OPPORTUNITY FOR PEACE IN YEMEN
Following U.N. brokered peace talks, a leader from the rebel Houthi movement that in recent weeks has seized control of large parts of the Yemeni capital said a statement by President Hadi outlining the terms of a power-sharing agreement was acceptable. The Houthi-backed power-sharing deal gives the group a role in all military and civil state bodies. Hadi said Houthis “had a right to serve in posts in all state institutions," and a draft constitution that has been a source of disagreement is now open to amendment. The Houthis, who say the accord has not been implemented fast enough, demand changes to the divisions of regional power. Witnesses said Houthi fighters “remained in position outside the presidential palace and Hadi's private residence.” (U.S. News and World Report February 8, 2015; Al Arabiya February 9, 2015;Bloomberg Business February 8, 2015)
EGYPT AUDIO RECORDINGS PUT SISI IN HOT WATER
Egyptian President Sisi called the leaders of Gulf Arab states to reassure them of strong Egyptian-Gulf ties after a leaked audio recording that purports to show he and senior aides being derisive of their rich Gulf donors. Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates have given Egypt over $12 billion in aid, deposits for the central bank, and petroleum products since the army toppled President Mohammed Morsi in 2013. "They have money like rice," said the man identified as Sisi—a comment that seems embarrassing given Sisi’s dependence on the Gulf’s wealth to sustain his regime. The phone calls Sisi made to the Saudi and Bahraini kings, the Abu Dhabi crown prince, and the Kuwaiti emir, convey how crucial Gulf wealth is to the reconstruction of the devastated Egyptian economy. (The Guardian February 9, 2015; ReutersFebruary 9, 2015)
UAE TO RESUME AIRSTRIKES AGAINST ISIS
F-16 fighter aircraft from the United Arab Emirates stationed in Jordan have resumed participation in airstrikes against ISIS. The UAE had suspended involvement in airstrikes after a Jordanian pilot was captured by ISIS and UAE officials expressed concern about the lack of resources to rescue downed pilots. Subsequently, UAE officials have asked the U.S. to supply V-22 Osprey aircraft to support rescue and recovery efforts for downed pilots. The UAE's news agency released a statement saying the renewed effort to attack ISIS was designed “to stop the brutal terrorist organization that showed all of the world its ugliness." The UAE also said its actions were inspired by a “deep belief in the need for Arab collective cooperation to eliminate terrorism…through the collective encountering of these terrorist gangs and their misleading ideology and brutal practices.” (CNN February 10, 2015; Military.com News February 9, 2015;The Guardian February 7, 2015)
SYRIA REJECTS FOREIGN GROUND TROOPS
Amid growing calls in Jordan to do more to combat ISIS in Syria, Damascus is reiterating that it will not allow foreign ground troops on its territory. “We will not permit anyone to violate our national sovereignty by intervening to fight,” declared Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallem. Thus far, there has been no coordination between Syria and its neighbor Jordan in the fight against the Islamic State. Damascus regularly accuses Jordan of supporting “terrorism” in Syria due to its initial backing of the uprising against the Assad regime. (Al Arabiya February 9, 2015)
LIBYAN GOVERNMENT OFFENSIVE IN BENGHAZI
Troops loyal to Libya's internationally-backed government have launched a new offensive to seize the extremist-held city of Benghazi. For months the city has been held by the Shura Council of Benghazi Revolutionaries, an umbrella group for the city's hard-line militias. Residents said that during the offensive the military took control of “large portions of a Benghazi neighborhood regarded as a major stronghold for the extremist militias.” Widespread militia violence has plunged Libya into chaos after a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi. Libya has failed to cobble together a national army and effective state institutions since, and is now effectively controlled by former rebel brigades. The country is now ruled by two rival governments and parliaments — each backed by different militias. (ABC NewsFebruary 8, 2015; Reuters February 9, 2015)