Yemen, a country in the southwest of the Arabian Peninsula, is currently affected by one of the most devastating humanitarian crises in the world. The war in Yemen, which has been going on for several years, is the result of a complex mixture of internal conflict and international interference and is having a profound impact on the country's population and infrastructure. Find out all about Yemen and the latest news on the situation in the country from the Table.Briefings editorial team. Yemen up to date: The civil war Yemen is of geostrategic importance as it borders on important shipping routes in the Red Sea. Even before the outbreak of the civil war, Yemen was one of the poorest countries in the Arab world and suffered from economic instability, high unemployment and a lack of basic services. The civil war in Yemen began in 2014 when the Huthi rebels, a Shiite group from the north of the country, captured the capital Sanaa. The Iran-backed Huthis demanded a greater political say and rejected the government of then President Abed Rabbo Mansur Hadi. The conflict escalated when a coalition led by Saudi Arabia intervened militarily in 2015 to support the internationally recognized government. The international community faces the challenge of finding a sustainable solution to the conflict. This requires not only diplomatic pressure on the parties to the conflict, but also massive humanitarian aid to alleviate the suffering of the population. However, the road to a stable and peaceful Yemen remains long and uncertain, and the prospects of an early end to the conflict are currently bleak. Yemen today: climate change and social problems In addition to the political and military challenges, Yemen is currently facing considerable environmental problems. Climate change has exacerbated the already difficult situation, as water shortages and droughts are increasing. These environmental problems are affecting agriculture and exacerbating the food crisis in the country. Social problems such as poverty, illiteracy and gender inequality are widespread. The ongoing fighting has further destabilized social structures and severely limited access to education, healthcare and other basic services. Millions of people are dependent on humanitarian aid to survive. Current situation in Yemen: International involvement in the civil war International involvement in the conflict in Yemen has further complicated the current situation. In addition to Iran's support for the Houthis and the military intervention of the Saudi-led coalition, the USA, the UK and other Western countries are also playing a role by supplying weapons and logistical support to the coalition. These international entanglements have turned the conflict into a proxy war that extends far beyond Yemen's borders. International efforts to find a peaceful solution, including mediation by the United Nations (UN), have so far made only limited progress. The complex geopolitical interests of the actors involved are making it difficult to reach an agreement and are leading to a further escalation of the conflict. In recent months, there has been isolated progress towards a possible peace. Negotiations between the parties to the conflict are continuing and there have been reports of provisional ceasefire agreements. However, these developments are fragile and the situation remains tense. Yemen: Current humanitarian situation The humanitarian situation in Yemen remains critical. Millions of people are threatened by hunger and access to medical care is severely restricted. The COVID-19 pandemic has further worsened the situation and pushed the country's already weak healthcare systems to their limits. The international community faces the challenge of providing humanitarian aid while promoting political solutions to end the conflict. Yemen is currently facing complex conflicts characterized by internal power struggles and international influences. The humanitarian crisis caused by the ongoing war requires urgent global attention and solutions. The effects of climate change and social challenges are further exacerbating the situation. Lasting peace in Yemen is only possible through comprehensive political negotiations and international cooperation. Read the latest developments and features from the Table.Briefings editorial team on Yemen and current events on the ground.
Somaliland: How the security architecture on the Red Sea is undergoing a realignment
Israel’s recognition of Somaliland is part of a larger shift in the axes of power in the strategically important Red Sea. Regional players are reorganizing their alliances, while lines of conflict between status quo maintainers and revisionists are solidifying.
By Arne Schütte