International Negotiation November 25, 2017

Janine May G. Sabino Mr. Jumel G. Estranero

FS-401
A.Title. Splitting a home into two: How Iran and Saudi Arabia influence Yemens territorial
conflict against unification.
B.Chapters
I. Background
Abstract
The ongoing rebellion in Yemen caused by two opposing parties the Houthis, rebel
group and supported by Iranian government who fund their equipment use for waging war
against Saudi-led coalition which is under alliance of President Hadi. Conflicting situation
started after few more years of being united. The main goal of Iran is to preserve Shia
throughout the Arab Community, while Saudi Arabia been a Shiite community. Two years
later the war started and expected to be worse. Million numbers of killings of civilians,
childrens, womens, and several infrastructures was destroyed. Last year before Obama
leave his position he restricted United States for helping Saudi-led coalition when this
movement suddenly attacked Southern Yemen during a wedding program which caused
killings of hundreds of people. Till now Yemen conflicting tension with each other still
exist. The Yemen government is still on its process in formulating constitution that could
be in favorable with both parties.

Introduction
Yemen as one of the oldest civilization emerge in the southern part of Arabian
Peninsula. It is also described as Arabia Felix which means fortunate land because
during the old age the land has a good climate to sustain their needs. Islam came during
the lifetime of Prophet Muhammad that most Southern Yemenis are Sunnis while
Northern Yemenis are Zaydis or Shia. The conflicting religion of the two states are
relevant with the Protestants and Catholic religion who pursue different beliefs. The
difference between the two is about exacerbated by each others proximity which result
into intolerance and violence1. Since nineteenth century both state was divided, unlike
North and South Korea, East and West Germany, Communist and Nationalist China.
North and South Yemen was not formed through civil war. North Yemen was controlled
by Ottoman Empire while South Yemen was greatly influenced by British in year 1939.
Before unification both colonizers withdraw from both part of Yemen, by year 1990 both
government signed into an agreement as a Republic of Yemen.

1
Hadi., The differences between the Sunnis and Shiites, ThoughtCo., https://www.thoughtco.com/difference-
between-sunnis-and-shiites-2353493, Accessed November 18,2017
During the unification of both parties they both agreed to fill the position in the newly
integrated government. The Norths ousted President Ali Abdullah Saleh and former Vice
President Ali Salim Al-Beidh was based in Northern part of Yemen in Sanaa while Aden
is located at the Southern part, claimed to be the countrys financial center. After the
integration processes it started to threaten the situation of Souths which overwhelmed
after the integration because of the speedy sharing of powers. By year 1993 of April 27 a
multiparty exist which both Northern and Southern politicians experience political
disruption, an ongoing assassination with politicians that results to outbreak of fighting
again between the two Yemenis until President Saleh declared to dismiss all southerners
in the government and begin to move to its respective frontiers and continue fighting with
each other. Foreign Minister Mohammed Basindwah to tell journalists "There is an
unannounced split. The only thing left is to declare the split "2.

Sources: A. Boylston Georgia Political Review

The Image shows the division of Yemen. North Yemen controlled Sanaa the capital of Yemen headed by Houthi group, while
South Yemen possess Aden the capital in South which was govern by President Hadi incorporated with Saudi Arabia3.

Now Yemen Civil War is undergoing conflict which emerge by year 2015 between
the Northern and Southern Yemenis. The Northern part of Yemen was headed by the
Houthis, Shia group was driven to pursue a religious-political movement throughout
Yemen. Houthis cooperate with ousted President Ali Abdullah Saleh in order to take
control of the North part of Yemen. Iran also counted as an ally of Houthis rebel group.

2
Hurd, R., Noakes, G., North and South Yemen: Lead-up to the Break-up, Washington Report on Middle Ea0st Affairs,
https://www.wrmea.org/1994-july-august/north-and-south-yemen-lead-up-to-the-break-up.html, Accessed
November 18, 2017
3
Boylston, A., North and South Yemen: The Marriage That Wasnt Meant To Be?, Georgia Political Review,
http://georgiapoliticalreview.com/north-and-south-yemen-the-marriage-that-wasnt-meant-to-be/, Accessed
November 21, 2017
 Some political analysts said that the reason of the existence of Houthis is because
of the Iranian support. Houthis get their weapons through the black market from Iran4.On
the other hand, the Southern part of Yemen was controlled by government loyalist of
Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi, President of Yemen. Local government led by Hadi incorporates
with Saudi Arabia which is also an ally who fund weapons to South Yemen. The rebel
movements primary goal is to combat economic underdevelopment and political
marginalization in Yemen while seeking autonomy.
The Supreme Revolutionary Committee led by Houthis declared a mobilization to
overthrow Hadi and further control Yemen as a whole 5. Saudi Arabia intervene with South
Yemenis in launching airstrikes. U.S.A also provide intelligence and logistical support to
South. Due to the coalition, thousands of casualties and infrastructure was vanished.
Many had observed that Yemen who shared cultures, south economic needs and its
unification after a great partition will still result to pull each other apart 6. The clashes
between the North and South result in a dangerous situation to every Yemenis because
of the leaders egos and interest.

