war

The Al-Wadea border crossing between Yemen and Saudi Arabia was established in September 2003, coinciding with efforts by both countries to enhance coordination and cooperation amid the security challenges posed by terrorism. Before the war, the crossing was used for the movement of Yemeni travelers to and from Saudi Arabia, but its activity remained limited due to the existence of…

Yemen is uniquely positioned at the crossroads of Asia and Africa. Historically, this strategic location has made the country an important meeting point for multiple civilizations, resulting in a unique and dynamic landscape of intangible cultural heritage, expressed through rich oral traditions, intricate social practices, and diverse artistic expressions. To this day, rituals, festivals, customs, traditions, and tribal and communal…

Yemen has been at the heart of Helen Lackner’s life for more than half a century. A distinguished and prolific author and non-resident fellow at the Sana’a Center, Lackner has covered topics as diverse as climate change, economic collapse, women’s role in society, and the historical roots of the ongoing conflict. The depth and breadth of her work have made…

The drastic decision to dissolve the Southern Transitional Council (STC) raised fears that Yemen would fall into a familiar cycle: defeat and marginalization of an important constituent of the political body, producing long-lasting, deeply held grievances. One such cycle started immediately after Southern independence. The defeat and banishment of the Front for the Liberation of South Yemen (FLOSY) in 1967…

Since 2016, bilateral relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have experienced periods of acute tension in Yemen. Previously, these tensions never went past managed competition. Both states preserved areas of joint cooperation, avoided crossing one another’s red lines, and kept open lines of dialogue following every round of escalation or attempt to assert influence…

In early December, armed groups aligned with the secessionist Southern Transitional Council (STC) and supported by the UAE seized vast swathes of southern and eastern Yemen. After a short period during which they appeared paralyzed, Saudi-backed armed groups succeeded in rolling back these gains and inflicting serious losses on the STC. Until that point, both sides had been nominally aligned…

Alliances are a common phenomenon in Yemen, deeply rooted in the country’s political life and social structures. Yemeni tribes, for example, often form alliances for protection and defense that are based more on mutual interests than on blood ties. This pattern extends into the political sphere, where Yemen has witnessed various types of political alliances during its modern history. This…

In early December, armed forces affiliated with the secessionist, UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) seized control of Hadramawt and Al-Mahra, displacing tribal forces led by Amr Bin Habrish and 1st Military Region army units affiliated with the Islah party. With its eastward expansion, the STC now controls nearly all of the territory of the former South Yemen state, including its…

Yemen’s energy sector is currently facing a severe crisis. For millions of Yemenis, accessing reliable electricity is a daily struggle, characterized by prolonged blackouts, limited fuel supplies, and deteriorating infrastructure, which in turn exacerbate the country's humanitarian conditions. This policy brief underscores the importance of a just and conflict-sensitive energy transition in Yemen, addressing the interconnected challenges of conflict, economic…

China is emerging as a significant external player in Yemen, influencing both the country's internal dynamics and the broader regional landscape. During a meeting with Saudi and Iranian officials on December 9, Beijing reiterated its support for a UN-backed political solution to the conflict. However, despite its official position as a proponent of peace and non-intervention, an increasing number of…