Yemen is the second largest country in Arabian peninsula, which has been a developing country in the neighborhood of Saudia Arabia. The insurgency, political and military turmoil in the country is posing threat to both itself and the regional powers. Yemen had a long history of fractional unrest between north and south Yemen, but the recent onrush started in 2011, after Arab Spring extended its magnetic field to the Arab Peninsula. President Ali Abdullah Saleh was ousted and Mansoor Hadi came to power. Hadi had a support from the Sunnis(a Muslim sect) of the south, while he was not acceptable by the Zaidi(another Muslim sect) rebel group known as,”Hauthis” in the north. They had also been named as,”Ansar Allah”. The Hauthis, lifted arms and rebelled. Their fierce attacks and strategies forced the elected president, Hadi to flee the capital. The president made Aden, the de facto capital of Yemen, and began dwelling and struggling there.

Still worse, in March the Hauthis followed Hadi to Aden and he left for Saudia Arabia in a boat. This incident showed a reflection of escape of Mehmet from Turkey, when Mustafa Kamal snatched the power from his hands, and he fled in a mere car. But the case of Yemen is not the same, as the rebels are not in majority in Yemen. The Hauthis represent one-third of the Yemen’s population, moreover, they are basically northerners and south still backs Hadi. So this partiality may lead Yemen to bisection of the country, as was the case before Ali Abdullah Saleh. The Yemen security forces are now fractioned and have joined the flanks of either the Hauthis or supporters of Hadi. When the rebels stepped in Aden, it was an alarm for regional powers. Saudia Arabia, leading a coalition of five gulf and six other countries intervened and launched air strikes on Hauthis.

Iran is also suspicious of supporting Hauthis by means of arms and finance. Though Iran had denied having been involved in the insurgency in any way, is still a key player of the region. Both sunni-ruled Saudia Arabia, and Shia-ruled Iran have always been in struggle for regional influence. Yemen lies on Babul-Mandab strait that links Red Sea with Gulf of Aden. This water channel is used for oil shipment, and thus Saudia is concerned about this oil trade route. In addition, Saudia is also worried about a large number of immigrants that rush to Saudia every year. The porous border and weak neighbour under Shia-Zaidi-Hauthi insurgents is posing serious threat to Saudia Arabia. Today Yemen is in the state of civil war in opinion of some intellectuals.

The World community has to come forward and persuade both the parties to come to table. Day by day, the military strikes are getting fiercer and a wholesale number of innocent citizens are losing their lives and properties. If arms are allowed to decide the future of Yemen, the results will be disastrous. Saudia can gather the Islamic World and legitimate its stance on Yemen. Security Council can facilitate an armistice, and ensure a free and fair election, once again, for the people of Yemen to decide their future. Any military attempt, on the part of regional or international players will make Yemen suffer severely!

Arms are to destroy,

not to decide.

Source by Fareed Ali