Yemen compromise pressure grows on Saudi
Potentially wavering support from a key ally and the need for Strait of Hormuz alternatives may force the Kingdom's hand
Saudi Arabia continues to be the key backer of the internationally-recognised Yemeni authorities under President Abd-Rabbuh Mansur Hadi. But a number of factors may be combining to compell Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to soften his hard-line stance and move to the negotiating table. The kingdom continues to support the principle of Yemen remaining united, with Sanaa as its capital. Saudi Arabia's main partner in the Yemen war, which began in 2015, has been the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The UAE until recently had a large force deployed in southern Yemen, arming and training southerners who are supporters of secession. But over recent weeks the UAE has withdrawn most of its troops from Y
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