II. A. Statement of the Problem

1.When will the tension of both state of Yemen will cease?
2. Is Unification between the two is still possible?
3. What will be the effects to other Arabian Countries if Yemen crisis will continue to take
place?
4. How will UN and other International Organization will address the conflict in mediation
between Arab countries who are incorporated in Yemen coalition?
5. What will be the next resolution of Yemen government for both opposing group for them
to agree to seize war?

4
Al-Muslimi, F., Irans Role in Yemen Exaggerated, but Destructive, The Century Foundation,
https://tcf.org/content/report/irans-role-yemen-exaggerated-destructive/, Accessed November 22, 2017
5
Oudah., Yemen observer, Wikipedia.com,
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yemeni_Civil_War_(2015%E2%80%93present)#cite_ref-79, Accessed November 22,
2017
6
Hurd, R., Noakes, G., North and South Yemen: Lead-up to the Break-up, Washington Report on Middle Ea0st
Affairs, https://www.wrmea.org/1994-july-august/north-and-south-yemen-lead-up-to-the-break-up.html,
Accessed November 18, 2017
B. Methodology
This research paper uses Historical Development Approach that will provide
tracing point for the researcher in scrutinizing past events. In this study the researcher
will use Secondary data in gathering information, in the form of news articles, journals,
books and internet resources. The information gathered using Historical Development
Approach will supplement, promote awareness and give emphasis to the primary subject
of this study.
Historical Development is a method use to guide in studying a particular situation
wherein past scenarios and history are involve. Through Historical Development, it
contributes a lot of relevant information for every researcher and readers for them to easily
grasp the information even if they didnt witness the occurrence. After reviewing pieces
of information, the gathered data will be the tracing instrument or pattern on how to fully
understand historical information. This study will help enlighten and formulate a lot of
hypothesis for both reader and researcher. This study typically involves collection and
compilation of supporting documents and data.

III. Review of Related Literature

What does Saudi Arabia want for Yemen and Syria?
Yemen territorial conflict continue to threaten the massive number of Yemenis.
Most citizen was experiencing a tension in both lands. The escalation had produced a
certain number of immeasurable number of casualties and uneven volumes of devastated
areas. If the tension in both areas of Yemen will continue to provoke, it will keep every
Yemenis to post protest to its government. Killing of massive innocent people, and
causing a change of regime was the reason why UN blamed Saudi Arabia or Saudi-led
coalition which was a US-back up and mostly Sunni Arab states in defending the
legitimate government of Pres. Hadi.
An interview led by Mr. Hasan the producer of UpFront from AlJazerra News with
the Saudi Ambassador to UN Ambassador Abdallah Al Mouallimi who talked about the
main intention of Saudi Arabia from Yemen why they need to integrate with the Southern.
In the information led by the UN Humanitarian Report, almost 60% of civilian casualties
came from air strikes from Saudi-led coalition because Houthis doesnt have any ability
or weapons in doing air strikes8. According to Ambassador Mouallimi that the death was
primarily caused by the arbitrary shelling of the Houthis, the vast majority of death was
caused by arbitrary, when you fire arbitrary mortar fire against civilian quarter you kill
everybody in line9. 5The common blamed from the very beginning of the conflict in Yemen

8
Hasan, M., What does Saudi Arabia want for Yemen and Syria, UpFront. Aljhazeera,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwHfXb1sP_Y , Accessed November 19,2017
9
Mouallimi, A., What does Saudi Arabia want for Yemen?, UpFron. Aljhazeera English,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwHfXb1sP_Y, Accessed November 19, 2017
was due to the rebel act of Houthis against Saudi Arabia. Every Yemen lives and even
the other are valuable added by Mr.Mouallimi.
UN Humanitarian Report panel of experts of Human Rights also included that
Saudi Arabia was criticize by the use of cluster bombs which was banned under the
International Law for Bombing any premise of the state. It was refuted by Mr. Mouallimi
by saying that they dont gave an accurate estimate with the number of casualties, through
military force that is conducted in most areas of Yemen against military targets there may
always be collateral damages and some mistake because it cannot be prevented. In the
case of accumulated numbers from UN report there is no foundation for it. Mr. Hasan
urge that the information was from the office of high commissioner of human rights and
even the Amnesty International say they visited the government of Sanaa to check upon
the 13 strikes last May to July 2016 and almost hundreds of civilians was killed not to
including 55 children 2 women 18 children.
Any terrorist attack will always result to civilian casualty, which is inevitable, even
if mistakes have not happened or collateral damage but it is the plan of Saudi Arabians
in conducting the war to be as precise as possible in order to target military terrorist 10. He
also defended that the rights of Saudi Arabia in using cluster bombs, Saudi Arabia was
not a member of the treaty that banned the cluster bomb just like Unite States. The use
of cluster bomb in combating military targets is not included in terms of the International
premise which prevent Saudi Arabians from doing so.
In addressing the conflict to be ended, Saudi-led coalition hopes that the Houthis
needs to acknowledge and accept the resolution which has been endorsed by the
Security Council. The conflict will always depend to the Houthis on whether they want to
surrender. But the big question is what if the Houthis doesnt acknowledge the acceptance
of resolution the Saudi Arabia coalition with Yemens will continue to conduct military
action. By continuing the process of helping Yemen government whether they ask for any
military campaign they will continue to open their arms for any possible engagement of
effort.

