What's happened
Yemen's internationally recognized government, led by Rashad al-Alimi, announced the formation of a Supreme Military Committee to unify forces in the south amid ongoing conflict with the Houthis. Meanwhile, tensions persist between Saudi-backed government forces and UAE-backed separatists, with recent territorial gains and political shifts complicating prospects for peace.
What's behind the headline?
The recent military and political developments in Yemen highlight the fragile balance of power in the south. The formation of a unified military command under the coalition signals an attempt by the government to consolidate control and prepare for potential conflict with the Houthis. However, the resistance from southern separatists, who oppose unification under Saudi-led command, underscores deep-rooted grievances over regional autonomy and historical disenfranchisement. The regional rivalry between Saudi Arabia and the UAE further complicates prospects for a cohesive resolution, as each supports different factions. The upcoming Saudi-hosted conference aims to address these divisions, but the likelihood of lasting peace remains uncertain. The situation suggests that Yemen's conflict will continue to be shaped by regional interests and internal divisions, with the potential for renewed violence if negotiations falter.
What the papers say
Al Jazeera reports that President Rashad al-Alimi has called for unity and announced the formation of a Supreme Military Committee, emphasizing efforts to restore state institutions and confront the Houthis. The New Arab highlights the resistance from southern forces to unification under the Saudi-led coalition, with some leaders rejecting the command structure and calling for independence. Both sources underscore regional influences, with Saudi Arabia seeking to consolidate control and the UAE backing separatist movements. The contrasting perspectives reveal the complex dynamics at play, where regional powers support different factions, and internal divisions threaten to prolong Yemen's instability.
How we got here
Yemen has been embroiled in a civil war since 2014, with the Houthis controlling much of the north and a Saudi-led coalition supporting the internationally recognized government in the south. The southern separatist movement, backed by the UAE, has sought independence or autonomy, leading to internal divisions. Recent territorial recaptures by government forces and the dissolution of the Southern Transitional Council (STC) reflect ongoing power struggles and shifting alliances, with regional powers backing different factions.
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