What's happened
Yemen's Prime Minister submitted his resignation amid ongoing Gulf disputes over southern separatists and control of the country. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are clashing over Yemen's future, with recent military and political moves highlighting deepening Gulf rivalries. The new government is to be formed soon.
What's behind the headline?
The recent resignation of Yemen's Prime Minister signals a significant shift in the country's fragile political landscape, driven by escalating Gulf rivalries. Saudi Arabia's assertive moves—such as supporting the new government and constructing strategic projects—highlight its intent to assert dominance and curb UAE influence, especially after the UAE-backed STC's territorial advances. The expulsion of southern separatists and the dismissal of key figures like Bahsani and Zubaidi underscore Riyadh's efforts to centralize control and diminish UAE-backed factions. Meanwhile, the UAE's backing of the STC and its recent territorial gains reveal a strategic push for independence or autonomy in southern Yemen, challenging Saudi ambitions. This intra-Gulf conflict risks prolonging Yemen's instability, complicating peace efforts, and deepening regional divisions. The upcoming political conference in Riyadh will be pivotal in shaping Yemen's future, but the current trajectory suggests continued rivalry rather than reconciliation, with regional powers prioritizing their strategic interests over Yemen's stability.
What the papers say
The New Arab reports on the resignation and Gulf tensions, emphasizing Saudi Arabia's assertiveness and the internal political shifts in Yemen. Al Jazeera provides detailed background on the factions involved, including the STC's territorial advances and the regional rivalry between Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Reuters highlights the military and diplomatic responses, framing the moves as part of a broader Gulf power struggle. The articles collectively reveal a complex picture of regional rivalry, internal Yemeni factionalism, and the uncertain future of Yemen's governance amid external influence.
How we got here
Yemen has been embroiled in a complex civil war involving multiple factions, including the internationally recognized government, the Southern Transitional Council (STC), and Iran-backed Houthis. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE, have historically supported different factions, leading to internal conflicts and regional tensions. Recent months saw the STC seize key southern provinces, prompting Saudi-led military responses and diplomatic shifts, including the expulsion of southern leaders and a move towards consolidating Saudi influence over Yemen's political landscape.
Go deeper
Common question
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How Is Saudi Arabia Increasing Its Control Over Yemen?
Saudi Arabia has been actively expanding its influence in Yemen through a series of political and military moves. Recent actions include dismissing key separatist leaders and consolidating control over Yemen's decision-making bodies. These developments are part of Saudi Arabia's broader strategy to stabilize the region under its influence, but they also raise questions about regional stability and the responses from neighboring countries like the UAE. Below, we explore the key aspects of Saudi Arabia's growing control in Yemen and what it means for the region.
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Stay updated with the biggest headlines and understand how they connect to shape today's world. From sports milestones to international conflicts, here are the essential stories you need to know now. Curious about the details behind these headlines? Keep reading for clear, concise answers to your most pressing questions.
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What Does Saudi Arabia’s Increased Control Over Yemen Mean for Regional Stability?
Saudi Arabia's recent moves to consolidate influence in Yemen have significant implications for regional stability. As the kingdom dismisses key separatist leaders and asserts control over Yemen's decision-making, many wonder how these actions will shape the future of the Middle East. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding Saudi Arabia's role in Yemen and what it means for the broader region.
More on these topics
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Yemen, officially the Republic of Yemen, is a country at the southern end of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia. It is the second-largest Arab sovereign state in the peninsula, occupying 527,970 square kilometres.
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The Southern Transitional Council is a secessionist organization in Yemen. The 26 members of the STC include the governors of five southern governorates and two government ministers.
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Saudi Arabia, officially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is a country in Western Asia constituting the bulk of the Arabian Peninsula.
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The United Arab Emirates, sometimes simply called the Emirates, is a sovereign state in Western Asia at the northeast end of the Arabian Peninsula on the Persian Gulf, bordering Oman to the east and Saudi Arabia to the south and west, as well as sharing m