Yemen’s Al-Islah Party to Reintroduce New Administrative Framework

Yemen’s Al-Islah party head Mohammed al-Yadumi. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Yemen’s Al-Islah party head Mohammed al-Yadumi. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Yemen’s Al-Islah Party to Reintroduce New Administrative Framework

Yemen’s Al-Islah party head Mohammed al-Yadumi. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Yemen’s Al-Islah party head Mohammed al-Yadumi. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Yemen’s Al-Islah leader Mohammed al-Yadumi said that his political party is in the process of preparing for the Fifth General Conference to comprehensively assess overlapping positions and issues, including the process of renewing frameworks under which the party is run.

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Yadumi highlighted efforts spent by neighboring Gulf states, namely Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

“The party highly appreciates the Arab Coalition’s support provided by the Saudi Kingdom and the UAE to the internationally-recognized government and the Yemeni people,” he said.

He described the recent meeting between the party's leadership with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, and UAE Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed as defining and positive.

Addressing repeated accusation of the party's affiliation with the Muslim Brotherhood, Yadumi stressed that his party is a national political party with a reformist approach, as it is mentioned in its name—Al-Islah is Arabic for reform.

"There are no organizational or political relations with the international organization of the Muslim Brotherhood."

Yadumi said that it was efforts spent by “heroes that served the Houthi militias a severe blow—Houthis have sought to detach Yemen from its Arab identity and reintroduce it as a pawn for Iran’s expansionist agenda.”

Iran seeks control over Yemen so that it may access other countries it perceives as arch foes, creating a source of disturbance to Gulf and international security and stability.

The right-wing political leader also welcomed the General People's Congress party back into Yemen’s political life, so long as it adherence to constitutional legitimacy.

He also urged the Congress to overcome differences and focus on the liberation of Yemen.

"Today, Yemen cannot tolerate any side battles that the coupists could exploit to prolong the conflict and the suffering of the people," said Yadumi.

He highlighted that coup militias register losses daily to pro-legitimacy forces-- slamming Houthis as "liars who deceive with every breath they take."

Rarely speaking to media outlets, Yadumi refused to address rumored extortion practiced by his party against the coalition combating the Houthi militias.

“Reform has already released a declaration supporting Saudi-led efforts on restoring the legitimately elected government into power, which was in response to the request issued by President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi to help save Yemen,” he added.

As a political party, Al-Islah spared no effort in mobilizing the national public opinion to support the legitimacy government and engage in resisting the coup by all means.

“This has been our permanent and firm political position since the beginning of the battle,” said Yadumi.

In addition to this strong and clear political position, Al-Islah has been involved in the pro-government popular resistance and in supporting the national army.



Pakistan FM to Asharq Al-Awsat: Eastern Neighbor’s Ambitions Fueled by Dominance Desire

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar
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Pakistan FM to Asharq Al-Awsat: Eastern Neighbor’s Ambitions Fueled by Dominance Desire

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar

Saudi Arabia and Pakistan enjoy a special relationship with close cooperation on many issues. Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar described this bond as deep and long-standing, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s crucial support for Pakistan’s growth and prosperity.

Saudi Arabia hosts 28% of Pakistani expatriates, reflecting the strong ties between the two nations.

Pakistan’s top diplomat, in an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, emphasized the importance of Saudi investments in strengthening the relationship between the two countries.

Dar highlighted shared priorities in promoting stability and addressing security threats in the Middle East, noting that recent security collaborations have further enhanced their ties.

The minister accused India of having expansionist ambitions in South Asia, particularly targeting Pakistan. He expressed concern over India’s growing military imports and its use of military power to intimidate neighboring countries.

Dar also stated that Pakistan will not recognize Israel until a fair resolution for the Palestinians is achieved. He highlighted that recent escalations show the consequences of Israel’s actions and ongoing violations of international law.

The minister stressed the enduring support between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, driven by geographical proximity, religious and cultural ties. Both countries are focused on boosting bilateral trade, surpassing $2.5 billion, and sealing investment deals.

The Saudi Crown Prince had reiterated the Kingdom’s commitment to accelerating investment initiatives.

Dar pointed out the regular exchanges between business, civilian, and military leaders of both countries, showing the deep fraternal bond. He stressed the robust economic, political, and defense relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, noting their shared interests.

He emphasized the vital role of Saudi support in Pakistan’s development, saying it strengthens the partnership.

Dar also noted an unprecedented level of bilateral exchanges and hoped the ongoing meetings between Pakistani and Saudi businessmen would benefit Pakistan economically.

The minister emphasized the vital role of Saudi investments in boosting fraternal relations. He expressed Pakistan’s interest in turning this connection into a mutually beneficial economic partnership.

Pakistan sees itself as an attractive market with untapped potential, offering significant benefits to partners.

Both Pakistan and India joined the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in 2017.

When asked about the SCO’s role in reducing tension, Dar explained that while SCO forums allow member states to discuss common interests, they focus on enhancing multilateral cooperation and don't address bilateral issues.

He mentioned Pakistan’s organization of practical cooperation events as the current chair of the SCO Council of Heads of Government, with participation from India and other member states during 2023-2024.

Dar expressed concerns about India’s expansionist mindset, especially towards Pakistan, and its military buildup to assert dominance in South Asia. He highlighted worries about India’s increasing military imports, which could destabilize the region and upset strategic balance.