Houthis Claim Embassy Closure by Assad for Saudi Diplomacy Reset
The Houthis accused Syrian President Bashar al-Assad of closing their embassy in exchange for reopening the Saudi embassy in Damascus. Following Assad’s government collapse, the Houthi ambassador and staff returned to Sanaa. The statement raises concerns about the stability of alliances in the region as the Houthis publicly criticize their former ally amid shifting geopolitical relations.
The Houthi rebel group of Yemen has claimed that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad ordered the closure of their embassy in Damascus as a trade-off for the re-establishment of the Saudi embassy in 2023. Following the collapse of Assad’s government, Houthi spokesperson Nasruddin Amer confirmed that their embassy had indeed been shut down and that the staff returned to the Yemeni capital of Sanaa around October 2023. The Houthis, often associated with the Axis of Resistance allied with Iran, have held a longstanding opposition stance against Israel. Meanwhile, President Assad has sought to strengthen ties with various Arab nations, which have begun to normalize relations after years of hostility related to the Syrian civil war. However, the Houthis’ criticism of Assad’s regime has surfaced amidst reports of repression from other former supporters, highlighting the complex dynamics at play following Assad’s recent governmental challenges.
The conflict in Syria has significantly evolved since its beginnings in 2011, leading to various shifts in alliances and relationships among regional actors. As President Assad faced increasing pressure and territorial losses from armed groups like Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, former allies expressed discontent. The Houthis, who once stood alongside him in the Axis of Resistance, have publicly denounced his actions, revealing the fragility of alliances within the region. Moreover, the normalization process between Assad and several Arab states, such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, marks a complicated shift in the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.
In summary, the closure of the Houthi embassy in Syria highlights the ongoing shifts in Middle Eastern alliances, particularly as former supporters of Assad begin to vocalize their grievances. The evolving dynamics suggest that loyalties may be reassessed as regional powers navigate new political landscapes amidst the fallout from the Syrian conflict. Furthermore, the reopening of Saudi diplomatic relations signifies broader changes in regional diplomacy, while the Houthis’ response underscores the complexities of forming alliances in a rapidly changing environment.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
