How This Rebel Militia is Transforming the Middle East

Summary

The Yemen conflict began in the '90s with the formation of the Believing Youth, a Zaidi Muslim group feeling marginalized in unified Yemen. Led by Al Houthi, they sought an Islamic revolution free from foreign influence. The US war on terror and invasion of Iraq radicalized the group further. After Al Houthi's death, the Houthi movement, named after him, continued to fight, gaining territory and support from Iran. The Arab Spring and subsequent power vacuum allowed the Houthis to seize more control, leading to a complex proxy war involving Saudi Arabia, Iran, and various factions within Yemen. The conflict escalated into a humanitarian crisis with millions displaced and reliant on aid. Despite a UN-brokered ceasefire in 2022 and diplomatic efforts, the situation remains fragile, highlighting the devastating impact of proxy wars fueled by geopolitical rivalries.

Takeaways

• 🇾🇪 Yemen was unified in 1990 after being two separate countries, leading to a mix of different tribal, religious, and political groups.
• 👥 The Believing Youth, a group of Zaidi Muslims, formed in the 1990s in northern Yemen and felt neglected in the unified Yemen, leading to their radicalization.
• 🔍 Al Houthi, a former Yemeni parliament member, became the leader of the Believing Youth, advocating for an Islamic revolution and opposing foreign influence.
• 🔫 After the 9/11 attacks, the US sought Yemen's help in the war on terror, which led to increased US presence and further radicalization of Al Houthi's group.
• 💥 Al Houthi's death did not stop the rebellion; instead, it fueled the Houthi movement, which continued to fight and gain territory.
• 🌍 The conflict in Yemen drew in regional powers, with Saudi Arabia opposing the Houthis and Iran allegedly supporting them.
• 🔄 The Arab Spring further complicated the situation in Yemen, with public uprisings demanding change and the eventual ousting of President Saleh.
• 🤝 The Houthis and former President Saleh formed an alliance, capturing the capital city of Sana'a and causing the internationally recognized government to flee.
• 💣 Saudi Arabia, leading a coalition, intervened in Yemen to remove the Houthis from power, leading to a devastating humanitarian crisis.
• 🕊️ Despite multiple attempts at ceasefires and diplomatic efforts, the conflict in Yemen has persisted, with various factions vying for control.
• 🚨 The conflict has had global implications, affecting international trade routes like the Red Sea and drawing in international powers like the US and UK.

Q & A

What significant event occurred in Yemen in 1990 that changed its political landscape?

In 1990, Yemen was unified into one country after being split into two for decades. This unification led to a shift in the political dynamics, with groups like the Zaidi Muslims transitioning from a majority to a minority status.

Who were the Believing Youth and what did they initially focus on?

The Believing Youth were a group of religious Yemenis, members of the Zaidi Muslim sect, who initially focused on rebuilding the Zaidi religious identity through summer camps and religious education for young men.

How did Al Houthi's involvement change the direction of the Believing Youth?

Al Houthi, after resigning from Yemen's parliament, joined the Believing Youth and used his wealth and family connections to become their leader. He sought an Islamic revolution, similar to Iran's, to remove foreign influence and restore Islamic values, which marked a significant ideological shift for the group.

What was the impact of the US 'war on terror' on the Believing Youth's perception and actions?

The US 'war on terror', particularly after the 9/11 attacks, deeply radicalized the Believing Youth. They saw Yemen's cooperation with the US and the subsequent military presence as American imperialism in Muslim lands, which led them to adopt a more violent stance against the Yemeni government and the US.

How did the Arab Spring in 2011 influence the situation in Yemen?

The Arab Spring led to widespread public demonstrations demanding change from the government, which intensified the existing conflict. It also provided Iran and Saudi Arabia with opportunities to strategically choose sides in Yemen, further complicating the situation.

What role did the Houthis play in the Yemeni conflict after the Arab Spring?

The Houthis took advantage of the political instability during the Arab Spring to strengthen their position. They expanded their territorial control, received more support from Iran, and eventually took over the capital city of Sana'a.

What was the international response to the escalating conflict in Yemen?

The international response included diplomatic efforts to stop the fighting, but these largely failed. Saudi Arabia, backed by the US and other countries, launched a military intervention aimed at removing the Houthis from power, leading to a protracted and devastating war.

How did the conflict in Yemen evolve into a proxy war involving regional powers?

The conflict became a proxy war as regional powers like Saudi Arabia and Iran supported opposing sides. Saudi Arabia led a coalition against the Houthis, who were backed by Iran, escalating the conflict and drawing in other actors like Al-Qaeda and ISIS.

What humanitarian consequences has the war in Yemen had on its population?

The war in Yemen has led to a severe humanitarian crisis, with millions of people displaced, a blockade that restricts trade and aid, and widespread violence affecting civilians. It has also resulted in a significant dependence on humanitarian aid for survival.

What were the key factors that contributed to the ceasefire in Yemen in 2022?

The ceasefire in 2022 was facilitated by a combination of factors, including UN diplomatic efforts, regional tensions cooling as a result of direct talks between Saudi Arabia and Iran, and a general fatigue from the prolonged conflict on all sides.

What is the significance of the Red Sea attacks by the Houthis and how did they impact global trade?

The Houthi attacks on cargo ships in the Red Sea, a major route for global container traffic, led to a significant decline in traffic through the area, impacting global trade. This move also drew the US and its allies deeper into the conflict.