The situation in Yemen is dire. After the onset of the Yemeni civil war in 2014, the country has suffered through a grueling conflict that has introduced mounting poverty, famine, and malnutrition. Today, the country is home to the worst humanitarian crisis in the world, with over 24 million people, approximately 80% of the country’s population, in need of humanitarian assistance. Despite international calls to end the conflict, a peaceful solution has yet to be proposed. Although the conflict finds its roots in domestic tensions and politics, it is also emblematic of larger geopolitical trends. In particular, Yemen’s conflict reflects Iran’s meddling in Middle Eastern nations’ domestic affairs, as well as its support for its proxy organizations. Thanks to a steady stream of Iranian support, the Houthis have expanded their influence in Yemen and continue their war campaign. Today, the country’s situation portrays the dangers of Iran’s geopolitical agenda and the threat it poses to the region’s stability.
Yemen’s civil war finds its roots in domestic politics, but it has since grown into a major battlefield for broader geopolitical tensions. Following an Arab Spring uprising, Yemenis were hopeful as they looked forward to a political transition, intended to usher in a new era of stability and peace for the country. However, after its authoritarian leader, Ali Abdullah Saleh, transferred power to his deputy, Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi, these hopes soon faded. Despite his efforts, Hadi could not mitigate growing domestic issues, including a spur of jihadist-led attacks, a separatist movement in the south, corruption, food insecurity, and more. During this period, the Houthi movement, which advocates for the country’s Zaidi Shia Muslim minority, decided to take advantage of Yemen’s weak leadership and take control of the northern territory. As Yemenis grew increasingly discontent with Hadi, many began to support the Houthis, and in 2014, the rebels began to take control of the country’s capital. This major power shift shocked Yemen’s neighbors. For example, Saudi Arabia vehemently opposed the Houthis’ rise, as they discovered that Iran, a major Shia power, was militarily and financially supporting the group. As a result, Saudi Arabia and eight other Sunni Arab states launched an air campaign against the Houthis, with support from the United States, United Kingdom, and France
The Yemeni civil war has now dragged on for more than six years, and it is showing no signs of letting up. Iran’s support of the Houthi rebels mirrors that of its support for its other proxies, such as Hezbollah in Lebanon. Since 2010, Iran has provided significant financial backing to the Houthis, funneling between $10 and $25 million annually to the group. This support has fueled the existing conflict and has allowed the Houthis to host extravagant and symbolic events, demonstrating how Iran’s geopolitical agenda has been woven into the fabric of Yemeni society.
For example, in early January, the Houthi rebels held memorial services to commemorate the death of Iranian general Qasem Soleimani, who led the country’s Quds Force. The U.S. assassinated Soleimani via drone strike in January 2020, and his death generated significant tension between the U.S. and Iran. These ceremonies are demonstrative of how integral Iranian political concerns have become in Yemen. The memorials also sparked significant controversy and backlash in Yemen. Many citizens felt the Houthis’ extravagant spending on these ceremonies was insensitive, given that most of the country is living in poverty. This dissatisfaction was especially evident in parts of Yemen that are under Houthi control, as civil servants have not received their wages for many months and are unable to buy basic necessities.
In addition, many Yemenis have expressed discontent at the fact that the Houthis have done little to alleviate the population’s suffering. According to the United Nations, most of the country relies extensively on aid for survival. Despite this, the Houthis introduced policies such as taxes, which have added further financial strain on the already vulnerable population. These taxes have been dubbed as “donations,” which will support militia fighters on the front line. However, the money is pocketed by militia leaders to fund their war and events. The group has also been accused of looting stores and merchants to fund themselves as well as Iran-backed proxy groups like Hezbollah. Further, the introduction of numerous taxes and financially extractive policies by the Houthis has resulted in a significant increase in the price of essential goods, making the situation even worse for the average Yemeni. Evidently, the Houthis prefer to protect Iran’s interests rather than help the struggling people of Yemen.
Yemen is on the brink of collapse and its population is suffering immensely. Thanks to Iran, Yemen is the most vulnerable country in the Middle East, and there seems to be no end in sight for the suffering of its people. Today, Yemen is a prime case study of the dangers of Iran’s geopolitical agenda for the Middle East. It should serve as a warning to other nations, like Iraq and Lebanon, who are also experiencing Iran’s wrath.
