Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

World

Op-Ed: Saudi violence continues unabated

The Saudis and numerous Arab allies are preparing a military operation to reinstall him since he is in effect their creation along with the US. Hadi faithfully defended US drone operations against Al Qaeda even though they are unpopular. Hadi had been vice-president under the former president Ali Saleh. Saleh agreed to step down after an agreement that he and his cronies would not be charged with any crimes they committed during the Arab Spring uprisings against him. Power was transferred to Hadi. The agreement was brokered by the Gulf Cooperation Council that includes Saudi Arabia with the support of the United States.
Later, Hadi became an elected president: Hadi was “elected” in early 2012 in a UN-organized vote in which he was the only candidate permitted, and “no” votes were not allowed. The US in particular was keen on this single-candidate system, touting it as a model for the region.
However, Houthi rebel forces from the north with the support of former president Saleh moved south and east and took control of Sanaa last fall. There were a series of UN-brokered talks which did not result in a government acceptable to the Houthis who wanted to play the role of kingmaker. Failing to form a government, Hadi resigned and was under virtual house arrest in Sanaa. He managed to flee to Aden where he attempted to set up a government but then was driven to seek refuge in the capital of Saudi Arabia, Ryadh. From the safety of Ryadh, he strongly endorses the military operation against Yemen carried out by the Saudis and allies.
No doubt the strong support from other Arab countries results from their seeing this action as a proxy war against Iran. While the Houthis do have Iranian support, it is not clear how much material support they receive. The US also supports the Saudi operation providing intelligence support and rescuing Saudi pilots from the Red Sea.
At the Arab League meeting in the Egyptian resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh Hadi called for the Houthi fighters to surrender and also supported continued air strikes:
“I call for the continuation of Operation Decisive Storm until this gang [the Houthis] announces its surrender, exits all occupied territories in the provinces, leaves state institutions and military camps. Operation Decisive Storm will continue until all the goals are achieved and the Yemeni people start enjoying security and stability.”
The Saudis apparently have no imagination in inventing names for operations. The Gulf War operation against the regime of Saddam Hussein was called Operation Desert Storm.
The success of military action against the Houthis and Saleh is not at all guaranteed. At first, the Saudis and allies will use their air power to weaken the Houthis who as of now are continuing their advance south. No doubt, the Saudis hope that forces loyal to Hadi will be able to win against the Houthis. However, those forces appear weak. Forces gaining strength appear to be Al Qaeda in the Arab Peninsula and the even more radical Islamic State. The Saudis may not be bombing them because they are fighting the Houthis and are often allied with local Sunni tribes. However, this is building up a future disaster.
If forced into a ground invasion this may require a long costly battle with instability possible in the oil producing eastern provinces of Saudi Arabia where Houthis predominate. There may be terror attacks inside Saudi Arabia as well. Even the limited air campaign is causing significant civilian casualties even though it is directed at military and communications facilities. The Yemen health ministry reported that at least 39 civilians hve been killed including six children since the beginning of the Saudi bombing.
The most positive solution would be a negotiated political settlement between the Houthis and Hadi supporters but there seems to be no sign of that happening. Big power neighbors and the US need to show who really is the power behind the Yemeni government and that any challenge, especially by forces supported by Iran, must be put down even if this involves more violence and hardship for the Yemeni people. What is likely, is that Hadi and his supporters will urge a ground attack that will wreak more havoc on the civilian population.

Written By

You may also like:

Social Media

Wanna buy some ignorance? You’re in luck.

Business

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said the carrier was reviewing recent incidents and would redouble safety initiatives as needed - Copyright AFP Logan CyrusUnited...

World

US President Joe Biden speaks during a reception honoring Women's History Month at the White House - Copyright AFP Brendan SMIALOWSKIDanny KEMPUS President Joe...

Business

A Milei marks 100 days in office, thousands protest his austerity measures - Copyright AFP Luis ROBAYOLeila MACORArgentina’s President Javier Milei has slashed public...