The Saudi Arabia-Driven War in Yemen: Why They Aren't Winning

For many years, Saudi Arabia and its coalition partner, the United Arab Emirates, have been waging a war in Yemen. Despite their substantial resources and advanced weaponry, the Saudi-led coalition finds itself unable to secure a decisive victory. Why are the Saudis not winning the war in Yemen? This article will explore the reasons behind this ongoing conflict and the inefficiencies that plague the Saudi-led forces.

The Religious and Cultural Factors

There is a lingering belief among some that 'Allah is with the Yemenis,' contributing to the high resistance and hidden power that Yemeni fighters possess. This sentiment is fueled by the cultural and religious ties between Yemen and other predominantly Muslim countries, making the Saudi-led coalition's efforts more challenging.

Analysis from the American Report

According to an analysis published in the Isna Haaretz newspaper, a publication focused on the occupied territories, the American report highlights the failure of the Saudi-led coalition in its military endeavors in Yemen. The report emphasizes the clear military limitations of the Saudis, despite their large budgets and extensive arms purchases.

Key points mentioned in the report include:

Lack of military experience and reliance on American support Lack of human capital and effective leadership The war on Yemen has become one of the fiercest battles in a hugely devastating conflict, with no significant progress made since the start of the campaign to capture Hodeidah.

The Emirati Role and Backlash

Gazanski, a researcher from Tel Aviv University, believes that the bulk of the war's burden lies on the UAE, not Saudi Arabia. He notes that while the Saudis were primarily responsible for airstrikes, the UAE supplied the ground forces, which included mercenaries from Sudan.

An Emirati princely report criticizing the war and exposing the UAE's war casualties has caused domestic backlash. The UAE has responded by increasing military service from 12 to 16 months.

Insufficient Military Experience and Structure

The Saudi military faces significant challenges due to its highly centralized and closed command and operational structure, common in non-democratic countries. Orders and loyalties are issued from the top, and there is no transparency in reporting casualties or operations.

In February, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Defense Minister, took control by firing all high-ranking military commanders. This move has only exacerbated the internal inefficiencies within the Saudi military.

The kingdom heavily relies on America for military training and support, inherited from the Oil for Security Agreement signed with President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1945. This dependency negates the need for internal military innovation and development.

The Case of Israel

Even a country with significant military power and economic innovation, like Israel, may face the same challenges in dealing with experienced guerrilla fighters in Yemen. This highlights the complexity of the conflict and the limitations of advanced military technology and wealth in counterinsurgency warfare.

Conclusion

The inability of the Saudi-led coalition to secure a clear victory in Yemen is a multifaceted issue. It includes cultural and religious factors, military inefficiencies, and internal structural problems. The ongoing war demonstrates the challenges of waging a war without proper preparation and a clear understanding of the opposing forces' capabilities.