'Few cards to play': Saudi Arabia faces limited options against Houthis with allies out

Saudi Arabia finds itself in a precarious situation as it faces limited options against the Houthis, with its allies notably absent. The country is grappling with limited defense resources, as US-made interceptors - a crucial component of Saudi Arabia's air defense - are in short supply globally. The US, which has traditionally provided a security umbrella for Saudi Arabia, has shown no inclination to intervene in the conflict.

Similarly, Turkey and Pakistan, once considered potential allies under the Mecca Pact, have also distanced themselves from the confrontation.

One of Saudi Arabia's biggest concerns is the threat posed by Houthi missiles and drones, which have targeted Saudi Arabian cities, including the holy city of Mecca. The East-West Pipeline, a vital conduit for Saudi crude exports, has been disabled by a drone attack from Iran-aligned militias in Iraq. This has led to a severe disruption of oil shipments to Europe, further straining Saudi Arabia's already fragile position.

The Houthis have shown remarkable resilience, absorbing significant battlefield losses and continuing their advance. They are now pushing to take control of strategic cities in Yemen's hinterlands, including Taiz and Marib. If they succeed, it would deal a severe blow to the Saudi-backed government in Yemen, undermining Saudi Arabia's influence in the region.

Saudi Arabia, which seeks to maintain its image as an emerging middle power, cannot afford to back down from the conflict. However, its options are starkly limited. The kingdom has few dependable allies on the ground in Yemen, with the National Resistance Forces, a militia previously backed by the UAE, having melted away during the Houthi advance.

The only Yemeni forces with the capacity to fight effectively are the Southern Transitional Council (STC), who desire an independent southern Yemeni state. However, the UAE's support for the STC has strained relations between the two countries.

While Saudi Arabia and its Yemeni allies have responded to Houthi attacks, they are not yet engaged in the scale of conflict they witnessed a decade ago. A return to full-scale war is deemed unlikely, given the potential international fallout and the kingdom's desire to avoid repeating past mistakes. Instead, Saudi Arabia is cautiously navigating a complex web of conflicts, seeking to protect its national interests while avoiding the quagmire of a full-scale intervention.