Why war will not end Yemen woes

The rebels' delaying tactics will not work because the government of Yemen has international support.

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Published: Mon 1 Aug 2016, 12:00 AM

Last updated: Mon 1 Aug 2016, 2:00 AM

War is not the answer to Yemen's woes. With the Yemeni government and the Arab coalition led by Saudi Arabia and the UAE accepting a UN-sponsored draft agreement, the Houthi rebels should meet them halfway to make peace a reality. It takes two sides to implement an accord, and the rebels should not let go of this opportunity. Much time has been lost to put Yemen on its feet again. Ordinary people are suffering. Over 6,000 have died; 5 million have been displaced. Former president Saleh and his band of war-mongers should come to their senses along with the Houthis. It is important that they see virtue in a political settlement. So far it has been one step forward, two steps back. The rebels have talked only to renege on their commitments. Despite the stalemate and the the Houthis stalling tactics, the Arab coalition and the Yemen government have shown patience which must be commended.  Meanwhile the Arab coalition are engaged in rebuilding Yemen, especially in the south, starting with Aden. The Houthis should return  to the negotating table for the sake of their compatriots who desperately need humanitarian aid.
The rebels' delaying tactics will not work because the government of Yemen has international support. This is no time to settle scores. It's time for reconciliation, to let the past be past and strive for new beginnings with the Arab coalition. A just peace is what is needed in Yemen and it cannot come at the barrel of a gun or a rain of bombs. The UN has come up with a roadmap to kickstart the political process which includes the Houthis. Yemen cannot be rebuilt by one side alone. It needs unity of purpose and political will. Decades of war have destroyed its institutions and infrastructure. More violence will only embolden terror groups like Daesh and Al Qaeda who are lying in wait like vultures to cause more misery on the people of the country.


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