Dar al-Walaa Publishers in Beirut has recently released a book entitled “Yemeni-Saudi Relations between Sovereignty and Guardianship (1974-2015AD)”, written by Majid bin Ahmed al-Washli
In this study, the researcher dissects the diplomatic and political ties between the neighbouring countries of Yemen and Saudi Arabia, focusing on the principle of sovereignty and guardianship. This is noticed through the precise tracking of the historical and strategic study based on a scientific methodology and an academic reading.
Historically speaking, the diplomatic, political, and security relations between Yemen and Saudi Arabia have taken different paths and multiple horizons, and have been influenced by the nature of the political system in Sana’a and Aden.
These overhanging relations have been accompanied by various positive and negative fluctuations due to internal tensions, whether social or economic.
The strategic location on the Bab al-Mandab strait, one of the most important maritime routes for transporting oil from the Gulf to Europe and America, has given Yemen a source of influence in the global sphere. Besides, it has enhanced Yemen’s international importance, making it of interest to Saudi Arabia which views Yemen particularly as an integral part of its national security, and as a result seeks to control it.
Further, according to the Red Sea countries’ politics, the geopolitical depth of Yemen’s position grabs the attention of the international and regional power. This is what sometimes makes Yemen get in constant conflict with these powers, as well as with other powers such as Portugal, Greta Britain and the Soviet Union.
From one period to another, the trajectories of Yemeni history have witnessed a series of change movements and uprisings due to external influences, especially the influences of neighbouring countries.
This has continuously caused tensions and lack of comprehensive stability, mainly during the period 1974-2014, leaving negative impacts on the political and diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia, which has led to dangerous and fateful repercussions.
Since its establishment, Saudi Arabia’s policies have kept Yemen in a state of weakness, division, and international embargo, and have been aimed at ensuring that Yemen does not advance to the ranks of oil-producing countries.
This policy has determined the horizon of Yemeni-Saudi relations, being a policy of guardianship of one country over another in the political, economic and security fields.
Consequently, it has led to popular outrage in Yemen, pressuring the Kingdom to reconsider its policies and to build a modern vision which is compatible with Yemeni sovereignty and preserves the rights of the people.
On the other hand, some successive Yemeni politicians, over the course of the past nearly 6 decades of rule, were characterised by weakness, naivety, ignorance, selfishness and short-sightedness. This state has produced tragedies and sad situations precisely narrated and documented by the researcher Majid al-Washali in this book, in a bid to ensure they do not reoccur.
