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التالى السابق

Why Southerns Insist on Reclaiming Their Independent State

REPORTS - 25 day ago

Historical Context and Roots of Conflict:

For centuries, Southern people has experienced political and military tensions, predating even the Islamic era. Today, the international community is working toward a political solution aimed at maintaining Yemen’s unity and involving all factions in the country's future governance. However, this approach conflicts with Southerns' aspirations to re-establish their former independent state. This desire is fueled by Southern perspectives that see the major Northern factions—namely, the Islah Party and the Houthi movement—as existential threats driven by expansionist and authoritarian motives.

Background of Key Factions

The Islah Party, which is affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood, emerged as a powerful political force after the unification in 1990. Southerns view the Islah Party as a group that leverages religion and regional events to advance its own political agenda, allegedly forming covert alliances with armed groups. Islah is seen as heavily influenced by Turkey and Iran, with Southerns fearing that these connections may be part of a broader strategy to undermine Southern autonomy for political gain.

The Houthi Movement

The Houthis, with strong ideological ties to Zaidism, are widely believed to receive significant support from Iran, made them more radical lastly. Their expansionist agenda is perceived as part of a larger regional struggle between Iran and the Arab coalition led by Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Southerners are concerned that if the Houthis extend their influence into the South, they will impose their religious and political ideology forcefully, thus threatening the South's political and social autonomy.

The Southern Standpoint

Southern leaders view a power-sharing government including Islah and the Houthis as fundamentally unacceptable. They argue that both groups are authoritarian forces intent on imposing their ideologies and controlling the South, rather than respecting democratic principles or the South's right to self-determination.

The Islah Party is seen as particularly problematic, with Southerns wary of its media influence, financial & aid networks, , and affiliations with Turkey. These factors are believed to give Islah a disproportionate influence over Yemen’s political landscape. Meanwhile, the Houthis are feared for their overt reliance on Iranian support, as well as their intent to spread their religious and political doctrines.

International Perspectives and Challenges

The international community, led by the United Nations, advocates for Yemen's unity and a government that represents all parties. However, this stance overlooks the Southern desire for independence. Southern leaders argue that the international community’s alignment with Islah and the Houthis, which both receive external support from Turkey and Iran respectively, complicates peace efforts by failing to address Southern demands for autonomy. The inclusion of both factions, they believe, will only perpetuate external influences in the region and heighten tensions.

Southern leaders have indicated a willingness to negotiate only under the condition that Islah and the Houthis refrain from interfering in Southern affairs. They also seek international support to counterbalance foreign influences, particularly from Iran and Turkey.

The Southern people call for independence reflects a complex history of regional tensions and fears of Northern influence backed by regional powers. They believe that an independent Southern state is the most viable path to safeguarding their historical political, social, and cultural identity