Inside War-Torn Yemen: Sanaa Under Attack

Saudi Arabia was in conflict with the Houthis movement which is the rebel group
who take control of the countrys capital Sanaa. The UN report according to the bombing
campaign killed at least 1,800 people and due to the air strikes led by Saudi Arabia in the
district of Sanaa. Even Sanaa International Airport has been targeted of airstrikes by
Saudi-led coalition against Houthis in order to isolate the rebel groups. The airport
bombed targeting an Iranian plane trying to land and it was claimed to be carrying
humanitarian aid for the displaced Yemen people, thats why it is forced to turn back but
unluckily the terminal building and the aircraft were left badly damaged. The damage led
by the bombing attack has made it harder for them to reach the capital to distribute aids
and provide medical supplies for the wounded people. 6

10
Mouallimi, A., What does Saudi Arabia want for Yemen? UpFront Aljhazeera English,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwHfXb1sP_Y, Accessed November 19, 2017
 7Due to the arising conflict and scarcity of their needs the ongoing tension between
Houthis and Saudi coalition will not be further address for the mean time. The Saudi
coalition targeting Sanaa to escalate the Houthis but the residents are telling different
story from what they have experience. Saudi Arabia targeting every houses and buildings
not thinking the condition of every families inside the war zone, it is just a brutal
aggression for no reason said by Yemen resident in Sanaa. The rising number of killings
with innocent people every month is unavoidable specially in the capital place of Yemen
who until now under go certain challenges in war.
Yemen activist, protesters and Civil Aviation Authority gathered in Sanaa
International airport to voice out their deepest pain and cursed to Saudi Arabia
community. They also believed that gathering and protesting their rights will ultimately
prevent Saudi Arabia from carrying another airstrike to their land. The march was also
considered that most Yemen people prove their dignity and worth that they are standing
not to surrender but to fought back against Saudi coalition. The movement from Yemen
people is to let Saudi Arabia know that if the airstrikes will not have dismissed then these
Yemen groups will be forced to take action by their own hands.

Yemen Refugees crown UN camp

When Houthi rebel overthrew Yemeni government and then Saudi Arabia respond
with relentless bombing a total number of 35,000 Yemen people have made escape
Yemen civil war through the shore going through a tiny authoritarian state of Djibouti since
March 2015. Due to a traumatic situation that Yemenis experience through civil war it
paves a way in saving their own lives to get through it. UN estimates that 150,000 people
have been displaced since 2004. Most people were trapped in the war zone, Yemenis
was also spotted sleeping under bridges, trees and rocks without receiving any food 11.
Almost 80% which consist of merely women and children were displaced and arrived
traumatized and exhausted without nothing but the clothes they have.
A devastated situation happened to the poorest country in Arab Peninsula will
continue to produce a lot of suffering to Yemen people. Even the given aid was once
politicized by their leaders, there have been an insufficient supply of food given to each
family. Medical supplies to treat wounded people are increasingly hard to find in the most
are of Sanaa. In early September UN given $23.7 million aid for refugees of Yemen and
only $3.8 million has been received according to UNHCR report. This is to give enough
supply of food, shelter, water and sanitation to every displaced12.

11 12
, Murdock, H., Yemen refugees crown UN camp, Public Radio International, https://www.pri.org/stories/2009-
10-16/yemen-refugees-crowd-un-camp, Acceassed November 19, 2017
 However, the money is simply not coming in fast enough to meet the
requirements13. Even the given aid was difficult to be given because the Houthis blocks
the primary way to allow humanitarian aid shipment to be distributed in Yemen.
Every child at the camp was also at risk of diseases such as diarrhea, malaria and
even malnutrition14. The Mazrak camp which is located at a few miles of outside Obock
which is at the edge of hot and dusty winds. Most Yemenis preferable in going back to
the war zone rather than to endure starvation in the bleak desert camp. Some have
headed to other parts of Djibouti and head back home, ignoring the warning from UN
refugee agency. The Djibouti route via Obock is more dangerous because of the
smugglers, robbers who is abducting refugees for ransom once they reach Yemen. The
life of Yemen people, refugees or groups fighting against the war, both experiencing the
hardest part of their lives. Some is dying for food, some sacrifices their lives, all of them
are witnesses of a certain adversity and all is wishing for a better change after all. The
hope, Yemen people are crying for peace in their land, peace that every tomorrow the
siege of war will be outage.
Yemen a Failed State
Another foe that Yemen is in battle against al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula
(AQAP), a group which opposes both Houthis and President Hadi. The US government
believe that AQAP was one of the most rebel group emerge. In 2009 al-Qaeda during the
break out war in Yemen this particular group joined together to form Ansar al-sharia
otherwise known as al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula or AQAP. They also have carried
out terrorist attacks inside Yemen where theyre targeting commercial buildings with
bombs hidden in printer cartridges. Ansar al-sharia (AQAP) took advantage of a
weakening the state and declared an emirate within southern Yemen. The Yemeni army
face a deadlock during their war with the al-Qaeda. They dont have any limited resources
for having an advance weapon and their voluntary armed members has do not under go
into a strict training but even if this scarcity occur they are unhesitant in fighting against
their enemy for the sake of retrieving their own land. Until now they ensure security safety
to their lands, the armies were always alert from the attack led by al-Qaeda15.
Yemen has embarked a series of reforms in transition powers and national
dialogue for political system16. The Houthis, Southern separatist and the government of
Yemen may all be enemies with each other but their best enemy was the al-Qaeda who
have bigger presence in Yemen than in another place of the world. The US government
was also an ally of South Yemenis, Saudi led coalition by providing intelligence in
combating al-Qaeda group using drones and Special Forces. There have been conducted
at least 70 drone attacks but it is difficult to verify because it is mainly carried out by CIA
not by US military. 8

