The Houthi movement, also known as Anṣār Allāh, is an Islamic fundamentalist group from northern Yemen that has become influential in the Yemeni Civil War since 2014. Formed out of Zaydī revivalism, it represents a significant military power largely supported by Iran. In 2023, the Houthis escalated regional tensions by attacking Israel following the Israel-Hamas War, impacting international trade routes and demonstrating their strategic capabilities. The article outlines the Houthi movement’s historical roots, its emergence as a pivotal force, and its current implications in regional geopolitics.
The Houthi movement, formally known as Anṣār Allāh, is an Islamic fundamentalist movement based in northern Yemen, identified as one of the principal actors in the ongoing Yemeni Civil War that began in 2014. The movement emerged from a revivalist initiative among the minority Zaydī Muslim sect, historically situated in northern Yemen, which resisted foreign intervention in the governance of Yemen. Following confrontations with the Yemeni government in the early 21st century, the Houthis escalated their actions to armed rebellion, receiving military support from Iran. By the year 2020, they appeared to dominate the conflict significantly. In 2023, the Houthis intensified their global influence by launching missile and drone attacks against Israel in response to the Israel-Hamas War, alongside disrupting international trade through strikes on commercial vessels in the Red Sea. The term “Houthi” is derived from Hussein Badr al-Din al-Houthi, the movement’s founder. The roots of the Houthi movement date back to 893 CE with the establishment of Zaydī society in northern Yemen. The Zaydīs, a sect within the Shiʿi branch of Islam, were historically the leading political authority in Yemen until the 1962 overthrow of their imam, leading to a period of marginalization under the Yemen Arab Republic administered by a military regime. This marginalization incited a revivalist response among the Zaydīs, characterized by resistance against Wahhābism, a movement backed by the Yemeni government aimed at promoting Sunni ideology. In the 1990s, following Yemen’s unification, Zaydī elites formed the Al-Ḥaqq Party to advocate for their interests and counter Sunni influences in politics. The discontent towards the Saleh regime heightened with the support for the U.S. “war on terror” and the subsequent invasion of Iraq, culminating in the emergence of the armed rebellion led by the now-late Hussein al-Houthi. His death in 2004 marked the transition of the movement’s leadership to his brother Abdul-Malik. As the conflict evolved, the Houthis’ control over strategic areas, including the vital port city of Hodeidah, allowed them to sustain their rebellion financially and logistically while facing international intervention led by Saudi Arabia in 2015. By early 2020, the Houthis gained significant upper hand militarily, leading to negotiations with Saudi Arabia amid a backdrop of humanitarian crises and the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the assassination of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi and the resurgence of conflict in the Middle East complicated peace processes. The 2023 Israel-Hamas War has further burdened prospects for peace, as it incited the Houthis to launch attacks on Israel and disrupt maritime trade, reflecting their strategic ambitions amidst regional tensions. The resulting action from the United States against the Houthi network reestablishes the group as a significant player in regional dynamics, raising the stakes in the ongoing conflict and humanitarian challenges in Yemen.
The Houthi movement represents a complex interplay of historical, religious, and geopolitical factors that have culminated in its significant role in the Yemeni Civil War. Originating from the Zaydī Muslim sect’s historical context, the movement’s continuation of resistance against foreign and domestic influences exemplifies not only regional grievances but also broader issues of sectarian identity within Yemen. The alignment with Iran and the articulation of dissatisfaction with both the Yemeni government and Western foreign policy, especially the United States, provide essential insights into the motivations and actions of the Houthis. The past decades’ developments, including Yemen’s unification, the Arab Spring, and the international responses to the conflict, compound the importance of understanding the Houthi movement within the larger narrative of Middle Eastern politics.
In conclusion, the Houthi movement’s rise illustrates the profound impact of local grievances, historical sectarian dynamics, and international politics intertwined within the broader context of the Yemeni Civil War. The movement has transitioned from a marginalized sect to a formidable force in the war, exploiting regional tensions to enhance its power and influence. The 2023 escalation in military activities and cross-border attacks signifies both a strategic assertion of their power and an indication of the complexities involved in resolving the ongoing conflict in Yemen.
Original Source: www.britannica.com
