Online: | |
Visits: | |
Stories: |
Iran FM Zarif hails end to Saudi airstrikes against Yemen
Aftermath of Yemeni capital rocked by massive Saudi attack
http://news.antiwar.com/2015/04/21/houthis-surprised-by-saudi-operations-end-claim-ceasefire-close/
Houthis Surprised by Saudi Operation’s End, Claim Ceasefire ‘Close’
Officials from Yemen’s Houthi movement expressed surprise at the Saudi Arabian government’s announcement that it is ending the current military operation in Yemen.
Abdelmalik Ijri did, however, say that the Houthis have been pushing for a ceasefire for awhile, and that the Saudi move seemed to coincide with progress made on the talks.
This might be overly optimistic, however, as Saudi officials followed up the announcement that they’re ending the operation with an announcement that they’re launching a new, differently named but seemingly identical, military operation against Yemen.
The Houthis aren’t the only ones mistaking the Saudi announcement for an end to the war, with Iranian officials, also loudly calling for a ceasefire, saying the declaration was a welcome “step forward.”
The declaration of victory and an end to the war doesn’t appear to mean an actual end to the war, however, as officials are announcing “Operation Renewal of Hope,” which will begin immediately, and will include military components. They’re describing it as an anti-terror operation, though the indications are that it will continue to focus on the Shi’ites, and not al-Qaeda.
Rather than a meaningful change in the nature of the war itself, it seems likely that what officials are doing is simply rebranding an unpopular war that has already created a huge humanitarian calamity into a new war with the same goals and participants, but which hasn’t gotten the bad reputation yet.
While officials are suggesting an “end” to the airstrikes, this may only be temporary, and the naval blockade keeping food out of the country seems set to continue.
Rebels Forces in Taez Seize Territory Amid Growing Conflict
Yemen ops: From ‘Decisive Storm’ to ‘Renewal of Hope’ – Any difference?