The convergence of dictatorships. 

The implications of Iran and Saudi Arabia’s recent efforts to reconcile amidst the devastating conflict in Yemen

For years, Yemen has been a site of devastating conflict between Saudi Arabia and Iran, each backing opposing sides in a bloody proxy war. This has resulted in a significant toll on Yemeni civilians, exacerbating what is already the world’s most severe humanitarian crisis. However, in a recent development, Saudi Arabia and Iran have begun the process of restoring diplomatic ties and relations, with China serving as mediator.

The Iranian government has a long history of repressing its citizens, particularly those who speak out against the regime.

While this may seem like a positive step towards reducing tensions in the region, it is important to remember the dark history of both countries when it comes to human rights and suppression of dissent. Iran and Saudi Arabia have a disturbingly similar record when it comes to authoritarian policies and human rights violations. Both nations have been widely criticized for their use of deadly force against peaceful protestors, as well as their suppression of freedom of speech and assembly.

The Iranian government has a long history of repressing its citizens, particularly those who speak out against the regime. The 2009 Green Movement, which arose in response to disputed presidential election results, was met with brutal crackdowns that resulted in the deaths of at least 36 people and the imprisonment of hundreds of activists and journalists. Since then, the Iranian government has continued to silence dissent through various means, including arbitrary arrests, torture, and restrictions on the press and internet.

Saudi Arabia, too, has a dismal record when it comes to human rights. Under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the country has seen a marked increase in crackdowns on dissent, including the imprisonment of activists and the execution of government critics. The murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018, allegedly at the hands of Saudi agents, sparked international outrage and condemnation. Furthermore, both Iran and Saudi Arabia have been accused of using their oil wealth to prop up authoritarian regimes in other countries and to fund extremist groups with violent agendas. This has contributed to instability and conflict throughout the region, including in Yemen, where the proxy war between the two nations has fueled a devastating humanitarian crisis.

The conflict in Yemen has far-reaching and long-lasting consequences that will affect generations to come.

The ongoing armed conflict in Yemen, which has now been raging for over seven years, has created a massive humanitarian and protection crisis across the country. What started as localized armed conflicts have now escalated into a full-blown war, with multiple dynamic front lines that impact the civilian population. The consequences of the fighting are dire and have been further exacerbated by a worsening economic situation. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reports that in 2021 alone, the fighting in Marib, Al-Bayda, Hodeida, Shabwah, Taiz, Al-Jawf, and Hajjah has led to the displacement of more than 157,500 people. This adds to the already staggering number of 4.3 million people who have fled their homes since the start of the conflict, including approximately 3.3 million people who remain displaced and 1 million returnees. Sadly, thousands of civilians have lost their lives or their properties, and many people remain detained or missing. The conflict in Yemen has far-reaching and long-lasting consequences that will affect generations to come.

Any genuine effort towards peace and reconciliation must prioritize the needs and wellbeing of the people affected by this devastating conflict.

Given this troubling history, it is difficult to remain optimistic about the outcome of the recent efforts towards diplomacy between Iran and Saudi Arabia. It is important to question the motives behind this sudden push for reconciliation. Is it truly driven by a desire for peace and an end to suffering in Yemen, or is it simply a strategic move aimed at furthering each nation’s geopolitical interests?

It is also important to consider the potential consequences of a rapprochement between Iran and Saudi Arabia. While it may lead to a reduction in violence in Yemen, it could also embolden these nations to continue their repressive policies at home and abroad. It could also have implications for the broader regional balance of power, potentially creating new alliances and further destabilizing an already volatile region.

In the meantime, it is crucial that the international community remains vigilant in holding both Iran and Saudi Arabia accountable for their actions, particularly when it comes to the ongoing crisis in Yemen. The suffering of Yemeni civilians cannot be ignored or brushed aside in the pursuit of political gain or regional dominance. Any genuine effort towards peace and reconciliation must prioritize the needs and wellbeing of the people affected by this devastating conflict.

Ultimately, the fate of Yemen and the broader Middle East rests in the hands of those who hold power in Iran and Saudi Arabia. It is up to them to decide whether they will continue down the path of conflict and repression, or whether they will choose a new path of peace and prosperity for their people and the region as a whole. Only time will tell, but it is our responsibility as members of the international community to hold them accountable for their actions and to advocate for the rights and wellbeing of those who are caught in the crossfire of this ongoing conflict.