Views /Editor-in-Chief

Developments in Yemen have taken a dangerous turn with the military intervention, called Operation Storm of Resolve, led by Saudi Arabia with the support of five GCC states. The operation was approved by Arab countries and supported by US and other Western states.  
Currently, Yemen is experiencing at all levels the status of a ‘failed state’.  Following the coup by Houthis, comparisons have been made with the situations in Syria, Iraq and Lebanon. The question that comes to our minds is what will be the future of Yemen and its people amid Iranian celebrations over their control of four historical Arab capitals -- Baghdad, Damascus, Beirut and Sana’a.
Yemen is the backyard of the Gulf and the Arabian Peninsula. Along with the political, tribal and sectarian components, this brings a regional dimension to the conflict. The latest developments show the true colour of Houthis and their rejection of agreements and initiatives meant to achieve political transition and bring unity and stability to the country.

Furthermore, they rejected even the idea of talks at a conference to be held in Riyadh and Doha under the sponsorship of GCC countries.
Houthis and their allied forces under former president Saleh have refused all political initiatives and carried out a coup against a legitimate government, and then headed to the south to occupy Aden and other cities after taking control of capital Sana’a. Houthi forces have created terror and destruction in the areas they controlled and have crossed all red lines.  
Now, it seems a new coalition is appearing in the region under the leadership and coordination of GCC states led by Saudi Arabia.  
The features of this alliance are clear in the military and diplomatic preparations and management and execution of Operation Storm Resolve. It is being implemented with efficiency and with no support from regional or international powers except diplomatic and political coordination.
So, is this coalition going to create a balance and play a positive role in maintaining peace and stability in the Mena region and become a political Sunni axis against the Shia political axis led by Iran and described by King Abdullah of Jordan as Shia Crescent 10 years ago during his interview with The Washington Post?
What we need is political wisdom because the interests of the Mena region, and the Gulf in particular, lie not in large-scale military confrontations with Iran, which are not expected, but in compromises and political understandings as proxy wars have failed in the region.
The Peninsula