The recent death of deposed Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh at the hands of his one-time allies, the Houthi rebels, marks a new stage for Yemen and gives rise to an important question: In this country ravaged by civil war, who will inherit Saleh's social, political and military power?

Saleh was killed Dec. 4, just two days after his accord of convenience with the Houthi rebels collapsed. The break led to clashes between the Iranian-backed Shiite Houthis and Saleh, who wound up being backed by the Sunnis and the Saudi-led international coalition. The Houthis bombed Saleh's home and office in Sanaa. Details of his death are contested; some say he was killed in his home, others say he died while trying to flee the city.

Yet Saleh's remaining power far exceeds the Houthis'. Despite his dismal human rights record, the popular support he enjoyed will wind up being divided based on sectarian and geographical factors. The Houthis will only inherit a limited part of this support as they continue to alienate the public by forcible recruiting, including of women and children.

Saleh was Yemen's president for decades, but after months of protests he agreed in late 2011 to step down and transfer power to Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi, his former deputy, who was officially elected in February 2012 as the only candidate. Houthis boycotted the election.