Monday, June 16, 2025

Yemen Failed State 6-17-25

The American Foreign Policy Council (AFPC) highlights the complex challenges and potential solutions for Yemen's ongoing crisis, focusing on political and security dimensions.  

Key Problems:

·       Humanitarian Crisis: The protracted conflict has resulted in widespread humanitarian suffering, including food insecurity and inadequate access to healthcare.

·       Political Instability: Internal political paralysis, exacerbated by foreign interventions and the Houthis' control of territory, complicates efforts towards a political solution.

·       Economic Collapse: The economy has been severely damaged, contributing to widespread poverty and suffering.

·       Security Concerns: The Houthis pose a threat to regional stability and maritime trade, and terrorist groups have taken advantage of the power vacuum.

·       Limited Humanitarian Access: Movement restrictions and bureaucracy hinder aid delivery, particularly in Houthi-controlled areas. 

Proposed Solutions:

·       Support for the Peace Process: Encourage a comprehensive ceasefire and support UN mediation efforts involving diverse Yemeni stakeholders.

·       Hold the Houthis Accountable: Address Houthi aggression and cross-border attacks, potentially through re-designation as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO).

·       Empower the Yemeni Government: Work with Saudi Arabia and the UAE to strengthen the internationally recognized government.

·       Address Economic Issues: Stabilize the Yemeni riyal, address corruption, and work with international financial institutions to restore vital infrastructure and services.

·       Ensure Maritime Security: Protect Red Sea shipping lanes and take action against Houthi interference.

·       Strengthen State Institutions: Promote stability and human rights by restoring the security and judicial institutions.

·       Focus on a Comprehensive Strategy: A broader strategy beyond solely addressing the Houthis is necessary to avoid further harm to the Yemeni people. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=afpc.org+yemen+problems+and+solutions

As of 2025, the Houthis control approximately one-third of Yemen's territory.

Important Points:

·       This territory encompasses the most densely populated areas of Yemen, primarily in the north and west.

·       The capital city, Sanaa, is under Houthi control.

·       The Houthis also control long stretches of Yemen's western coastline and most islands in the Red Sea.

·       While controlling a significant portion of the country's population, the Houthis hold approximately 25% of Yemen's total land area, which is about 550,000 square kilometers (about 212,000 sq miles). The internationally recognized government holds about 55% of the land area, while the Southern Transitional Council (STC) controls about 20%. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=how+much+land+area+do+houthis+control+in+sq+miles

The Houthis began to significantly disrupt the political landscape in Yemen when they seized control of the capital, Sanaa, in September 2014. This event marked the beginning of their armed takeover of the government and the subsequent Yemeni civil war. 

It's important to note that the Houthi movement emerged earlier, in the 1990s, in Yemen's northern highlands as a Zaydi Shiite movement, according to Crisis Group. They engaged in a series of rebellions against the government of then-President Ali Abdullah Saleh in the early 2000s.

https://www.google.com/search?q=when+did+houthis+begin+to+disrupt+in+yemen

Comments

The Houthis need to be eradicated from Yemen before any progress can be made.

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

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