As violence escalates on the streets of Yemen and the prospect of full-scale civil war looms larger, the time for a decisive international response has arrived. The recommendation by the Gulf Cooperation Council on Saturday to press the United Nations Security Council for a resolution authorising force to remove Houthi rebels from power is both sound and necessary. Regardless of whether military action will be needed to stave off impending disintegration, the threat of force must remain on the table for the simple reason that the ramifications of the deteriorating situation there extend far beyond the borders of the country.
Unilateral action will not break the impasse in Yemen because of the particular geopolitical contours of the conflict. An international mandate for action from a body such as the Security Council, however, is essential to bringing about a peaceful solution to the conflict. Not only will a resolution provide much needed legitimacy to any military or economic action, it will also spread the burden of action across the international community without leaving the onus solely on the GCC.
At a time when several countries including the United Arab Emirates are removing embassy personnel and temporarily closing their diplomatic missions in Sanaa, the Security Council resolution delivers a crucial message while underlining regional commitment to Yemeni cohesion. The resolution requires the Houthis to act in “good faith” or face “further steps” if it fails to do so. While this stops short of formally imposing sanctions it sends a clear message to rebel forces that they must change direction or face the consequences.
This newspaper has previously called on the GCC and, in particular Saudi Arabia, to take a position of leadership on the Yemen situation to stave off the threat of the country falling apart. Seeking this resolution and pursuing this course of action is a necessary step in helping Yemen in this period of strife.
