In Sanaa, Yemen, Mansour Saleh, a 25-year-old history graduate, has been closely following the political and military events in Syria. He described the recent happenings in Syria as “stunning”, “mysterious”, and “unexpected”. The fall of Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad earlier in December has sparked discussions among millions of Yemenis about the future of their country. Some believe that the downfall of the Iran-allied Houthis in Yemen, who currently control Sanaa and other parts of the country, could be the next surprising development in the region.
Saleh mentioned that his friends had differing opinions about the events in Syria, with some expressing happiness over the Syrian regime’s collapse while others felt sorrow. This division reflects the highly polarized society in Yemen. The fall of al-Assad, particularly significant to Houthi supporters who view themselves as part of the “axis of resistance” against Israel and the United States, has left them mourning the loss.
Abdulrahman Ali, a 40-year-old resident of Sanaa, expressed deep sadness over the Syrian regime’s downfall, emphasizing the importance of the continued strength of the axis of resistance. The Houthis, who seized control of Sanaa in 2014 and ousted the internationally recognized government in 2015, are aligned with Iran’s axis of resistance, which includes groups in Iraq and Lebanon as well.
The ongoing conflict in Yemen, which has resulted in a divided control of the country among various factions, including the Houthis, the Yemeni government, and the Southern Transitional Council, has been a point of concern for many. Pro-Houthi individuals like Ali fear a potential resurgence of war in Yemen, especially in light of the recent events in Syria.
On the other hand, there are millions of Yemenis opposed to the Houthis who view al-Assad’s downfall as a triumph for freedom and a defeat for tyranny. They see it as a sign that oppressive regimes can be overthrown. With Iranian support, the Houthis have maintained their grip on parts of Yemen, prompting anti-Houthi forces to seek ways to dislodge them.
The future of Yemen remains uncertain, with conflicting views on how to address the ongoing crisis in the country. The need for a comprehensive solution to bring peace to Yemen is paramount, as the conflict has taken a devastating toll on the population, leaving millions in need of humanitarian aid.
As Yemen navigates its way through a complex political and military landscape, the fate of the Houthis hangs in the balance, with both internal and external pressures mounting against them. The events in Syria have served as a cautionary tale for Yemenis, highlighting the challenges of post-conflict transitions and the importance of finding lasting peace in the war-torn country.