Houthis should seize the chance for peace in Yemen

The Houthis are ready for a ceasefire in Yemen, a positive development in a war that has gone on for three years in one of the world’s most impoverished countries. The rebel group has been under intense pressure with the Arab coalition making big gains in their northern push. Fighting is now centred around Hodeidah, and the rebels realise this is a war they cannot win. All they can do is prolong the agony of the Yemeni people, who are facing a catastrophe. What’s worse is that Yemen’s ancient civilisation has been left in ruins. A generation has been lost to the madness of a war that was forced on them by Iran and its proxy, the Houthi militia. Official figures put the war dead at 10,000, but the numbers could be higher when this insanity ends. The movement’s leader said the decision to end drone and missile attacks at Arab coalition targets, mainly in Saudi Arabia, was in response to a request by the UN’s special envoy to the country, Martin Griffiths.

Credit is due to the envoy who has tirelessly led efforts. He has kept faith in his pursuit of peace. Mohammed Ali Al Houthi, the head of the Houthis’ Supreme Revolutionary Committee, appears to be coming round to his senses with this statement on a military drawdown. The question is, can the rebels be trusted? The last two ceasefires failed and the group used the opportunity to replenish their materiel to extend the war. How much can Iran that has been at the receiving end of US sanctions arm-twist the militia? Tehran’s ability to raise resources and personnel for the campaign in Yemen has been largely contained with economic restrictions on the regime. The US has promised “maximum pressure” on Tehran and this has had a positive effect in Yemen. Griffiths and the Arab coalition should convince the Houthis that the chips are down during their planned summit in Sweden, and that the Iranian regime is tottering with the people on the streets. If they can manage to pull it off and bring the Houthis over to their side, peace will find an opening in Yemen.