While the Yemeni population is under attack by cholera, with more 300,000 cases, the Houthis remain in on-going conflict with Saudi and US forces.
Who are the Houthis? The Houthis are a Zaidi sect of Shi’a Islam, which arose in northern Yemen in the 1990s. They are religiously derivative of the standard Twelver Shi’as, but they do not believe in the infallibility of the imams.
Having originated in northern Yemen, they are considered as unsophisticated by those in San’aa and southern Yemen. They are known as brave and effective fighters. Their overall concern has been political independence and the distribution of fairness from governmental authorities.
They have allied themselves on one hand with the former Yemeni President, Abdullah Al-Saleh and against the succeeding Hadi government. The Houthis appear to be solidly in control of the capital, San’aa.
The current accusation and concern is the Shi’a Iran is supplying the Houthi war effort. Hence, the opposition has arisen from Sunni Saudi Arabia. The degree to which the US is assisting the Saudis is uncertain.
Consequent to the unsettled opposition between the Houthis and the Saudis, the conflict in Yemen continues in the middle of the cholera epidemic. Neither side takes responsibility for the humanitarian disaster, and the international community lacks the will and the funds to intervene effectively.
