Why Saudi Arabia’s Last War in Yemen Turned Into a Quagmire
A Saudi-led coalition has announced a military campaign against the Iran-backed Houthi militia in the country, reviving memories of its previous effort.
The Saudi-led coalition's renewed military campaign in Yemen has sparked concerns about the potential for another prolonged and bloody conflict. The country's civil war has already resulted in one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, with millions displaced and facing food and medicine shortages. The previous Saudi-led intervention, which began in 2015, was intended to quickly restore the internationally recognized government but ultimately turned into a costly and complex quagmire.
The stakes are high, with Saudi Arabia and its allies viewing the Houthi militia as a proxy for Iran, and the conflict seen as part of a broader regional struggle for influence. The Houthis, meanwhile, have demonstrated resilience and adaptability, using drones and missiles to attack Saudi and Emirati targets. The renewed campaign raises questions about whether the Saudi-led coalition has learned from past mistakes and whether it has a clear strategy to achieve its objectives.
What's next to watch is how the military campaign unfolds and whether it leads to a significant escalation of violence. The international community will be closely monitoring the humanitarian situation, and there may be increased pressure on the Saudi-led coalition to minimize civilian casualties and ensure access to aid. Additionally, the response from Iran and the role of other regional players, such as the United Arab Emirates, will be crucial in determining the trajectory of the conflict.
Originally reported by nytimes.com. VPNews adds analysis for general news readers.