The Empty Quarter

Yemen Online is saying that mediation has succeeded in ending the clashes that were reported yesterday. I am still looking for confirmation of this. Yemen Online has a pretty good track record of being early and correct…although, I notice that the government casualty numbers have gone down. Also, 3 + 7 + 8 = “more than 20”…hmm.

Also, Yemen Post, a relatively recent revamped news site, is publishing an editorial with an interesting take on the prospects of another Sa’dah war. The short of it – the al-Houthis have been spoiled and the government can’t afford an allowance increase, so expect a tantrum…hmmm.

He does make a good point about the al-Houthi media strategy. I haven’t seen the rebels get out in front of a story like they have thus far - they have really forced the government into responding.

Mediation succeeds in halting the armed clashes in Sa’ada, Yemen. More than 20 casualties

YemenOnline. March 09 – A successful mediation, led by Sheikh Faris Manna and a number of Sa’ada Shiekhs to stop the clashes that took place yesterday in Ghamar district between the army and Houthies. 3 soldiers were killed and 7 others wounded whereas 8 Houthies were killed, reported local sources; the exact number of casualties has not been confirmed yet.

Sa’ada All over Again

Hakim Almasmari

Media outlets have been squeaking out information of casualties in Sa’ada over the past week while the government is still desperately trying to limit the existence of media in Sa’ada and announcing that no fighting is currently taking place in Sa’ada.

This time around, the government is doing the right thing by trying to calm citizens down and ensure that safety of citizens is its top priority. On the other hand, Houthi spokesperson is trying to do the opposite by linking even simple information to media outlets.

However, the government deserves what is happening now in Sa’ada because the ending of the last Sa’ada war last July came by a secret agreement between the president and Houthi leaders, while observers believe the president gave away so much to Houthis for nothing in return.

After giving so much to Houthis, the president was so confident that he even announced publicly that war in Sa’ada is over forever, and in no way will it ever start again. Wrong Saleh! War in Sa’ada did start over again whether you like it or not. This only proves that the president once again played the wrong cards.

Houthis want more and the government will never give more, which means if a miracle doesn’t fall from the sky, expect a sixth Sa’ada war to renew, god forbid.