The Houthis reported that Syrian President Assad closed their embassy in return for opening the Saudi embassy in Damascus. Following Assad’s governmental collapse, the Houthi ambassador returned to Yemen, prompting criticism of Assad from former allies, highlighting a decline in his power and shifting regional alliances.
The Houthi rebel group from Yemen has disclosed that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad terminated their embassy operations in Damascus as a trade-off for the establishment of the Saudi embassy. This revelation followed the collapse of Assad’s government, as articulated by Nasruddin Amer, a spokesperson for Ansarallah. He confirmed that the Houthi ambassador and embassy personnel evacuated to Sanaa around October 2023. Historically linked to the Axis of Resistance opposing Israel, the Houthis now openly criticize Assad’s recent actions, indicating a shift in their diplomatic stance following his administration’s instability. Amid a changing regional landscape, other former allies, including Iraqi armed groups, have voiced concerns over Assad’s position, signaling a fracture in longstanding affiliations.
The dynamics between the Houthi rebel group and the Syrian government reflect the broader geopolitical shifts in the Middle East. Once closely aligned as part of the Axis of Resistance against Israel, the Houthis’ recent relationship with Assad has deteriorated amidst the Syrian president’s waning power and regional realignments. Countries that once sided with Assad, notably pivotal Arab states like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, have resumed diplomatic ties, influencing the Houthis’ own interactions with the Assad regime. This context is vital for understanding the evolving political landscape and the implications for regional alliances.
In summary, the closure of the Houthi embassy by Bashar al-Assad, resulting in the withdrawal of Houthi diplomats to Sanaa, signifies a notable shift in alliances within the Middle East. As Assad’s support wanes, reactions from former allies, including the public condemnations from the Houthis and Iraqi factions, illustrate a fracturing of previously strong ties. The evolving geopolitical landscape continues to challenge established partnerships, prompting a reevaluation of alliances within the region.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
