Arab coalition set to make gains after Saleh’s death

Ali Abdallah Saleh’s change of heart, his overtures to the Arab coalition came too late. The former Yemeni strongman lived a dangerous life, played all sides and fought alongside dangerous friends like the Houthis. His latest shift was, again, a perilous move, and he paid with his life. It didn’t have to come to this. Saleh’s place was with the Saudi Arabia-led coalition that is fighting to save Yemen, but he made the wrong choice in his lust for power that only served to exacerbate the crisis. He got into the wrong company that was only serving Iranian interests in the impoverished Arab country and toppled the internationally recognised government. For Iran and the Houthis, having Saleh and his forces on their side was simply a means to an end. He was dispensable.

Arab forces led by Saudi Arabia and UAE intervened after the Houthis ousted Yemen’s legitimate government under President Hadi in 2014. Hadi returned and the government made progress in its efforts at reconciliation and rebuilding the country with help from the coalition that is in control of the south, but the Saleh-Houthi nexus had prevented any development in the north. They had brought the country to ruins and were lording over the misery from Sanaa, the capital. Yemen’s heart had been ripped out by this unholy nexus. The death toll has risen to more than 8,000 and millions have been displaced by the strife. Death and disease are regular visitors in the country, but Houthis and Saleh’s troops did not pay heed to the desolation in front of them. The UN warned of the biggest humanitarian crisis since World War II. Cholera is widespread and children are the main victims. On Monday, Saleh met a bloody end. The coalition should widen the scope of the campaign against the Houthis. Seizing the gains is important to restore order. Saleh’s change of heart and tragic death might just be the trigger to find a swift and final solution to this conflict, militarily or diplomatically.