin to heal and rebuild.