13
Holmes, J., Yemen refugees crowd UN camp, Public Radio International, https://www.pri.org/stories/2009-10-
16/yemen-refugees-crowd-un-camp, Accessed November 19, 2017
14
Murdock, H., Yemen refugees crown UN camp, Public Radio International, https://www.pri.org/stories/2009-10-
16/yemen-refugees-crowd-un-camp, Accessed November 19, 2017
15, 16
Yemen: A Failed State Vice News, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ggen-595Ng, Accessed November 19,
2017
 The primary reason why US back up South Yemen groups is targeting the al-
Qaeda the opposing group for Yemen. In spite that US provides military and
counterterrorism advice, Yemen government was also driven with sectarian tension and
violence with a threat of multiple civil wars why Yemen divides, the current tension led by
alliances and groups opposing to each other.
9In the past decade Houthis waged a bitter insurgency against the government
who they accuse of aggression and discrimination, they see United States of America
and Israel who primarily fund the Yemeni government fight against them as their ultimate
enemies17. In year 2013 the government leaders and countrys various movements
prepared reconciliation talks, a National Dialogue conference, this is an opportunity to
stop coalition and start again the unification for Yemen. A breaking news interrupt after
the talks which lasted for 10 months, two of the Houthis representatives were
assassinated, Ahmad Sharafeddin, a law professor who is about to go to hotel where the
talks will take place. Abdulkarim Jadban, who was also killed with the same scene as
Sharafeddin. The crime behind assassination was not immediately, but Houthi politician
accused Abdulkarim al-Khiwani who was a Sunni Muslim fighter who led the attack18.
Within this three various groups who are fighting with each other, clamoring in
insisting their intention for the land of Yemen, collapsing economy, scarcity and even
poverty resulted that this fragmented country was argued to be a failed state. From the
very beginning of their history up to the present Yemen was absolutely experiencing a
stored difficulty within their lives.

Yemen president approves plan to split the country into federation of six regions
Yemen leaders argued that their decision on approving their country to be turn into
a federal state was stated by Yemens President Hadi, this is to give both lands an equal
autonomy in ruling their own government and it is also for the betterment and cessation
of rival groups. But the new system approved by President Hadi was rejected by the
southerners and still insist of being separated. Under the decision made Yemen will be
splitting into six regions. The South Yemen will be divided into two regions, Aden and
Hadramout while North Yemen will be separated into four regions19.

17
Inside War-Torn Yemen: Sanaa Under attack, Vice News, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JoV9Z6NXH5I,
Accessed November 19,2017
18
Houthis delegate to Yemen unity talks killed, Aljhazeera.com,
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/01/houthi-delegate-yemen-unity-talks-killed-
201412212552804635.html, Accessed November 19, 2017
19
Bayoumy, Aboudi and Pomeroy, Yemen President approves plan to split the country into federation of six
regions, Public International Radio, https://www.pri.org/stories/2014-02-10/yemen-president-approves-plan-split-
country-federation-six-regions, Accessed November 19, 2017
 Yemen President had given enough time in finalizing the status in making Yemen
government be a Federal state and creating new constitution that will be the basis of
elections that take place last 2015. The essence of creating new constitution will not take
any progress if opposing groups will not accept the change created by their government.
But the challenge with the Yemen government is that the Southern Yemeni leader
rejected the accord20. Ahmed, the former South Yemen interior minister withdraw from
the talks by November and on December other three Yemen parties also rejected the
decision of turning their country into federal sate.

The reason why Southerners cannot agree on the Unification process of Yemen
through Federalism, they fear that several regions in South will deprive them on
controlling the important areas such as Hadramout where Yemens oil reserves are found.
But every Yemenis still hopes for re-establishment and controlling over Yemen territory.
Yemen government will not let Militant separatist to fully control and capitalize the security
forces of southerners, usage of resources and governing the authorities in Yemen
territory.

