Introduction
As the world fixates on conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, one of the deadliest wars of the 21st century rages on in silence. Yemen, a nation caught between regional rivalries, political chaos, and humanitarian collapse, is entering its tenth year of conflict. Despite staggering death tolls, displacement, and famine, the Yemeni crisis remains underreported and under-addressed. Why does this war persist, and what does it mean for the Middle East and beyond in 2025?
The Origins of the Conflict
The Yemeni war began in 2014 when Houthi rebels, a Zaidi Shia group from the north, seized the capital Sanaa and ousted the internationally recognized government. In response, a Saudi-led coalition launched a military intervention in 2015, aiming to restore the Hadi government and counter what they saw as Iranian influence via the Houthis.
Since then, Yemen has become a battleground for a wider geopolitical rivalry between Iran and Saudi Arabia. While the Houthis receive support from Tehran, the Saudi-led coalition — backed by the UAE, and until recently, the US and UK — has carried out thousands of airstrikes, many of which have struck civilian targets.
The Human Cost
The human suffering in Yemen is staggering. According to the UN, over 377,000 people have died as a result of the conflict, either from direct violence or indirect causes such as hunger and disease. As of 2025, more than 20 million Yemenis — over two-thirds of the population — rely on humanitarian aid.
Children are the most affected. Malnutrition, lack of medical care, and collapsing education systems have devastated a generation. Entire communities have been cut off from basic services, and the country’s infrastructure is in ruins.
Regional and Global Implications
Though often seen as a local civil war, the Yemen conflict has far-reaching consequences. The Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, a vital maritime chokepoint, runs past Yemen’s coast. Instability in the region poses a direct threat to global oil and trade routes.
Furthermore, the war has become a training ground for terrorist organizations like Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and ISIS. These groups exploit the chaos to expand their influence, threatening not only regional stability but also international security.
A Fragile Peace?
In recent years, there have been flickers of hope. A UN-brokered truce in 2022 led to a temporary reduction in hostilities. Saudi Arabia and the Houthis have even engaged in back-channel negotiations. However, these talks remain fragile and often break down over political and territorial disputes.
The involvement of international actors has complicated peace efforts. While the Biden administration reduced its support for offensive operations in Yemen, arms sales and strategic alliances continue to fuel the conflict.
Why the World Should Pay Attention
The world’s silence on Yemen has moral, political, and strategic costs. Ignoring the war allows human rights violations to continue unchecked. It also undermines global credibility on issues like humanitarian aid, peace-building, and conflict resolution.
Moreover, the longer the conflict drags on, the harder it becomes to rebuild Yemen. Millions of displaced people may never return home. A failed Yemeni state could export instability across the region, from the Horn of Africa to the Gulf.
What Needs to Happen
- Sustained International Pressure: Global powers must prioritize Yemen in diplomatic forums and push both sides toward genuine negotiations.
- Accountability: War crimes and human rights abuses must be investigated independently.
- Humanitarian Support: Aid agencies require funding and access to deliver life-saving support.
- Media Attention: Greater coverage can galvanize public awareness and policy change.
Final Thoughts
Yemen’s war is far from over, but it is not beyond hope. International engagement, honest diplomacy, and a commitment to human dignity can help turn the tide. In a world overflowing with crises, Yemen deserves more than silence. It deserves justice, peace, and above all, remembrance.
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