The Military Campaign in Yemen: Saudi Arabia's Justification and Impact

The ongoing military campaign in Yemen has been a topic of intense global debate. With Saudi Arabia's extensive military aggression spanning several years, the exact justifications and impacts of this campaign have become central questions in the regional and international arena.

Background and Justifications

The extensive military aggression against Yemen is a politically motivated move by Saudi Arabia to alter the political landscape in its favor. For decades, Saudi Arabia has maintained significant influence over Yemen, financially supporting key political figures and tribal leaders. This influence facilitated Saudi Arabia's actions in the country, transforming Yemen into a 'private playground.'

The ongoing war in Yemen is a direct result of the frustration felt by Riyadh in maintaining this political and economic dominance. Political demonstrations and social dissatisfaction in Yemen, primarily sparked during the Arab Spring uprising, began challenging this status quo. The failure of President Mansour Hadi to meet the demands of the people further strained the relationship, leading to the outbreak of armed conflict.

Social and Tribal Dynamics

Within Yemen, complex social and tribal dynamics played a crucial role in the shifting allegiances and movements. Notably, the Hashid tribe, one of the largest and most influential, experienced significant internal transformations. The leadership of the Al-Ahmar tribe, historically aligned with Riyadh, faced protests over the spread of Wahhabi teachings. The establishment of Wahhabi schools in regions with significant Zaidi Shia populations led to widespread resistance and eventually resulted in the expulsion of Al-Ahmar leaders from the regions of Imran and Arhab.

This shift from tribal allegiance to a more national and secular identity marked a significant step in Yemen's political development. As a result, the emergence of Ansarullah (also known as the Houthis) presented a new political entity that sought to align Yemen with a broader vision and agenda. This shift in leadership and ideology further complicated Saudi Arabia's objectives, leading to the decision to launch a military campaign against Yemen.

The Military Campaign and Its Impacts

Under the guise of changing the internal equations of Yemen, Saudi Arabia's military campaign aimed to suppress the coalition of its opponents, including the Yemeni People's Army and Ansarullah, and to provide a platform for its supporters to regain political influence. However, the campaign has not yielded the anticipated outcomes. Despite initial successes, the continuation of the war has not significantly altered the internal dynamics of Yemen.

The military campaign has resulted in severe negative impacts, including civilian casualties, humanitarian crises, and regional destabilization. The deepening divide between the House of Saud and its internal factions, as well as the need to hire mercenaries, underscores the regime's desperation and the futility of the campaign. These actions have led to increased regional skepticism and potential long-term consequences for Saudi Arabia's position and influence in the region.

Conclusion

The ongoing military conflict in Yemen highlights the complexities of regional politics and the challenges faced by major players like Saudi Arabia. The realpolitik and strategic missteps in the campaign have not only failed to achieve their stated goals but have further destabilized the region. The future of Saudi Arabia's involvement in Yemen remains uncertain, with potential long-term repercussions on its national and regional security.