Helen Lackner, expert on Yemen and the Houthis, discusses the complex history of Yemen, the Houthis' motivations in relation to Israel and their disruption of the shipping industry. It explores the rise and ideology of the Houthi movement, US involvement in counter-terrorism, Iranian support during the civil war, the status of negotiations for ending the war, Aden's importance to the British Empire, and the rise of Ali Abdullah Saleh.
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Quick takeaways
The Houthi attacks in the Red Sea are driven by their commitment to supporting Palestine and their ideology is rooted in anti-American and anti-Israel sentiment.
The US involvement in Yemen is primarily driven by counter-terrorism efforts and strategic interests in the region, rather than a fundamental economic or political interest in Yemen itself.
Since April 2022, a truce has been in place, reducing military activity and limiting airstrikes, but efforts to negotiate a peace agreement have not yet resulted in a formal agreement.
Yemen is currently facing a severe humanitarian crisis, with a collapsed economy and a heavy reliance on humanitarian aid, making finding a resolution to the crisis a priority.
Deep dives
The Houthis' Motivation and Relationship with Iran
The Houthis' attacks on ships in the Red Sea are driven by their commitment to supporting Palestine. Their ideology is rooted in anti-American and anti-Israel sentiment. Although they are accused of being Iranian proxies, the Houthis maintain their own beliefs and agency. Politically, they have formed a closer alliance with Iran and have received military support and technical knowledge.
The Impact of the Houthi Attacks on Shipping
The Houthi attacks have had some economic impact, disrupting shipping to Israel and creating a cautious response from some ships. However, the overall impact has been somewhat limited, with some ships diverting their routes and others operating with assurances that they have no Israeli connections. The Houthi partial blockade has had regional and global repercussions, but it has not completely halted shipping and has prompted ships to take alternative routes.
US Involvement and Motivation
The US has primarily been involved in Yemen in the context of counter-terrorism efforts. While AQAP (Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula) posed a threat, its actual size and influence may have been exaggerated, serving as a pretext for US intervention. The US support for the Saudi-UAE intervention is driven by its counter-terrorism agenda and strategic interests in the region, rather than a fundamental economic or political interest in Yemen itself.
Ceasefire and Prospects for Peace
Since April 2022, a truce has been in place, reducing military activity and limiting airstrikes. The truce has created a stalemate in the war, with limited changes in fronts. Efforts to negotiate a peace agreement between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis have taken place, but have not yet resulted in a formal agreement. The involvement of conflicting factions within Yemen and the rivalry between Saudi Arabia and the UAE complicate the prospects for sustained peace and a comprehensive treaty.
The Unification of Yemen and the Rise of Political Parties
After the unification of Yemen in 1990, there was a period of political enthusiasm and the emergence of multiple political parties. This was a result of the previous one-party states in both the North and South giving way to a more open political landscape. However, over time, President Ali Abdullah Saleh consolidated control and undermined opposition parties, leading to a weakening of the Yemeni Socialist Party in the South. The country underwent a series of wars, including the civil war in 1994. Saleh maintained control through various tactics, including repression, assassinations, and maneuvering within the political landscape.
The Zaidi Revival and the Houthis
The Zaidi revivalist movement emerged in response to the rise of Salafism and perceived economic discrimination against Zaidis. The movement, under the leadership of Hussein al-Houthi, led to a series of armed conflicts with the state known as the Six Sa'da Wars. These wars did not radicalize Houthi politics but rather represented a response to the Salafist movement and economic grievances. Despite facing tremendous military pressure and a dire humanitarian crisis, the Houthis have managed to survive and maintain their power, making them a significant political force in Yemen's future.
The Humanitarian Crisis and Yemen's Trajectory
Yemen is currently facing a severe humanitarian crisis, with a collapsed economy and a heavy reliance on humanitarian aid. The country is grappling with poverty, food insecurity, and limited access to basic services. The ongoing conflict and limited international funding have exacerbated the crisis. The future trajectory of Yemen remains uncertain, but the Houthis are likely to remain a significant political force unless there is a dramatic military intervention. Finding a resolution to the humanitarian crisis must be a priority to alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people.
Featuring Helen Lackner on the Houthis, the politics of their attacks on Red Sea shipping, and the long history of Yemen from British colonial Aden through the current civil war.
Read Helen's articles for Jacobin jacobin.com/author/helen-lackner
Support The Dig at Patreon.com/TheDig
Buy Environmentalism from Below: How Global People’s Movements are Leading the Fight for our Planet at haymarketbooks.org/books/2101-environmentalism-from-below
Buy The Good Die Young: The Verdict on Henry Kissinger at versobooks.com
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