What’s new:
Yemen was rocked by military actions as the US and UK targeted Iran-backed Houthi forces. Saudi Arabia, desiring de-escalation, expressed grave concerns amid its commitment to domestic socio-economic transformation.
Why it matters:
Saudi Arabia, leading a coalition against the Houthis since 2015, is now favoring a ceasefire and a military exit strategy from Yemen. The strategic redirection aligns with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030, aiming to overhaul the economy and social infrastructure, predicated on regional stability.
By the numbers:
US Central Command remarks indicate over 100 precise munitions were used in retaliation against the Houthis for their disruption of Red Sea shipping routes and attacks on Israel-linked vessels.
The big picture:
The Saudi stanch over cessation attempts reinforces their endeavor for peace, crucial for the nation’s broad development plans especially tourism by the Red Sea. However, those plans conflict with public dissatisfaction and geopolitical complications driven by ongoing Israel-Hamas hostility and precarious Red Sea conditions.
Between the lines:
Although a truce in Yemen since April 2022 has held substantially, current regional circumstances have reignited hostilities. A global coalition, Operation Prosperity Guardian, aims to assure security but lacks Saudi commitment possibly due to retaliatory concerns against Saudi Arabia, home to 2,700 US troops.
The backdrop:
Diplomatic dynamics fluctuate as Saudi public opinion starkly disfavors Israeli military measures in Gaza and Riyadh reviews participation in specific US military campaigns. Comparison of US responses to security issues concerning Saudi and Israeli interests manifests as a critical perspective.
What they’re saying:
Regional analysts contend that Saudi Arabia is entrapped between supporting maritime safety and advancing much-needed ceasefire negotiations. Meanwhile, the increased volume of Houthi-driven disturbances potentially jeopardizes progress towards a longtime truce in Yemen.
The bottom line:
Responding robustly, US President Joe Biden anticipates possible expansion of reactive strategies, enhancing the intricacies of the position Saudi Arabia holds on the nexus of regional pacification and progress.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.