Saudi Arabia in the Yemen conflict: Lack of support from international partners

Saudi Arabia is pretty much alone. Since the conflict between the kingdom and the Houthi militia in Yemen escalated again, it has been abandoned by its partners. And this despite the fact that the Houthis are not only attacking the internationally recognized government in Yemen, but also Saudi territory.

The “Mecca Defense Alliance” agreement between Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan, which was only agreed in August, states that any armed attack against one of the three states will be viewed as an attack on all of them. This should serve as a collective deterrent. This has not yet passed the first test.

“Full solidarity”?

It doesn't help much that British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has now announced a very symbolic support conference for Riyadh. A single refueling aircraft is intended to strengthen the Saudi military operation. Burnham emphasizes that the intervention is primarily aimed at the British interest in falling energy prices.

Last year, London and the US military carried out air strikes against the Houthis in Yemen. Washington - Riyadh's most important security partner - also appears far away from providing such military assistance to Riyadh. The G-7 states' symbolic assurance of “full solidarity” with Saudi Arabia does not change this.