This is with reference to the report “I will only cede power to ‘elected’ president: Hadi” (Dec. 7). Yemeni President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi’s stance is justified. The Iran-backed Houthis cannot be trusted. The Houthi militia is working on Iranian agenda, which is why it always torpedoes all attempts aimed at restoring peace in the impoverished Arab country. Houthis don’t seem to realize the consequences of their actions. Iran is only using this group to gain a foothold in Yemen and to expand its influence in the Arab world by dividing the region along sectarian lines.
The Arabs should reject divisive policies of Iran and try to forge unity among their ranks for the greater good of the region and its inhabitants. The Houthis cannot achieve anything by destroying their own country. The only way to restore peace in the Arab world is to prevent Iranian interference. That is only possible by threatening strict sanctions on Iran. Unfortunately, the international community just pays lip service when it comes to the problems plaguing the Arab world. The world needs to move beyond issuing statements of condemnation. Such statements will not deter Iran and its proxies from wreaking havoc in the region.
Now all eyes are on US President-elect Donald Trump whose policy toward Iran appears to be different from his predecessor. US President Barack Obama has disappointed the Arab world. He miserably failed to deliver on his promises. The upcoming American administration should deal with Iran in a realistic manner to ensure stability in the region.
— Yasir Nawaz, Dammam
All eyes on Trump
