The Middle East is often portrayed through the lens of its most prominent conflicts, geopolitical rivalries, and economic interests centered around oil-rich nations. However, amid these narratives lies the story of Yemen, a nation steeped in ancient history and cultural richness yet beleaguered by a humanitarian crisis that has been largely overshadowed by other regional events.
The roots of the Yemen conflict can be traced back to historical divisions and political instability. Yemen was historically divided into two entities: the Yemen Arab Republic in the north and the People's Democratic Republic of Yemen in the south. The two regions unified in 1990 under President Ali Abdullah Saleh, but the union was fraught with tension. These differences in political power, economic development, and cultural identity sowed seeds of discord that would later erupt into conflict.
The Spark of the Conflict
The current conflict started in 2011, as a wave of the Arab Spring emerged, with mass protests against the 33-year rule by President Saleh. These mass protests were driven by demands for political reforms, economic opportunities, and end to corruption. Eventually, Saleh stepped down in 2012 to transfer power to his deputy, Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi, with a deal brokered by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).However, Hadi's administration was not able to maintain the intricate political landscape. There were challenges to his government by different factions, including the Houthis, a Zaidi Shia-led movement from northern Yemen. The Houthis initially participated in the political process but eventually became disillusioned with what they perceived as not being genuine reform.
Escalation of the Conflict
In 2014, the Houthis capitalized on general discontent and poor governance to take over the capital, Sana'a, essentially pushing Hadi's government into the background. Matters took a turn for the worse in 2015 when Hadi fled to Saudi Arabia, prompting a Saudi-led coalition to militarily intervene in support of his government. This intervention raised the stakes of the conflict from regional power play to the full-fledged regional power play with Iran allegedly supporting the Houthis.
Humanitarian Catastrophe
The war has devastated the population of Yemen. The UN calls it the worst humanitarian catastrophe in the world. Food insecurity, lack of access to clean water, and health treatment have been suffered by many millions of Yemenis. Through blockade by the Saudi-led coalition, a great part of the supply that could enter the country of essentials and humanitarian aid has been blocked off completely due to internal fighting. Efforts at Peace by Various peace initiatives, spearheaded by the UN-led negotiations, have been made to secure a ceasefire and a political solution that will end the war. However, mistrust between the parties involved and competing interest among regional powers has regularly hindered them. One of the most notable attempts was the Stockholm Agreement in 2018, aimed at reducing fighting in some of the key areas such as the port city of Hodeidah. Although this brought some temporary relief, a proper and lasting peace agreement remains a mirage.
The Way Forward
A multifaceted approach toward Yemen is needed, incorporating both immediate humanitarian relief and long-term political solutions. The international community needs to continue its support toward humanitarian efforts, making sure aid reaches those who need it the most.
