US Reconsidering Support for Saudi Arabia Amid Escalating Yemen Conflict

The conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi rebels in Yemen has been ongoing for over a decade, but its roots date back nearly a century to the 1920s when King Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia seized the Asir province from Zaidi Muslim control. The Houthis, who are committed to restoring Zaidi rule, have long resented this loss and have clashed with Saudi forces since their initial uprising in 2004.

In recent years, the conflict has escalated, with the Houthis firing missiles at Israel and attacking Israeli-linked shipping in the Red Sea. They also targeted American and British naval units defending vessels transiting the Red and Arabian seas. In response, the Saudis received support from Pakistan, which deployed troops and air defense systems to the King Abdul Aziz air base.

However, the Houthis have continued to gain ground, seizing key islands in the Bab el Mandeb strait and closing it to Saudi shipping. They also attacked Saudi military and civilian targets, including targeting drones and missiles on Mecca and Riyadh. The kingdom is facing economic contraction due to Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping and Saudi oil pipelines.

Riyadh has turned to America for assistance but has been rebuffed due to Washington's commitment to its operations against Iran and a growing munitions shortfall. Leaving the Saudis to their own devices may encourage Riyadh to reevaluate its relationship with the U.S., potentially leading to a shift in allegiance towards China, which has an excellent economic relationship with the Saudis.