FLOSSI SCRAMBLES TO DEFEAT HOUTHIS

Yemen’s status as a failed or fragile state stems from a complex history of political fragmentation, external interference, resource scarcity, and socio-economic challenges. While Yemen’s current crisis is rooted in recent conflicts, the underlying causes trace back over a century.

North-South Divide:

Yemen was historically divided into two separate entities:

North Yemen: Dominated by tribal confederations and ruled by Imams under a Zaidi Shia theocracy until 1962.

South Yemen: Colonized by the British in the mid-19th century, later becoming a Marxist state after independence in 1967.

Colonial Era:

The Ottoman Empire controlled parts of Yemen until its collapse in 1918, followed by British colonial rule in Aden (South Yemen).

During the Cold War, North Yemen was backed by Saudi Arabia and the West, while South Yemen aligned with the Soviet Union.

Proxy conflicts between these two spheres of influence further destabilized the region.

Yemen has been a battleground for Saudi-Iranian competition, with both powers funding and arming opposing factions (e.g., Saudi Arabia supports the Yemeni government, while Iran backs the Houthi movement).

The unification of North and South Yemen created a fragile state with deep political and cultural divisions.

Disputes over power-sharing led to a civil war in 1994, exacerbating distrust between northern and southern factions.

Saleh, who ruled Yemen from 1978 to 2012, relied on patronage networks, corruption, and alliances with tribal leaders to maintain power.

Sunni Muslims (mostly Shafi’i) dominate southern and coastal areas, while Zaidi Shia Muslims are concentrated in the north.

Though Yemenis share a long history of coexistence, sectarian divisions have been exacerbated by regional power struggles and the rise of extremist groups.

Houthi Insurgency:

The Houthi movement, a Zaidi Shia group, began as a rebellion against marginalization in the 1990s.

The conflict escalated in 2014 when the Houthis seized the capital, Sana’a, leading to the current civil war.

Saudi-Led Intervention (2015–Present):

A coalition led by Saudi Arabia launched a military intervention to restore the internationally recognized government, further devastating the country.

Al-Qaeda and ISIS:

Yemen has become a stronghold for extremist groups like Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and ISIS, complicating efforts to stabilize the state.