Forces backed by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates clashed in Yemen last month, marking an unprecedented direct confrontation between the two Gulf powers who have been nominal allies in the country's civil war. The clashes followed offensives launched by the separatist Southern Transitional Council (STC), a group backed by the UAE, in eastern Yemen. On Friday, the STC declared that a "war" had begun, accusing Saudi-backed ground forces of launching an attack alongside air strikes by the Saudi air force.
Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry has called for Yemen's southern factions to attend a "dialogue" in Riyadh in response to the escalating conflict. In a statement posted to social media, the Saudi ministry urged "a comprehensive conference in Riyadh to bring together all southern factions to discuss just solutions to the southern cause." Riyadh stated that the Yemeni government had issued their approval for the proposed talks.
Both Saudi Arabia and the UAE have intervened in Yemen's long-running civil war on behalf of the internationally recognized government, led by President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi. However, the alliance has fractured, with the two Gulf states now backing different rival groups on the ground. The STC, which seeks independence for southern Yemen, is now pushing to declare a breakaway state.
The conflict in Yemen has its roots in the Arab Spring uprisings of 2011, which led to the ousting of longtime President Ali Abdullah Saleh. A power vacuum ensued, and the Houthi movement, a Zaidi Shia Muslim group, seized control of the capital Sanaa in 2014. This prompted a military intervention by a Saudi-led coalition in 2015, aimed at restoring Hadi's government.
The UAE has trained and equipped the STC, viewing them as a bulwark against the Houthis and Islamist groups. Saudi Arabia, while also opposed to the Houthis, has maintained closer ties with the Hadi government. The current clashes highlight the diverging interests of Saudi Arabia and the UAE in Yemen, and the complex web of alliances and rivalries that characterize the conflict.
The United Nations has repeatedly warned of the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Yemen, describing it as the world's worst humanitarian crisis. The conflict has killed hundreds of thousands of people, displaced millions, and left the country on the brink of famine. The fragmentation of the anti-Houthi coalition further complicates efforts to resolve the conflict and alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people.
The proposed talks in Riyadh represent an attempt by Saudi Arabia to de-escalate the situation and find a political solution to the southern question. However, it remains to be seen whether all southern factions will participate and whether a lasting agreement can be reached. The outcome of the talks will likely have significant implications for the future of Yemen and the broader region.
Multi-Source Journalism
This article synthesizes reporting from multiple credible news sources to provide comprehensive, balanced coverage.
Deep insights powered by AI
Continue exploring
The semiconductor industry is off to a roaring start in 2026, fueled by continued investor enthusiasm for artificial intelligence. Chip stocks are rallying across the board, extending a winning streak
Vox's Future Perfect team has released their annual predictions for the coming year, focusing on significant global events and trends. The forecasts, encompassing topics from geopolitical stability to cultural shifts, include probability assessments to reflect the team's confidence and promote transparency. The team will revisit these predictions at the end of 2026 to evaluate their accuracy.
Aspirational goals to reduce meat consumption, popular in the 2010s due to health, ethical, and environmental concerns, have waned, with plant-based meat sales declining despite significant investment in companies like Impossible Foods and Beyond Meat. This shift signals a change in consumer attitudes, as evidenced by increased interest in carnivore diets and some celebrities abandoning plant-based eating. The trend suggests a need to re-evaluate strategies for promoting sustainable and ethical food choices.
Bogotá is pioneering a radical caregiving initiative, "manzana del cuidado," which recognizes and supports women's unpaid work by providing services like childcare and skills training. This innovative approach, focusing on social policy and community support, is gaining global attention as a potential model for addressing gender inequality and bolstering urban economies.
Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter, now X, has shifted the platform's political landscape, empowering right-leaning voices. However, this shift has also led to internal divisions within the right, with concerns arising over the prevalence of extreme viewpoints and conspiracy theories on the platform, prompting criticism even from conservative figures. The changes implemented by Musk, including content moderation adjustments, have contributed to this evolving dynamic.
As AI systems become more advanced, experts are considering extreme measures, like deploying "hunter-killer" AIs or using EMP attacks, to counter potential rogue AI scenarios. However, these solutions pose significant risks, highlighting the urgent need for safer AI development and control strategies to mitigate unintended consequences.
This awards season, several films are exploring the complex and often controversial realities of motherhood, presenting characters who make difficult choices with far-reaching consequences. These narratives spark global conversations about the multifaceted nature of parenting, challenging societal expectations and prompting reflection on the sacrifices and moral ambiguities inherent in raising children across diverse cultural contexts.
Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest achieved its highest viewership in four years, drawing an average of 18.8 million viewers during the crucial New Year's transition. The broadcast, a long-standing cultural tradition in the United States, continues to dominate New Year's Eve entertainment, reflecting the enduring appeal of communal celebrations and shared experiences in marking the passage of time. The event peaked at midnight with over 30 million viewers, underscoring its significance in American popular culture.
Andre Gaines' adaptation of Amiri Baraka's "Dutchman" explores race and Black identity in a modern context, but its fidelity to the source material limits its ability to offer a fresh perspective. The film grapples with the play's provocative themes, highlighting the challenges of updating a seminal work while remaining constrained by its original form.
The upcoming film "Toxic" continues its character reveals with a first look at Tara Sutaria as Rebecca, portrayed as both fragile and strong. This unveiling follows the introduction of other key characters, building anticipation for the film's 2026 release and showcasing the ensemble cast.
Researchers have developed random heteropolymers (RHPs) that mimic enzyme functions by strategically positioning functional monomers to create protein-like microenvironments. This innovative approach, inspired by metalloprotein active sites, allows for catalysis under non-biological conditions, potentially revolutionizing industrial applications and expanding the possibilities for artificial enzymes.
Discussion
Join the conversation
Be the first to comment