Saudi Arabia is continuing to try to sort out some progress on peace in Yemen, and is now offering to endorse a UN-backed ceasefire if the Houthis agree to a buffer zone at the Yemen-Saudi border.
Yemen and the Saudis have fought along the border for years, and it’s not surprising that the Saudis would want to at least preclude more such fighting as part of the peace process. They may need to hurry, however.
That’s because the Trump Administration is reportedly planning to declare the Houthis “terrorists” for nominally having ties with Iran, and once they do so, it will virtually forbid further peace talks going forward.
That would be a bad move for the US, as the Saudis really seem to want to wind down this war, and diplomacy is really the only way to accomplish that. The US may see calling the Houthis terrorists as another anti-Iran move, but it also greatly complicates the region.
And did US really want the end of war in Yemen? Until it becomes clear that Saudis will relent and US get some control over Arabian side of Bab Al -Mandeb, the war against SHIA Yemen will continue. Without US interests, the region is ready to settle into the previous North Yemen with Hodeidah, Aden under nominal Hadi control, really Saudi controll, and Former South Yemen to revert to independent united Sultanates (Al-Mahra and Hadramouth) with Mukalla port.
But while Sultanates would not mind Saudi sponsorship — they would not want Western warships and naval bases. Neither does Saudi Arabia, and its Red Sea partners, Sudan and Egypt.
As long as it is on Saudi territory
Another year and the Saudis will be giving the Houthis territory for peace. The end is inevitable. The Saudis have already lost. Much like Vietnam after Tet, they just need an excuse to surrender. But much like Nam, not having that excuse will just slaughter more children. Trump is a pigf**king heartless bastard to the bitter end. God gave him COVID. She was merciful. I would have tried Bubonic plague.