Philippine urges for Peaceful Resolution to Yemen Crisis

The ongoing conflict in Yemen produce several tensions with their neighboring
Arab States and with other nationalities who are living in Yemen. There are several
numbers of Filipino Overseas Workers who are trapped inside the warzone in Yemen.
The government of the Philippines take full responsibility of the safety of every Filipinos.
Philippines also joined a peaceful resolution in Yemen crisis.
According to Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Philippines supported United
Nations-brokered negotiations, keeping the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)21. The
Philippine embassy in Riyadh also monitoring the political and security condition of
Yemen, giving an assurance to every families of Filipino workers and migrants who are
stuck inside Yemen warzones. Complete safety is what the government of the Philippines
is what they give to our fellow countrymen.
According to United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights 22,
an estimate of 180 people died and 268 are injured last August 2016 after UN mediated
peace talks within Yemen opposition groups. Even the Yemen government has nothing
to do with controlling their people, because they are resisting over the government in
order to gain their will. In March 205, the Saudi-led coalition launched bombing campaign
this is to help in restoration of power in Yemen government. 10However, the military
bombing campaign has worsened the conflict across the country. Until now the siege

20
Bayoumy, Aboudi and Pomeroy, Yemen President approves plan to split the country into federation of six regions,
Public International Radio, https://www.pri.org/stories/2014-02-10/yemen-president-approves-plan-split-country-
federation-six-regions, Accessed November 19, 2017
21,22
Philippine urges for Peaceful Resolution to Yemen Crisis, Global Times.com,
http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1008081.shtml, Accessed November 20, 2017
never stops, but the embassy of the Philippines in Arab countries is making their best
effort in securing the safety and needs of every Filipinos in Yemen.11
Even though the Yemen government produce several conditions in making their
country be unified again and even several international organizations helped them in
mediating and addressing the conflict as early as possible, the two opposing groups will
still fight for what they believe and what they need. The allies of every group have making
it more difficult for Yemenis to be unified again.

PH allows OFWs to return to Yemen

A lot of Filipino workers has a pending contract in Yemen, some was ordered to
return to Yemen, as the government lowered the alert level 2 in the conflict at Yemen. The
government let Filipinos workers that they may return and end their contract but the deployment
of newly Hired OFWs remains queue in the country, as the DFA. Along with lowering alert level
is improving the security and political situation in Yemen. An estimated 2,90 Filipinos lived in
Yemen23. This is to certify that from year 2012 no one is entitled to enter the Yemen country with
any consent coming from the government.
Threats are unavoidable, even if the government lowered the alert level in crisis at Yemen,
the rebel groups and separatist will remain volatile in fighting against the other. In terms of
security, Yemen seems to be vulnerable due to the other militant groups who continue in posing
major threat despite of the repeated military campaigns24. Till now there are several Filipino
migrant workers who managed to stay in Yemen, in spite of the tragedy occur.

OFWs killed in Yemen backed in Country

Killings is inevitable to every country who undergo war, last 2013 there had been
7 number of Filipinos killed during the bombing incident in Yemen. The bodies of Dr. Ruben
Valenzuela, nurses Hazel Puebles, Edward Anthony de Guzman, and Rosita Santiago, Marivic
Badenas, Aurora Gormante and Mariane David. The deaths were known as health workers in
Yemen hospital. Another 52 Filipinos were also killed and 167 are injured during suicide bomb
explodes into Yemens defense ministry. The bombing attack was from AQAP it was confirmed
by the Yemen media arm. Each family of the victims killed in coalition at Yemen will be receiving
a compensation of one-year salary from the hospital they worked with. Dr. Valenzuela also given
an order of a medal of duty by Yemeni President Hadi for his excellent service.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has said that they post an alert level 1 under
the siege in Yemen. This is to warn every Filipinos who still resides in Yemen to take
necessary precautions. United Nations had filed several sanctions to the Yemen
government for not taking full responsibility in addressing the siege in both opposing

23,24
PH allows OFWs to return to Yemen, Agence France-Presse/Rappler.com,
https://www.rappler.com/nation/50346-ph-lifts-yemenofw-ban-crisis-alert, Accessed in November 20, 2017
bodies. The Philippine government still ensures the safety of Filipino in Yemen. Everyone
is wishing that siege needs to end so that it will not further affect any other countries.

The Marawi siege: IS enters Philippiines

Last May this year an issue about terrorist attack emerge in Marawi City,
Philippines. Maute groups are causing hostages and killing innocent people on their
movement. This Maute civilian group was known to be linked with an Islamic State. A lot
of casualties was counted during the siege, even President Duterte announces Martial
Law for 60 days throughout the place in Marawi City, this is to protect each families and
people resides in that particular area. The Maute an Islamic inspired rebel group was
clamoring for autonomy, wherein they wanted to establish an Islamic province in
Mindanao. Since majority of the people living in Mindanao are Muslims.

President Duterte hesitate to conduct ceasefire from the Maute groupThis rebel
movement since they reside in Marawi, they have calculated and studied their possible
routes inside the war zone, wherein they set up checkpoints on bridges and occupied
local minarets for snipers25. The battle lasted for more or less six months and up until this
month there have been some number of Maute group operates.

