DUBAI: Eight years after starting its military war in Yemen. Saudi Arabia wants to withdraw to focus on ambitious domestic projects.
This month, the oil-rich monarchy announced plans to reestablish ties with Iran. Iran supports Yemen’s Huthi rebels in a proxy fight against the Saudi-backed government.
But, Saudi Arabia “is aiming to transform its approach in Yemen from a military strategy to a soft security and political one” as part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s “Vision 2030” overhaul.
Since March 26, 2015, the Saudi-led military operation has bombed its poor neighbor. That caused one of the world’s worst humanitarian catastrophes, according to the UN.
According to UN estimates, 4.5 million people have been internally displaced. As well as more than two-thirds of the population lives below the poverty line. Hundreds of thousands have been killed directly and indirectly.
Nagi stated “military operations, like as air strikes,” are likely to stop and that “diplomatic settlement” is now the goal.
As the Huthis took control of Sanaa in 2014, the Saudi-led operation began.
Rebranding effort
Hostilities dropped sharply after an April UN-brokered ceasefire. Fighting has mostly stopped since October’s truce.
Saudi Arabia and the Huthis held back-channel talks in neutral Oman before the truce.
Moreover, Analysts say Riyadh prioritises border security and deterring drone and missile attacks on its vital oil infrastructure.
Nagi said Saudi is engaging with the Huthis to “protect its boundaries while maintaining influence” in Yemen’s government-controlled areas.
“This new approach could enable Saudi to remain the primary actor in Yemen’s domestic politics,” Nagi said.
The Saudi-led intervention sought to protect civilians from Huthi attacks, restore the government. As well as prevent Iran-backed troops from using Yemen as a base.
Eight years later, the rebels hold large parts of the nation and have used their arsenal to strike Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, another coalition member.
The impact threatens Riyadh’s tourist and investment brands.
Saudi Arabia, which has been blocked off for decades, is creating NEOM. That is a $500 billion futuristic city, with many resorts and attractions.
“There is a great focus in Saudi today on development, tourism, mega-projects”. An analyst said after Riyadh-Huthi conversations, speaking on condition of anonymity.
“Anything involving strife” threatens investment and stability in Riyadh, the analyst said.
“Wash hands”
The analyst claimed unofficial talks with the Huthis may lead to a thinner Saudi military role before a UN-sponsored inter-Yemeni conference.
“They want some type of Saudi-Huthi understanding to be able to give it over to a bigger UN process,” he said.
“The Saudis want to wash their hands of the problem,” he said.
Moreover, Saudi Arabia “would not tolerate any threat to our security,” an anonymous official stated, emphasising its lengthy border with Yemen.
“Iran can and should play a big part in encouraging this — and we hope it will,” the official said, confirming Huthi efforts to relaunch UN-facilitated peace talks.
“We saw some progress, and we want to continue on that momentum to achieve sustainable peace to open up for a political settlement,” the diplomat said.
“The Saudis want to wash their hands of the problem,” he said.
Saudi Arabia “would not tolerate any threat to our security,” an anonymous official stated, emphasising its lengthy border with Yemen.
“Iran can and should play a big part in encouraging this — and we hope it will,” the official said, confirming Huthi efforts to relaunch UN-facilitated peace talks.
“We saw some progress, and we want to continue on that momentum to achieve sustainable peace to open up for a political settlement,” the diplomat said.
