Annual Meeting 2025

التالى السابق

Aidroos Al Zubaidi in WEF

Analytics - منذ 12 يوم

The South Role in Regional Stability & Global Cooperation

South Eye | Analysis - Exclusive

STC' President, PLC Member: Aidroos Al-Zubaidi’s recent engagements with international media and forums have showcased a strategic and unwavering commitment to addressing Yemen’s multifaceted crises. Through dialogues with outlets like The Guardian and Reuters, Al-Zubaidi has articulated a vision for stability, security, and economic recovery in Yemen, grounded in a pragmatic understanding of the country’s challenges and the geopolitical forces at play. His clear and decisive stance, particularly on the issue of the Houthis and the future of the south, demonstrates his readiness to engage with global powers like the United States and the United Kingdom in shaping a sustainable solution.

 Al-Zubaidi’s statements emphasize the urgency of adopting a cohesive and effective international strategy to counter the Iran-backed Houthis. His criticism of current U.S. and U.K. military actions as being insufficiently coordinated and ineffective is not just an observation—it is a call to action. Al-Zubaidi has consistently pointed out that previous Western interventions have failed to target the Houthis’ leadership and critical infrastructure, allowing them to entrench their power and perpetuate instability. In response, he has reaffirmed the readiness of the Southern Transitional Council (STC) to support any international efforts aimed at dismantling the Houthis’ military and political apparatus. This readiness signals a proactive and cooperative approach, emphasizing the south’s commitment to working as a reliable partner to the international community.

 At the heart of Al-Zubaidi’s vision lies a comprehensive military strategy that integrates local ground forces with international support. He has highlighted the unique capability of southern forces to operate effectively in Yemen’s complex terrain, underscoring their potential as a decisive element in countering the Houthis. This approach not only leverages local expertise but also minimizes the risks and costs of external interventions. By offering southern forces as a central component of a broader military plan, Al-Zubaidi demonstrates a willingness to share the burden of responsibility while ensuring that international efforts are grounded in local realities.

 A key aspect of Al-Zubaidi’s discourse is his acknowledgment of the Houthis’ dependence on Iranian support. He views the group as Tehran’s last significant proxy in the region, a fact that underscores the high stakes of the conflict. Al-Zubaidi’s call for the U.S. to reclassify the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization is a strategic move aimed at isolating the group diplomatically and financially. This designation, he argues, would send a clear signal to Iran and its allies that the international community will not tolerate continued interference in region’s stability.

 Central to Al-Zubaidi’s vision for peace and stability in Yemen is the restoration of the pre-1990 two-state. His assertion that the continuation of unity between the north and the south is no longer viable reflects both a historical understanding and a pragmatic response to current realities. For Al-Zubaidi who represents his people, the unification of 1990 has been a source of persistent inequality and conflict, with the south bearing the brunt of political and economic marginalization. By advocating for a return to two independent states, Al-Zubaidi is not calling for division but rather proposing a framework for coexistence that respects the distinct identities, histories, and aspirations of the north and south. This vision aligns with the principle of self-determination and offers a pathway to a more equitable and peaceful future.

 Al-Zubaidi’s engagement in global forums, such as the World Economic Forum in Davos, further underscores his commitment to addressing region's economic challenges. He has painted a stark picture of an economy devastated by years of conflict, with widespread poverty, a collapsing currency, and failing public services. Yet, his participation in these forums signals a proactive effort to rally international support for rebuilding region’s economy. Al-Zubaidi’s focus on alleviating the suffering of the people and promoting stability in the south reflects a holistic approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of economic recovery and political stability.

 A particularly intriguing dimension of Al-Zubaidi’s analysis is his perspective on U.S. leadership and its role in shaping Yemen’s future. He has expressed optimism about the potential return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency, viewing it as an opportunity for a more decisive and assertive American stance against the Houthis. By contrasting Trump’s approach with what he perceives as the leniency of the Biden administration, Al-Zubaidi underscores the need for strong and consistent leadership in addressing region's challenges. His calls for the U.S. to adopt a tougher stance on the Houthis and Iran reflect a strategic alignment with Western interests in countering regional threats.

 Looking ahead, the success of Al-Zubaidi’s vision will depend on several key factors. First, the willingness of the international community, particularly the U.S. and U.K., to embrace a more coordinated and comprehensive approach to region. Second, the ability of the STC to consolidate its governance structures and present itself as a credible partner in the pursuit of peace and stability. Finally, the broader dynamics of regional geopolitics, including Iran’s role and the influence of neighboring countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, will play a critical role in shaping the outcome.

 Al-Zubaidi’s leadership represents a bold and determined effort to redefine region's future. By advocating for a return to the pre-1990 two-state framework, a comprehensive military strategy, and close cooperation with international allies, he has positioned the south as a key player in the quest for peace and stability. His vision is not without challenges, but it offers a clear and compelling pathway to a more just and sustainable resolution to Yemen’s protracted conflict. Whether the international community will rise to the occasion and support this vision remains to be seen, but Al-Zubaidi’s proactive and principled approach provides a beacon of hope in an otherwise turbulent landscape.