As the world remains focused on the ongoing war between the Western-led alliance and the Islamic State, sectarian groups in Yemen are making rapid advances threatening the whole country. Last week, Shia rebels consolidated their presence in Sana'a demanding sweeping reforms from the Abd Rabbu Mansour Hadi government. The rebels, popularly known as Houthis, have been protesting in the capital since mid-August to pressure the government on reforms and a list of other demands, which include fuel price cuts. Hadi recently signed a Peace and National Partnership Agreement in an attempt to end the protests. However, clashes continue between Houthis and their biggest political rival, the Al-Islah, threatening to further destabilise the fragile nation. The northern part of Yemen currently serves as a battlefield for Houthi militia and Islah fighters while the south remains the stronghold of Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP). The three factions, though following different ideologies, have one goal: To be the most powerful group in the country. Houthi rebels are being funded by Iran while Al Islah is mainly supported by Sunni tribesmen and neighbours. At the same time, AQAP is taking advantage of the power vacuum and waiting for an opportunity to topple the government and eliminate the Houthis. It seems Hadi's efforts to bring peace might go waste as the country appears headed for a civil war and another Lebanon-like situation. If the status quo continues, it is likely that Yemen will be divided between the Houthis, Al Islah and the AQAP. One thing is clear for now - Yemen still has a long way to go to achieve peace and stability. Hadi's administration must remain firm in its commitment to eliminating Al Qaeda militants before they become a Yemeni version of the ISIS. The Peninsula
Posted by Unknown on Saturday, September 27, 2014 - Rating: 4.5
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