The central question now is whether the rift between Saudi Arabia and the UAE will return to buisness as usual, or if it will escalate into a broader realignment, according to Marc Lynch, a professor of political science and international affairs at George Washington University.
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab emirates have historically been close allies in the Middle East. Though, tensions began to surface during the Sudanese civil war, as the two countries supported opposing sides. This december, the situation escalated when the Saudi army, along with its allies, launched a direct military offensive against the Emiratis and their allies in Yemen. In response, the UAE announced a complete withdrawal of its forces from Yemen. To gain a better understanding of these events,we spoke with Marc Lynch,a professor of political science and international affairs at George Washington University.
SARAH MCCAMMON, HOST: Welcome.
MARC LYNCH: Thanks for having me.
MCCAMMON: Saudi Arabia considers Yemen vital to its national security, having launched a major offensive in 2015 to reinstate its allies’ control. The UAE initially participated in this offensive.Could you explain what’s at stake for the Saudis in Yemen?
LYNCH: Geographically, Yemen is closely connected to saudi Arabia on the Arabian Peninsula. they share a long land border, have strong tribal ties, and Saudi Arabia has long sought a dominant position within Yemen. The UAE was initially part of this effort,but they pursued different strategies. The Saudis have a deep, historical involvement throughout Yemen, including its inland areas and vast territory. The Emiratis, however, were more focused on ports in Aden and along the Red Sea shipping routes.This led to a division of power within the alliance, with each country largely pursuing its own objectives.
