Saudi-Yemen relations: Historical tensions and regional influence

An opinion piece argues that the fundamental tension between Saudi Arabia and Yemen is a long-standing historical issue rather than a modern conflict with specific groups. The author contends that Saudi Arabia seeks to maintain a weak, divided, and dependent Yemen to suit its own interests.

The text cites several historical points to support this claim, including the annexation of Yemeni territories such as Najran, Asir, and Jizan in the 1930s and 1960s. It also references Saudi involvement in the Yemeni civil war during the 1960s, the assassination of President Ibrahim al-Hamdi in the late 1970s, and efforts to undermine Yemeni unity in the mid-1990s.