It has been two weeks since the Saudi-led coalition launched air strikes against the Houthi fighters in Yemen.
Sending bombers to Yemen was by no means an impulse decision by Saudi leaders, but reflects their strategic consideration in various aspects, said Wu Yihong, a Chinese expert on Middle East.
Firstly, Saudi Arabia has already felt the pressure from the spillover of terrorist activities in Yemen, and the insurgency of Houthi fighters in Yemen aggravated its security concerns.
Secondly, the offensive is also good to divert domestic attention away from the increasingly fierce power struggle among the royals, and provides the new leader a chance to establish his authority.
Thirdly, the military action in Yemen could also raise oil prices, and that could consolidate Saudi Arabia’s market share. Oil revenue accounts for about 35-40 percent of the country’s GDP, and keeping the country’s market share is crucial to its future.
Fourthly, the move might also be aimed at disturbing the talks on the Iranian nuclear issue and preventing a detente between Tehran and the West.
Since the Obama administration started talks with Tehran, Washington’s Gulf allies fear that the United States may stop its security pledge for the region. In that case, Saudi Arabia would be under “grave danger” as it is encircled by Shiite-led Iran, Iraq, Syria and Lebanon.
Besides, the proposal by Saudi Arabia, Egypt and several other countries to establish a joint military force also vindicates the intention of the Arab League to shoulder bigger responsibility for its own security.
(Source: Xinhua)
