Middle-east Arab News Opinion | Asharq Al-awsat

Saleh, Houthis Establish Division in Yemen | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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Yemen’s former President Ali Abdullah Saleh talks during an interview with Reuters in Sanaa May 21, 2014. REUTERS/Khaled Abdullah


On Saturday, Houthis and the ousted president Ali Abdullah Saleh jointly announced the formation of a supreme council of 10 members to govern Yemen in rotation. Both parties will rotate the position of the president and the vice president.

But what does this new insurgents’ step mean?

The sure thing is that both Houthis and Saleh chose to divide the country between a Yemen that follows Iran and accepts the insurgents, and a Yemen that refuses subordination to Iran and the insurgents.

This step means the destruction of Yemen as a whole and turning it into a chaotic country, as well as a depleting the countries in the region primarily Saudi Arabia, and not to forget the Arab Coalition that has been in the war in Yemen for 16 months.

So, the persistent matter in question here is: what’s the solution for Yemen? Is withdrawal a solution which leaves Yemen an easy prey for Iranians, Houthis, and Saleh and thus drains the Gulf countries making Yemen a grazing land for Iranians, al-Qaeda, and ISIS? Or continue with the war as it is? Or set a new strategy that can ensure lessening war losses based on a scheme that secures fewer damages?

I, personally, lean more towards that last point which is less damaging. The solution is with two Yemens. A stable Yemen in the south that deserves support and development, and a Yemen in the north with the situation as it is now; left to face its fate by the Iranians, Houthis, and Saleh.

This can’t be claimed as a call for division. Division already exits and Yemen as a whole could tumble at any point by Houthis and Saleh, who thinks he can deceives all people all the time.

So, it is more useful to take a step towards announcing the Yemeni southern state to be an ally state, not a subordinate, a member of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). In addition to setting a framework for all treaties in order to rebuild Yemen, fight terrorism, protect it from all terrorist organizations and enable it to stand in face of evils of Houthis and Saleh. A Yemen built on the foundation of a modern state and not tribal community.

And thus leaving the northern Yemen to face its own fate. If they accept guidance, they are welcomed and reconciliation is established. Else, let them meet their known destiny.

This step, and I mean a northern Yemen and a southern Yemen, means that blood won’t be shed, less damage, and time will be spent on positive work rather than dancing on the rhythms of ignorance, or Iranian and Houthi barbarism, or the bandits’ creed that Saleh follows.

Surely, no one is seeking division. But Yemen itself is divided by Houthis and Saleh and with the leadership of Iran. It is divided by the power of the weapons, elimination and overthrowing of the binding Security Council resolutions.

The case here is unlike what is happening in Iraq where Kurds demanded a referendum about the division, not through an armed coup.

Even in Syria, aside from all the murders and destruction, Syrian opposition refuses division and Asad doesn’t dare to suggest such a thing because it will lead to his inevitable end.

Whereas in Yemen, Houthis and Saleh want to further establish division everyday and with the support of Iran. And they finally announced a council to govern Yemen alternately.

So, why the hesitation in regard of something that is already a fact?

Division is the logical solution for Yemen, and it would protect it from complete decline.