Why most terrorist groups were originated from Arab or Muslim countries? Even
the two Southeast Asian countries were also subjected by Islamic State terrorist attack.
Islamic State (IS) targeted Singapore with two attacks against the city-state and Malaysia
who also encounter their first Islamic State attack last June wherein eight people was
injured at nightclub near in Kuala Lumpur because of grenade26.

The other Southeast Asian countries were terrified to the said terrorist attack occur
this year. Some analyst says that if Philippines let US military to help us the siege in
Marawi will not take that long, but still America incorporates within the Philippines by
providing military advisers and intelligence analysts. President Dutertes priority is to
cease the siege and create a good negotiation deal with the rebel group.

The Marawi siege can be compared to the conflict occur at Yemen. There are also
rebel movements who are against to the ruling of the government. They form a movement
wherein they fought for what they believe is right and what most of them need.
Conformation to the government is not their primary duty, they have their own principles
that is contrast to the condition of government bodies. Those rebel movement will not take
its action for killing and fighting against the other without any unacceptable reasons, why
most of them rebel to the government is simply because they are contrasted with the
ruling body, they cannot accept the decision for what is better for the majority of the
people.
12

Philippines unrest: Who are the Abu Sayyaf group?

Another rebel coalition made is Abu Sayyaf which is one of the most violent jihadist
group in Philippines, Abu Sayyaf means bearer of the sword, they are known to its illegal
crimes such as kidnapping for ransom and attacking civilian and army27. Abu Sayyaf was
headed by Janjalani, an Islam preacher and inspired by Osama Bin Laden. Al-Qaeda was
also incorporated with Abu Sayyaf by funding military weapons and joint training. They
broke from Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) because they cannot agree to the
policy of pursuing autonomy and establishing an independent Islamic State. Abu Sayyaf
was emerged along with other Muslim rebel group, they also oppose the Philippine
government because most Filipino are mainly Roman Catholic. Their ideal government
of Islamic center seems difficult to reach.

The rebel movement continuing their massive kidnapping in order to fund

their needs. Until now the Philippine army and police are in the hunt for this group to be
defeated and to prevent their illegal movement. Some observers said that the Abu Sayyaf
movement lies in economic and political disparities between the south and other part of
the Philippines28. Even Abu Sayyaf created its partnership with another Islamic Sate
group like the opposing group in Yemen (AQAP). We have seen that these Islamic State
rebel movement doesnt fight for the expansion of their belief but also with a motive in
controlling most countries in the world. Some rebel movement also got their primary
needs through terrorizing countries, where in their incorporated groups will be giving them
support in order to address escalation.

13

25,26
The Marawi siege: IS enters Philippines, The Hindu, http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/the-marawi-
siege/article19156095.ece, Accessed November 20, 2017

27,28
Philippine unrest: Who are the Abu Sayyaf group? ,BBC News, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-
36138554, Accessed November 20, 2017
IV. Presentation, Analysis and Interpretation of Data (PAID)
The nightmare for every Yemen lives still occur due to the unstoppable conflicting
war between the two. The Yemen government seems like, they cannot prevent the war
against the rebel movement. Yemen division during old years happened when both North
and South state of Yemen falls from the power of Ottoman Empire and British Colony,
wherein Yemenis are greatly influenced by their colonizers in terms of social, political and
economic aspects. After the downfall of colonizers, when the religious Islamic movement
emerge, it became one of the reason that affects the condition of Yemen until now. The
government came into a unification process but it doesnt last long. However, their
neighboring country, Saudi Arabia and Iran start to play a pivotal role by dividing the views
and perspective of every Yemenis. Until they formed different opposing groups in order
to meet the expectations of their ideal government.
By year 2014, it burst an insurgency through Yemen, the poorest nation in Arab
Peninsula. The country faces revolution for both opposing group. The Houthis movement
a Shiite rebel group which takes the Northern part of Yemen and take control of Sanaa,
capital of Yemen who demands to lower the fuel and create a new government and
planning to expand through dominating the Southern state. Saudi-led coalition integrates
with President Hadi, who was attempted to be assassinated by the Houthi group and
forced him to resigned. The Southern part of Yemen also seeks for vengeance caused
by Houthis and alteration of government. None of their movement prevail in claiming
Yemen as a whole.
Meanwhile, although the escalation doesnt stop, the process of Yemen
government and other countries who helped Yemen in formulating new constitution and
strategical negotiation for the betterment of both parties is still ongoing. Though the
unification is not possible but at least a resolution and settlement for both parties may at
least occur, this is to prevent the conflict and rising tension between Yemen people.
Yemen was known to be one of the armed places in the world and because of the
occupation of Houthis who has greatly follow ousted President Saleh, they raided the
government which stuck all the reserve weapons of Yemen. Through the movement of
Houthis started the conflict inside Yemen regions. The assumption of powers of Houthis-
Iranian ally is the mark of devastation to every part of Yemen.
The Houthis and Saudi-led coalition has been battling in Yemen for two years, it
all started when both groups form their own ruling body. Yemen war will not emerge
without the conflict of the two Arabian State, Saudi Arabia and Iran who tries to persuade
Yemen people by religious influential means. Both countries support Yemen by providing
advanced weapons. Aden located at Southern Yemen became the shipment block for
Iran who support Houthis but it has been intercepted by Saudi and blocks the place since
April 201529.14This is to prevent Iran from letting any weapons shipped for supporting
Houthis, but this result of ranging military conflict between two countries. UN also warns
to shut down the ports use by Houthis and Iran, that it will increasingly cause humanitarian
crisis.

