Yemen Update

Back to square 2? (this is assuming that the peace agreement is square 1). The Houthi have now rejected the appointment of Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak (President Hadi's Chief of Staff) as prime minister.
This refusal will probably further delay the implementation of the two-week old deal that called for the withdrawal of Houthi fighters from Sanaa, after they overrun the capital.
While the stated reason for refusal seems quite fuzzy (no official agreement and not the will of the people), this will probably stoke fears of Houthi influence and expansion beyond their current area. Bin Mubarak, from Aden and a representative from the Southern Movement, would have presented the image of unity (he is also the secretary general of the national dialogue) and appeased fears of Houthi take over. Not any more.

In the meantime, Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) seems to have launched an offensive in Baida governorate (or at least a wave of attacks yesterday). This may be a show of strength after multiple car bombs last week and an appeal to Sunnis to join them in the fight against the Houthi/Shia (that AQAP has been maintaining for a while). If the Houthi-goverment peace agreement doesn't hold or it is seen as ineffective, further pressure from AQAP will undermine state structures and provide a coup de grace to an already very delicate balance.


These are interesting times for those that follow Yemen.