The conflict in Yemen has starkly revealed the underlying tensions between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), two key allies in the region. Initially united in their military intervention against Houthi rebels in 2015, differing strategic objectives soon surfaced, leading to a rift. Saudi Arabia tends to focus on restoring the internationally recognized government of President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi, whereas the UAE has prioritized supporting southern separatists, aiming for greater autonomy or independence for the South.
This divergence in goals has fueled competition and conflict on the ground, with both sides engaging in clashes even as they ostensibly fight a common enemy. The UAE has also begun to cultivate ties with Iran-backed groups, further complicating the dynamic. This situation not only highlights the fragility of their alliance but also underscores the broader geopolitical shifts in the region, where local struggles increasingly reflect larger international rivalries. Yemen thus serves as a microcosm of the shifting alliances within the Gulf.
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