Houthi Consolidation: Did Saudi Policy Upset the Balance in Yemen?
When the Houthis seized Sanaa in 2014, they were a rebel group. But by 2026, they have become a force capable of striking Saudi territory, threatening global shipping in the Red Sea, and establishing direct air links with Iran. The question arises: did Saudi policies provide the Houthis with this power? And is there any political balance left in Yemen now? Background: Saudi Arabia's Conciliatory Policy Under the 2022 truce, Saudi Arabia conducted multiple negotiations with the Houthis. These included prisoner exchange agreements, permission for flights to Houthi-controlled areas, and economic incentives. Saudi Arabia believed these concessions would transform the Houthis into a political party and weaken their ties with Iran. On the contrary, the Houthis used the four years of truce to enhance their military capabilities and deepen relations with Iran. According to Yemeni analysts, Saudi Arabia's "buying time" strategy provided the Houthis with a valuable opportunity...