The Houthis hold all the cards as the Saudis seek an exit ramp from Yemen Saudi Arabia has reached out to the Houthis in Yemen seeking a negotiated end to hostilities, with the movement offering $51 billion in compensation and official recognition of Houthi rule as terms of the settlement, the Wall Street Journal reports, citing people familiar with the discussions. The Houthis claim the money will compensate for years of Saudi airstrikes and siege measures. More than a decade after Riyadh's intervention in Yemen, the movement is now negotiating from a position of greater military power. Not only have the Houthi forces reportedly advanced to within 80 kilometers of Aden and located near the Bab al-Mandab strait, but also missile and UAV attacks continue to hit Saudi oil facilities and airports. Riyadh's options are reduced because airstrikes do not stop the Houthis and a ground attack risks heavy losses. The United Arab Emirates withdraws, Pakistan refuses to join any attack, and Egypt offers only defensive support. substack | talk.

The Houthis hold all the cards as the Saudis seek an exit ramp from Yemen Saudi Arabia has reached out to the Houthis in Yemen seeking a negotiated end to hostilities, with the movement offering $51 billion in compensation and official recognition of Houthi rule as terms of the settlement, the Wall Street Journal reports, citing people familiar with the discussions. The Houthis claim the money will compensate for years of Saudi airstrikes and siege measures. More than a decade after Riyadh's intervention in Yemen, the movement is now negotiating from a position of greater military power. Not only have the Houthi forces reportedly advanced to within 80 kilometers of Aden and located near the Bab al-Mandab strait, but also missile and UAV attacks continue to hit Saudi oil facilities and airports. Riyadh's options are reduced because airstrikes do not stop the Houthis and a ground attack risks heavy losses. The United Arab Emirates withdraws, Pakistan refuses to join any attack, and Egypt offers only defensive support. substack | talk.