- Joined
- Jun 9, 2011
- Messages
- 3,191
- Reaction score
- 1,823
- Location
- Planet Earth
- Gender
- Undisclosed
- Political Leaning
- Very Conservative
This war is probably one of the greatest human tragedies in last 20 years that very few Americans know about, care about, or even is reported on
The Houthis, formally known as Ansar Allah (Supporters of God), are primarily Zaidi Shia Muslims, a branch of Shia Islam different from the Twelver Shia Islam more commonly practiced in Iran and Iraq. The Zaidis have a long history in Yemen and ruled parts of the country under a theocratic imamate for nearly a thousand years until 1962.
The Houthi movement began in the 1990s under the leadership of Hussein Badreddin al-Houthi. It was partly a theological movement, promoting Zaidi Shia revivalism in the face of both the increasing spread of Sunni ideologies like Wahhabism and political marginalization. The group’s grievances included economic neglect, corruption, and foreign interference from countries like Saudi Arabia and the United States.
Tensions escalated into armed conflict in the early 2000s when the Yemeni government, led by President Ali Abdullah Saleh, launched military campaigns to suppress the Houthis. Despite several rounds of fighting and peace agreements, the conflict persisted. After the Arab Spring in 2011 and the subsequent resignation of Saleh in 2012, Yemen's political transition failed to stabilize the country.
In 2014, the Houthis capitalized on widespread discontent with the new president, Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, and the transitional government’s ineffectiveness. They took control of Yemen’s capital, Sana’a, and eventually declared themselves the new government, which led President Hadi to flee abroad in 2015.
Saudi Arabia, concerned about the rise of a Shia-led group allied with its regional rival, Iran, formed a coalition of Sunni-majority countries and intervened in Yemen in March 2015. The coalition’s goal has been to restore the Hadi government. This intervention turned the Houthi rebellion into a devastating proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran, leading to one of the worst humanitarian crises in modern history.
The conflict has resulted in massive civilian casualties, widespread famine, and a complete breakdown of Yemen's infrastructure. Despite numerous attempts at peace talks and international calls for humanitarian aid, the situation remains bleak with no end in sight.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
There was this oppressed minority group called the Houthis who, after years of oppression, managed to overthrow the government. The Saudis, one of the most brutal dictatorships in the world, went to the U.S. and complained they don't like Houthis, because they wash their hands before prayers, differently than Saudis. Also, they are weak enough no to cause too much trouble...so please get rid of them...like bomb the Houthis back to oblivion. And the US said sure!!! let the killing begin!
Always makes me proud to see how we spread democracy American Style!
Historical and Religious Background
The Houthis, formally known as Ansar Allah (Supporters of God), are primarily Zaidi Shia Muslims, a branch of Shia Islam different from the Twelver Shia Islam more commonly practiced in Iran and Iraq. The Zaidis have a long history in Yemen and ruled parts of the country under a theocratic imamate for nearly a thousand years until 1962.
Emergence of the Houthi Movement
The Houthi movement began in the 1990s under the leadership of Hussein Badreddin al-Houthi. It was partly a theological movement, promoting Zaidi Shia revivalism in the face of both the increasing spread of Sunni ideologies like Wahhabism and political marginalization. The group’s grievances included economic neglect, corruption, and foreign interference from countries like Saudi Arabia and the United States.
Conflict Escalation
Tensions escalated into armed conflict in the early 2000s when the Yemeni government, led by President Ali Abdullah Saleh, launched military campaigns to suppress the Houthis. Despite several rounds of fighting and peace agreements, the conflict persisted. After the Arab Spring in 2011 and the subsequent resignation of Saleh in 2012, Yemen's political transition failed to stabilize the country.
The Civil War
In 2014, the Houthis capitalized on widespread discontent with the new president, Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, and the transitional government’s ineffectiveness. They took control of Yemen’s capital, Sana’a, and eventually declared themselves the new government, which led President Hadi to flee abroad in 2015.
International Involvement
Saudi Arabia, concerned about the rise of a Shia-led group allied with its regional rival, Iran, formed a coalition of Sunni-majority countries and intervened in Yemen in March 2015. The coalition’s goal has been to restore the Hadi government. This intervention turned the Houthi rebellion into a devastating proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran, leading to one of the worst humanitarian crises in modern history.
Current Situation
The conflict has resulted in massive civilian casualties, widespread famine, and a complete breakdown of Yemen's infrastructure. Despite numerous attempts at peace talks and international calls for humanitarian aid, the situation remains bleak with no end in sight.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
There was this oppressed minority group called the Houthis who, after years of oppression, managed to overthrow the government. The Saudis, one of the most brutal dictatorships in the world, went to the U.S. and complained they don't like Houthis, because they wash their hands before prayers, differently than Saudis. Also, they are weak enough no to cause too much trouble...so please get rid of them...like bomb the Houthis back to oblivion. And the US said sure!!! let the killing begin!
Always makes me proud to see how we spread democracy American Style!