29
War in Yemen, Council on Foreign Relation, https://www.cfr.org/interactives/global-conflict-
tracker#!/conflict/war-in-yemen, Accessed November 21, 2017
 In the data of UN, Yemen war conflict led to displacement of citizens, poverty and
even a sudden rise of killings of both civilians and innocent peoples. Since March 2015,
3 million Yemenis was forced to leave their homes for their safety30. It was two years since
the conflict between North and South abrupt and it seems like it leads into more worse
situation. Due to the conflict which results an alarming number of deaths the conflict
between the two still exists. Throughout the escalation process in Yemen, UN imposed
that they have violated human rights and international humanitarian law which is the total
civilian causality is expecting to rise31. The war between Houthis and Saudi-led coalition
was turn out for becoming a humanitarian catastrophe32 with over millions of Yemenis are
experiencing famine, and receiving insufficient primary needs. The situation of Yemen
people since 2015 doesnt change up to the present. Last September 2017, a chief
adviser to Iranian parliament Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, said that Saudi Arabia was
asking for Iran particularly with the Houthis, petitioning for support 33. According to
Abdollahian that Saudi Arabia made into a conclusion that waging war against the one
another will not be resolving any conflict. Through intervention some Houthi armed group
were conducting a military raid inside Saudi Arabia and execute rockets throughout Saudi
Arabian borders34.
United States also plays a vital role in Houthis and Saudi-led coalition civil war.
From the very beginning of Yemen conflict, US volunteered to assist Southern Yemen or
the blocks of President Hadi in eradicating Houthis. Since United States was known to be
economically prosperous they provide an advance intelligence and logistical support by
collaborating with President Hadi. During Barack Obama administration he gave a green
light to sell a four multi-mission warship to Saudi coalition which costs for about $11.25
billion35. After a month of purchasing the warship, Saudi-led coalition bombed a wedding
party in South Yemen wherein 135 estimated people were killed, this also made them
condemn by other countries. While President Obama during that time seems so
sympathetic to every victim of bombing. Before Obama leave his administration due to
the bombing incident he refuses to give any military support for Saudi-led coalition of
Yemenis.15Come now the newly elected President Trump wants to return of funding Saudi
against the Houthis, so Trump opened their military market for Saudi Arabia. The primary
objective of President Trump is to target Houthis who failed in missile attack last October
on Navy destroyer. Because Trump knows that Houthis is benefitting a lot from Iran, he
will then continue his alliance with the Saudi-led coalition. The US government was also
planning to support Hodeidah, which is under the control of Houthis movement, Hodeidah

30
Yemens brutal conflict pushing one million displaced to turn to danger, The UN Refugee Agency,
http://www.unhcr.org/ph/11161-yemens-brutal-conflict-pushing-one-million-displaced-return-danger.html,
Accessed November 21, 2017
31
War in Yemen, Council on Foreign Relation, https://www.cfr.org/interactives/global-conflict-
tracker#!/conflict/war-in-yemen, Accessed November 21, 2017
32,35
Carden, J., Americas Support for Saudi Arabias War on Yemen must end, The Nation.,
https://www.thenation.com/article/massachusetts-governor-charlie-baker-is-a-climate-criminal-and-im-willing-to-
go-to-jail-to-say-so/, Accessed November 22, 2017
33,34
Iran: Saudi Arabia asked for help with Houthis, Middle East Monitor,
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170914-iran-saudi-arabia-asked-us-for-help-with-houthis/, Accessed
November 22, 2017
was one of the Port wherein humanitarian aid and rebel weapons pass. It is also a
strategic waterway where 4 million barrels of oil was shipped daily36. Saudi Arabia
incorporated with President Hadi in order to eradicate tension between Houthis and South
Yemenis. For what see is that there could be some motive why Saudi Arabia create
alliance within Yemen people. According to Jamal Benomar, a UN mediator in Yemen
Saudis have three specific motives why they help Yemen. First is to help President Hadi
to return to his country and not to withdraw his position. Second, is to defeat Houthis
movement which is their primary opponent. Lastly, to restrict Iranian movement through
Houthis and Yemen country. Though just like what other International Community who
helped each other, the same thing for Arab Community, however even if they created this
community they prohibit themselves to be an ally of one another.
One of the country in the Arab Community that is included in the present conflict
war in Yemen is the United Arab Emirates. UAE was known to be seventh largest in terms
of oil reserved in the world. UAE also serves as an ally to Southern Yemen, both UAE
and Saudi Arabia intervene in helping coalition of President Hadi and whose aim is to
separate Yemen country. They also financing and training the south troupes of Yemen 37.
UAE seeks to secure the belt by deploying troupes within Hadhramout and Shabwa in
North Yemen, this is where large portion of oil reserves of Yemen found. Yemen invested
a lot of time and money in order to support Southern Yemenis, but earlier this year the
wind seems to blow from the other side, where UAE decide to sticks in the middle between
North and South Yemen. UAE will be supporting foremer President Salehs Houthis,
through Operation Decisive Storm. Wherein during 2008 Saleh gave Dubai Ports contract
to manage ports in Aden38.
16Even before tension emerge with Houthis and South Yemenis, the Yemen
government created a decision that if Houthis withdraw from controlling the Northern part
of Yemen they will be receiving at least 20% share in the government 39. This is the
agreement between the Houthis and government and the Sanaa will be making a
National Unity Security Force by UN. Even though Houthi rebel group know that they are
not that strong enough to fought against the government but still they insist not to concede
with the agreement. Saudi-led coalition against Houthis against UNCHR against Heraki
Forces of UAE against the world. Different coalition and groups created during the conflict
in Yemen will continue to burst their defiance towards the government, international
organization and people.

