The Houthis have no answer for Yemen's problems
Yemen ’s Houthi rebels have sought to claim legitimacy ever since they overthrew the internationally recognised government in Sanaa in 2014. Using the same rhetorical lines as those adopted by other Iranian proxies, the group presents itself as a defender of Yemeni sovereignty. However, one need only look at the list of civilian casualties from week’s Houthi attacks on airports in Saudi Arabia to…
Since 2014, the Yemeni Houthi rebels have endeavored to establish their legitimacy, employing similar rhetoric as other Iranian allies. They portray themselves as protectors of Yemeni sovereignty. However, a closer examination of their actions, such as their attacks on Saudi Arabian airports, reveals the insincerity of this claim.
The casualties, numbering Sudanese, Egyptians, Pakistanis, Moroccans, Algerians, Bangladeshis, Filipinos, and even Saudis, underscore the Houthis' reckless violence. Striking airports and energy infrastructure does not improve the lives of Yemenis; instead, it endangers their impoverished nation. An entity claiming to represent a nation must demonstrate tangible benefits for its people.
In this regard, the Houthis' record is dismal. Despite their use of ballistic missiles and heavy weaponry, 62-74% of Yemen's population remains impoverished. The Houthis have imposed a siege on the Yemeni city of Taiz, trapping aid workers and jeopardizing water supplies. Reports also indicate the presence of child soldiers among captured rebels.
Coupled with their inadequate governance, these actions further highlight the Houthis' shortcomings. Yemen's political grievances and regional divisions are undeniable. However, acknowledging these issues does not equate to endorsing the Houthis' methods. Resolving political exclusion differs from permitting an armed group to utilize force to secure territorial gains.
The Houthis' continuous incursion, extortion of international shipping, and threats against neighbors, coupled with their propensity to perpetuate conflict within Yemen, cannot be justified as "resistance". An entity claiming to represent a nation must be evaluated based on its actions towards its citizens. Eventually, Yemen will require a political resolution.
The country's divisions cannot be reconciled through battlefield confrontations. However, genuine peace cannot involve rewarding territorial conquest or tolerating the rebels' establishment of parallel power structures. Instead, Yemen necessitates functional institutions, secure borders, accessible roads and ports, and a political system capable of representing its people.
This is a stark contrast to the Houthis' preference for constant mobilization. While resistance may be an appealing rallying cry, it is not the solution to Yemen's manifold problems. It is imperative that the more pragmatic elements within the Houthis' ranks recognize this truth.
Written by urgent.news from The National Business's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 1 other outlet
- The Houthis have no answer for Yemen's problems thenationalnews.com
