As the war in Yemen enters its seventh year, a nation-wide truce was reached although conflict resolution is still missing: the internal, regional, and international scenarios have never been so complex. At the internal level, the Houthis’ military offensives have escalated, also in oil-rich areas. Yemen’s economic and currency crises have further worsened humanitarian conditions as the weakened internationally recognized government still struggles to provide basic services and salaries, facing the return of popular protests in Southern regions. On the road towards ceasefire and stabilization, the role of Middle Eastern and global players is fundamental. However, following Russia’s attack on Ukraine, the relationship between the United States and some of its allies in the Gulf, especially the UAE and Saudi Arabia, have significantly been challenged. Abu Dhabi and Riyadh aim to preserve significant economic ties with Russia, as post-oil diversification has also enhanced the diversification of alliances in the Gulf.

How have the character and context of the Yemen war changed over the last year? Where to start to design a viable conflict resolution path? To what extent is the Houthis’ relationship with Iran stronger or weaker than before? Is it possible to insulate Yemen from rising political tensions between Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the US?

Panel Discussion

Nadwa Al Dawsari, Non-resident Scholar, Middle East Institute

Ahmed Nagi, Non-resident Scholar, Malcom H. Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center

Sanam Vakil, Deputy Director and Senior Research Fellow, Middle East and North Africa Programme, Chatham House

Chair

Eleonora Ardemagni, Associate Research Fellow, ISPI