Yemeni Prime Minister: Houthi Economic War Hits Harder Than Military Conflict

Yemeni Prime Minister Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak called the new political alliance “a fresh voice and a renewed vision,” supporting national efforts to unite and free Yemen from Houthi control (Saba News Agency)
Yemeni Prime Minister Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak called the new political alliance “a fresh voice and a renewed vision,” supporting national efforts to unite and free Yemen from Houthi control (Saba News Agency)
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Yemeni Prime Minister: Houthi Economic War Hits Harder Than Military Conflict

Yemeni Prime Minister Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak called the new political alliance “a fresh voice and a renewed vision,” supporting national efforts to unite and free Yemen from Houthi control (Saba News Agency)
Yemeni Prime Minister Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak called the new political alliance “a fresh voice and a renewed vision,” supporting national efforts to unite and free Yemen from Houthi control (Saba News Agency)

Prime Minister Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak said his government is eager to engage with a new political alliance of Yemeni forces launched in Aden.

He noted that the Houthis’ economic war is now hitting the Yemeni people’s daily lives harder than the military conflict.

On Tuesday, Yemeni parties and factions formed a coalition in Aden aimed at restoring the state, ending the Houthi takeover, and preserving the republic under a federal system.

Mubarak called the new political alliance “a fresh voice and a renewed vision,” supporting national efforts to unite and free Yemen from Houthi control.

He said his government is “fully open” to working with the coalition to restore the state, defeat the Houthi takeover, and achieve peace.

Mubarak stressed the need for unity under a national vision focused on stability, sovereignty, and building a strong, unified Yemen.

“We know the challenges ahead, but with our belief in our cause and the will of our people, we can make a difference,” he said.

The premier said the Houthi economic war has caused more damage than the military conflict, harming citizens’ lives, draining resources, and leading to higher poverty and unemployment rates, as well as a collapse in basic services.

He stressed the need for unity and support for state institutions to tackle the economic crisis, protect the national economy, and ease the burdens on citizens.

Mubarak said the Houthi militia’s ongoing economic war and attacks on oil facilities have severely hurt Yemen's economy. This has led to a sharp decline in the value of the rial, rising prices for basic goods, and worsened the humanitarian crisis affecting millions.

Mubarak stressed that the right to export oil and strengthen the national treasury is vital for the people, and the government is determined to stop the Houthis from blocking this crucial resource.

He also reaffirmed his government’s commitment to fighting corruption, improving transparency, and strengthening accountability in state institutions.

Steps will be taken to improve oversight and accountability, reiterated the prime minister.



Trump Victory Fuels Fears of Netanyahu’s Increased Freedom in Lebanon

Smoke rises from Beirut’s southern suburbs following Israeli attacks. (AFP)
Smoke rises from Beirut’s southern suburbs following Israeli attacks. (AFP)
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Trump Victory Fuels Fears of Netanyahu’s Increased Freedom in Lebanon

Smoke rises from Beirut’s southern suburbs following Israeli attacks. (AFP)
Smoke rises from Beirut’s southern suburbs following Israeli attacks. (AFP)

Lebanese are watching closely after Donald Trump’s election as US president, hoping his policies might bring solutions to regional crises and possibly halt wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.

Observers caution, however, that change won’t be immediate or at Israel’s expense; instead, they expect Israel could have more military leeway before peace efforts begin.

Trump didn’t outline his plans to end conflicts during his victory speech, only briefly mentioning the issue.

Fares Soeid, a former Lebanese MP, called Trump’s win a potential global turning point, particularly in conflict zones like Ukraine and the Middle East. Soeid believes Trump’s support for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel’s far-right may intensify.

Soeid told Asharq Al-Awsat that Trump’s election could hasten military actions on the Lebanese-Israeli border, allowing Netanyahu more freedom to secure military objectives and strengthen Israel’s negotiating position.

He suggested key UN resolutions intended to control arms in Lebanon may lose focus, with the goal shifting to place all weapons under state control.

There is concern in Lebanon over any change to Resolution 1701, which maintains the ceasefire with Israel.

Soeid clarified that Trump might not scrap these resolutions outright but could push for tighter arms restrictions, ensuring only Lebanon’s government holds power over weapons.

He believes the US may aim to create a cohesive Lebanese leadership to enforce these measures, essentially enabling Netanyahu more flexibility in regional matters.

The US election drew intense interest in Lebanon, with citizens and officials closely tracking the campaigns and vote results, hoping for a positive shift.

Lebanese politician Khaldoun Sharif noted that Trump reached out to Lebanese Americans during his campaign, promising to bring peace to Lebanon quickly.

He sees Trump’s advisor, Lebanese-born Massad Boulos, as potentially instrumental in highlighting Lebanon’s needs to the new administration.

Sharif criticized the outgoing Democratic administration’s handling of conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, saying it failed to curb Netanyahu’s plans despite multiple ceasefire proposals.

As Trump prepares to take office on January 20, Sharif emphasized that Lebanon is eager for a complete ceasefire, adherence to Resolution 1701, a consensus-backed president, and a transparent, reform-oriented government to rebuild trust with Arab nations and the international community.

Sharif voiced disappointment that past US administrations have often overlooked Lebanon’s significance.

Now, amid a severe conflict, he hopes Trump will act swiftly to end the violence, support reconstruction, and restore Lebanon’s standing on the regional stage.