Progress on Yemen slow but not dead
The Geneva talks ended without results, but many hold that the real achievement was getting the sides to talk for the first time in months, perhaps allowing the international community to intensify mediation efforts.
After the failure of Yemen’s Geneva talks, many are fearful that the three-month-long assault might turn into an endless war that could affect the shaky security of the region.
Along the borders between Yemen and Saudi Arabia, the Houthi Ansar Allah militants are launching short-range missiles on Saudi towns and villages, while dozens of fighters are reported to have attacked the cities of Najran and Jazan on several occasions. The fact is that Ansar Allah started its war of attrition against the northern neighbor, while the latter insists that Yemeni President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi can only be restored militarily.
“In Geneva, the Saudis’ bottom line was Ansar Allah’s surrender. They wanted to disarm the group, to take control over the cities and to restore Hadi,” a Houthi activist told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity. “It’s easier to turn down surrender offers than surrendering while your people are being killed. We decided we’ll continue in our struggle for a free Yemen whatever the price.”
It’s true that the talks ended without results, but the common understanding is that the real achievement was getting both sides to the table for the first time in months. The first round of consultations ended without deciding on the next round, but both sides were able to draw their red lines in front of the international community, which might be able to take it from there and start tailoring mediation to reach a certain consensus. Another important point is that both regional backers of the Yemeni sides, Iran and Saudi Arabia, might be brought together for effective consultations.
