The situation in Yemen — following the signing of an agreement between the Al Houthis, the Yemeni presidency and other parties — was the focus of many of the region’s newspapers
* Compiled by Mohammad H. Al Jashi | Translator
* Published: 20:00 September 24, 2014
The UAE’s Al Bayan said some powers linked with foreign agendas, and sectarian or tribal-driven interests, are trying to impose political and military changes in Yemen. The paper said that such changes aim to support the geographic, military and political position of these powers during a very critical phase of Yemen’s history.
“What is notable is that powers that are involved in such plans in Yemen have participated in the national dialogue and accepted its outcomes. This proves that they are obeying agendas that are unrelated to the Yemeni reality, despite the fact that they appear to be keen on dialogue and overcoming the critical phase in Yemen.
“Yemen, during such critical times, requires the collaboration of regional and international efforts to support its stability. The transition period that Yemen is currently going through has been transformed into an opportunity for some powers to undermine the state’s authority and create a sectarian canton, which in turn forms instability in the southwest of the Arabian Peninsula. Yemenis must remain vigilant against any plots against their nation and throw their weight behind the new government that enjoys legitimacy and international support because it is the only guarantee for Yemen to overcome this turbulent time.”
Al Houthis seizing control over Sana’a, the presidency and army headquarters that culminated with the resignation of Yemen’s former prime minister Mohammad Salem Bassindwa is a very dangerous development that will affect the overall situation in Yemen, said Qatar’s Al Raya. “According to all indicators, the situation in Yemen is expected to deteriorate further. All Yemenis should prevent and thwart the plots of opportunists through unity and ensuring their nation’s stability. Now that the agreement has been signed, it is imperative that the nation’s higher interests are prioritised, and for everyone to work responsibly towards implementing the results of the national dialogue conference to build a new nation that is agreed upon by the Yemeni, and is supported by the Gulf, Arab nations and globally,” the paper said.
Lebanon’s Daily Star makes the point that the current situation in Yemen makes it susceptible to interested outside powers. “Instead of a viable political process of negotiations and dialogue to solve Yemen’s problems, the Al Houthi movement relied on brute military force to achieve its ends, as Iran has steadily increased its involvement. Yemen might be off the radar for many people around the world, but this doesn’t change the fact that elements of its domestic situation ... make it ripe for the picking of any interested outside power,” the paper said.