Saudi Arabia urged to reconcile with UAE to drive back Houthi separatists in Yemen
Relations between the two countries soured in January when a UAE-backed force was defeated by Saudi Arabia in Yemen
TL;DR
- Saudi Arabia is under pressure to reconcile with the UAE to form a military alliance against the Houthis in Yemen.
- Relations between Saudi Arabia and the UAE soured in January over support for different factions in Yemen, leading to the UAE's withdrawal.
- Recent Houthi advances have transformed regional geopolitics, prompting renewed discussions about cooperation.
- Meetings have occurred between Saudi and UAE officials, with discussions possibly involving Israeli assistance.
- The future role of the UAE and the political aspirations of southern Yemeni separatists remain key challenges.
- The conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with the WHO reporting hundreds killed and thousands injured.
- The Houthis claim they are not blocking commercial shipping but are targeting Saudi-linked vessels.