# Two of the Middle East’s most powerful countries are facing off in Yemen
What happened
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, two of the Middle East's most influential nations, are currently in a standoff in Yemen. This development comes a decade after they initially collaborated on a military campaign aimed at reducing Iran's influence in the region.
Key facts
- Saudi Arabia and the UAE were allies in a joint military campaign in Yemen.
- The campaign was initially launched to curb Iran's influence.
- The two countries are now in opposition to each other in Yemen.
Background & context
Saudi Arabia and the UAE have historically been significant players in Middle Eastern geopolitics. Their involvement in Yemen was primarily driven by concerns over Iran's growing influence in the region. Yemen has been a focal point of regional power struggles, with various factions vying for control. The conflict in Yemen began as a civil war but quickly escalated into a proxy battleground for regional powers. The Saudi-led coalition, including the UAE, intervened in 2015 to support the Yemeni government against Houthi rebels, who were perceived as being backed by Iran. The Middle East is a region marked by complex alliances and rivalries, often influenced by religious, political, and economic factors. Saudi Arabia and the UAE, both Sunni-majority nations, have traditionally aligned against Shia-majority Iran, viewing its influence as a destabilizing force. However, the dynamics in Yemen have shifted, with both Saudi Arabia and the UAE pursuing their own strategic interests, leading to a divergence in their objectives.
Why it matters (for US readers)
The conflict in Yemen has broader implications for regional stability in the Middle East, which is a critical area of interest for the United States due to its geopolitical significance and energy resources. The Middle East is home to some of the world's largest oil reserves, and any instability can have global economic repercussions. Additionally, the region's strategic location makes it a focal point for international diplomacy and military strategy. For the United States, maintaining stability in the Middle East is crucial for ensuring the free flow of energy resources and for countering terrorism. The shift in alliances between Saudi Arabia and the UAE could affect U.S. foreign policy and its approach to Middle Eastern diplomacy. The U.S. has historically been an ally of both nations, providing military support and engaging in diplomatic efforts to resolve conflicts. Changes in the Saudi-UAE relationship could necessitate a reevaluation of U.S. strategies in the region.
Stakeholders & viewpoints
- Saudi Arabia: Initially led the campaign in Yemen to counteract Iranian influence. Saudi Arabia's involvement in Yemen is part of its broader strategy to assert regional dominance and counter perceived threats from Iran. The kingdom views a stable Yemen as essential to its national security.
- United Arab Emirates: Once an ally in the campaign, now finds itself at odds with Saudi Arabia. The UAE has developed its own interests in Yemen, focusing on securing strategic ports and countering extremist groups. This divergence in objectives has led to tensions with Saudi Arabia.
- Iran: The original target of the Saudi-UAE campaign, its influence in Yemen remains a concern for both countries. Iran's support for the Houthi rebels is seen as part of its strategy to expand its influence in the region, challenging Saudi and UAE interests.
Timeline & what to watch next
- Monitor developments in the Saudi-UAE relationship as they navigate their differences in Yemen. The evolving dynamics between these two nations could lead to shifts in regional power balances.
- Watch for any shifts in alliances or strategies by regional powers. The Middle East is a region where alliances can be fluid, and changes in one area can have ripple effects throughout the region.
- Keep an eye on the humanitarian situation in Yemen, which could be impacted by these geopolitical changes. Yemen has been described as one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, with millions in need of aid. The conflict has exacerbated food insecurity, displacement, and health challenges. The situation in Yemen remains fluid, and the actions of Saudi Arabia and the UAE will be critical in shaping the future of the conflict. As these two powerful nations reassess their roles and strategies, the implications for regional stability and international relations will be significant.
Sources
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