The Houthi group has announced that Assad closed their embassy in Syria in return for the reopening of the Saudi embassy. This closure comes amidst Assad’s crumbling authority and the resurgence of Syrian rebel forces. The event signals a significant shift in alliances, as former supporters of Assad reassess their relationships in light of his declining power.
The Houthi rebel group of Yemen has claimed that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has closed their embassy in Damascus as a trade-off for the reopening of the Saudi Arabian embassy in the same city. In a communication posted on X, Houthi spokesperson Nasruddin Amer confirmed the closure and stated that the embassy staff, including the ambassador, had returned to Yemen’s capital of Sanaa by October 2023. This development occurred shortly after the collapse of Assad’s government, which represents a significant shift in regional alliances and dynamics.
Historically, the Houthis, associated with the Axis of Resistance that includes Iran and its allies, have shown mutual support with the Assad regime. However, the recent closure of their embassy highlights a rupture in this relationship, as Assad attempts to normalize diplomatic relations with several Arab states. Even though Assad’s Baath Party has maintained a secular political stance, it has now faced distancing from previous allies including the Houthis, coinciding with the resurgence of the Syrian opposition in various parts of the country.
The geopolitical landscape continues to shift, emphasizing the changing fortunes of key players in the Middle East. Recent reports also illustrate Iraqi Shia groups associating Assad with the Baathist legacy of Saddam Hussein, suggesting a broader discontent among former allies in light of Assad’s precarious situation. Despite attempts by Iraqi factions to mediate and stabilize the situation, Assad’s refusal to make concessions has led to further isolation and a reevaluation of alliances against a backdrop of intensifying conflict.
The Houthis, formally known as Ansarallah, have long been part of the region’s complex geopolitical narratives, often linked with Iranian interests against Israel. Their relationship with Assad was once seen as part of a broader alliance within the Axis of Resistance. However, as Assad faces increased pressure and shifts in international relations post-civil war, the dynamics have altered dramatically. Several Arab nations, previously opposed to Assad, have opted to reestablish relations, indicating a desire to realign in a region defined by volatility and shifting allegiances.
The closure of the Houthi embassy by Assad signifies a notable shift in regional relations and the fragility of alliances within the Axis of Resistance. As Assad engages in diplomatic normalization with former adversaries, the Houthis’ distancing from the Syrian leader reveals the underlying tensions amidst changing power structures in the Middle East. This evolving narrative reflects broader geopolitical strategies as various factions navigate the aftermath of conflict.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
