Houthi rebels live in Yemen in the form of a tribe that has been in power in Yemen for years. They belong to the Zaidi Shia sect. The Houthis are directly attacking Saudi oil installations. Now these attacks are intensifying. In response to these attacks, Saudi forces are conducting full counter-attacks in a defensive position. Since these rebels are Shia sect, they have an emotional connection with Iran. The Saudi government considers these rebels a threat to itself and to the Saudi future. The Shia community living in Saudi Arabia also has a respectful relationship with them. If we view it apparently, it will be a professional or sectarian war that has been going on for decades between Sunni Saudi Arabia and Shia Iran. In this fight, it is the Muslims who target the Muslims and the loss is also the Muslims. But relief goes to those who instigate them to fight. The advantage is of these countries whose weapons are purchased and used in this fight.
The rebels were put on the list of terrorists by the United States. For this act of enlisting, the US has been criticized by various countries around the world. President Joe Biden removed the rebels from the list of terrorists and urged Saudi Arabia to deal with the rebels politically and to end the crisis immediately. According to Saudi officials, the rebels are Iranian-backed and with Iranian help, they are invading Saudi Arabia. This support is becoming a threat to Saudi Arabia which will have to tackle in the future. But attacks by these rebels have increased since the US-compiled list of terrorists was removed. About 22 attacks were carried out by Houthi insurgents last week. The attacks used various missiles and drones. Saudi oil installations and the civilian population were affected by these attacks. Oil supplies to most countries of the world come from these installations. These attacks also became an obstacle to oil supply.
Saudi Arabia is considering these attacks as an attack on its security with its economy and aims to send a message that it is time to respond fully because the Houthis need to be taught a lesson. As a result of these attacks, crude oil prices have risen again in the global oil market. In response, this insurgency is now being taken seriously from different countries of the world. These attacks are now headlines in the newspapers. Houthi rebels have stated the reasons for these attacks that these attacks were in response to those of Saudi which hit civil population and unarmed civilians. The response to these attacks is natural. Houthi counter-attacks are for their security and defense.
The latest attacks are pushing Saudi Arabia under pressure. It could be an attempt to weaken or isolate Saudi Arabia in the region. US support is encouraging the Houthis and it is a tough time for Saudi Arabia. The United States remained silent at the beginning of these attacks but now it wants to end them. It has postponed an arms deal with Saudi Arabia. This pressure could take the form of a deal between Saudi Arabia and the United States. As in the past, just after 9/11, the United States had persuaded Saudi Arabia to help because the Saudi king had no choice but to support US for War on Terror. Saudi Arabia can go to great lengths to stop these attacks and defend itself but it cannot do it alone. If the Saudi Allies participate in it, they may have their own interests. If these allies supported Prince MBS, it could be a new war in the region that could be widespread. The United States on the one hand with the cooperation and support of Pakistan wants to leave Afghanistan. On the other hand, the US desires to normalize its relations with Iran. Third, it wants to improve relations with China. Fourth, the United States is willing to have equal relations with the current government of Pakistan and this is making positive progress. Now Saudi Arabia has no defense from the United States but from Chinese and Russian cooperation must be extended. Because US-Saudi relations no longer feel as cordial as before.
Pakistan should play an active role in this whole situation and crisis. Pakistan just like past understands Saudi compulsions and needs and is well aware of their solution. Pakistan can fill this gap by providing its services on available forums. First, Pakistan can end the distances between Saudi and American by sitting together at the diplomatic level. Second, Pakistan should persuade Yemen's Houthi rebels and Saudi officials to have a dialogue and a ceasefire because wars are not a solution to problems but a waste of resources and life. Wars are tantamount to destruction in which both sides face some kind of loss. Wars can only be ended through dialogue. There is no more dangerous war than World War I and II. These wars also ended in dialogue and peace was restored. Pakistan from its strategic position can end this crisis. Third Pakistan should convene an OIC meeting in which all the member states may develop a common strategy for this crisis, draw an applicable solution and make it possible to implement it.