36
Steawart, P., US weighs bigger role in Yemens war, boosting aid to allies, Reuters,
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-japan-usa-crash/u-s-navy-plane-crashes-in-philippine-sea-three-missing-
idUSKBN1DM0Q5, Accessed November 22, 2017
37,38
Ahelbarra, H., Yemen crisis explained, Aljhazeera,
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2015/01/yemen-crisis-201512010294461878.html, Accessed
November 22, 2017
39
Lauria, J., What are the real Saudi motives in Yemen?, Middle East Eye,
http://www.middleeasteye.net/columns/what-are-real-saudi-motives-yemen-91196751, Accessed November 22,
2017
V. Summary, Conclusion and Recommendation
Yemen civil war is similar to what happened with Abraham and Lot during the time
they were about to move from the promised land that God give them. Abraham was the
succeeding leader after Moses died, he was about to guide Israelites in reaching the
promised land. Throughout their expedition Israelites travelled from different places, until
they reached Bethel, Abraham was with his wife and niece named Lot. During the time in
Bethel Abraham decided to looked for another place which will sustain their needs and
possessed other lands for his descendants and Israelites. So, Abram said to Lot, Lets
not have any quarreling between you and me, or between your herders and mine, for we
are close relatives. Is not the whole land before you? Lets part company. If you go to the
left, Ill go to the right; if you go to the right, Ill go to the left. 40. Abraham choose Canaan
while Lot choose the plain of Jordan and set each other from their destinations.
Both Abraham and Lot made their decision in leading their chosen lands. Both of
them provide the needs of their people, build their own community and pursue the
commandment of the Lord. But the Lord arose anger with Lots possession for his people
practiced a lot of immorality and wickedness as a result of resisting with the Lords
command He promised that whoever resides in the land of Sodom and Gomorrah will die.
Because of the love of the Lord, He let Abraham known His plan so he could save his
niece Lot. The stubbornness of every people in Sodom and Gomorrah leads in vanishing
their land.
Same thing as what is happening in Yemen, they resist from each other and
choose to execute of what they want, fulfill their own desires that they think will help their
community. North and South Yemen proves themselves that they more likely humiliating
their own race, even though they have different beliefs and ideal community, still they
prefer to lead on their own. Theyre battling through each other, killing their own
countryman and pulverizing their own land. This are the things which saddens every
Yemen people and even every one of us who always clamor for peace and unity for this
country. Biblically speaking the Lord is against the nation who resist from each other.
Even if they dont share same ambition and beliefs, they share the same blood. Every
brother undergoes a lot of difficulties in understanding the wants of each other, they often
fight but in the end love still prevails. No matter what happen brothers are still brothers,
they may be experiencing the deepest situation of their lives but still hopes in settling this
country for a more better nation.

I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all
of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among
you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. 1Cor. 1:10 41
17

40
Genesis 13:8-9, New International Version, Accessed November 23, 2017
41
1 Corinthians 1:10, New International Version, Accessed November 23, 2017
VI. References
1 Corinthians 1:10 (New International Version)

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http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2015/01/yemen-crisis-
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Al-Muslimi, F.(2017). Irans Role in Yemen Exaggerated, but Destructive. The Century
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Bayoumy, Y., Aboudi S., & Pomeroy, R. (2014). Yemen President approves plan to split
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Boylston, A. (2015). North and South Yemen: The Marriage That Wasnt Meant To Be?.
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BBC News (2016). Philippine unrest: Who are the Abu Sayyaf group?, Retrieved from
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Carden, J., (2017). Americas Support for Saudi Arabias War on Yemen must end. The
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Council on Foreign Relation (2017). War in Yemen. Retrieved from

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Genesis 13:8-9 (New International Version)

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Hasan, M. (2016). What does Saudi Arabia want for Yemen and Syria, UpFront.
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Murdock, H. (2016). Yemen refugees crown UN camp. Public Radio International.

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Steawart, P. (2015). US weighs bigger role in Yemens war, boosting aid to allies.
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