Yemen: Vision Beyond Conflict

The Middle East: Geopolitical Context

The Middle East is undergoing a deep re-evaluation of its identity. With traditional geopolitical actors engaged against the emergence of conflict-driven militias, and the ascendance of resilient reform-conscious activists attempting to mitigate the effects of these conflicts, a profound dichotomy is being perpetuated within the region. While this has resulted in devastating upheavals, the renewed hope, dedication and resilience of humanitarian entities and civil society organizations has generated much needed positive transformations. In some instances though, fundamental regressions of sociopolitical orders and economic structures have fueled massive demographic displacements. As this continues to play out on all levels, the victims continue to be civilians caught in the crossfire.

The pursuit of zero-sum strategies is wreaking unprecedented havoc in Yemen and the region. As the tremendous loss of life drives all out desperation among the most vulnerable populations, the callous disregard of national interests by political authorities and their enablers continues unabated. These seismic events undoubtedly produce severe generational consequences. Coupled with the compounding humanitarian disaster crippling Yemen, an incessant reality and pattern becomes clear - major actors, internationally and regionally, continue to ignore non-zero sum alternatives to resolving deep-seated grievances. 

A People-Centered Non-Zero Sum Strategy for Yemen

Despite having considerable natural reserves of copper, nickel, and lead, gold, marble, rock salt, and petroleum resources, Yemenis face severe poverty due primarily to the inadequacies of their ruling authorities. Given the entrenchment of tribal allegiances, the shifting local, national and regional geopolitical power plays, and the fact that Yemen is by all definitions and on all fronts in a severe state of man-made crises, Yemenis continue to be immensely resilient. There are over two and a half million internally displaced (approx 10% of population), and the number is growing. Since March 2015, an escalation in violence by all parties has resulted in over 46,000 deaths. Tens of thousands more have died in the historical cycle of violence that has gripped Yemen for decades

The UNHCR described Yemen as experiencing “the world’s largest cholera epidemic with around 5,000 new cases reported daily”. This is largely due to the nation’s severe water shortage and contamination of existing supplies. Aside from the meager yet vital rations being distributed by aid agencies, including critical funding from Saudi Arabia and its Gulf partners, civilians lack basic self sustenance and have virtually no access to potable water. 

Punctuating these glaring dilemmas, an unintentional yet equally devastating force is driving structural and individual poverty in the already suffering communities of the global south. The cultivation of a dependence-based dynamic between aid agencies and poor underdeveloped communities in the global south leaves societies incapable of supporting basic standards of living for those most affected by conflict and disaster

The Way Forward: All of Society and All of Government

Relatively few understand the complexities underscoring the seemingly endless conflicts gripping the MENA region. A deep knowledge of the region’s history of development and cycles of crises is crucial to addressing both the immediate symptoms and endemic root causes. While the international community encourages dialogue and debate geared towards just and peaceful resolution of conflicts, it is necessary to emphasize that this will only be possible with well-intentioned, informed and educated participants.

Resolving the Yemen conflict must be built upon an open platform that gathers all sides to address and resolve deep-seeded current and historical grievances. This includes building a framework based upon respect for human rights and basic dignities, the right to life and freedom to pursue legal economic opportunities, acknowledgement of the inviolability of national sovereignty, and with serious underlying considerations for the national security concerns of neighbor states.

It must be further stressed that deliberations must not take lightly the lethal implications such violence and structural upheavals have on innocent civilians, including the poorest and most vulnerable communities, which depend heavily on critical infrastructure, government services and other aid facilities.

Pursuant to a context-driven people-centered approach to addressing Yemen's challenges, the following recommendations are intended to guide an “all of society” and “all of government” partnership. This is a ground up reform-oriented strategy designed to facilitate Yemen’s generational path to self sufficiency in what is hoped will soon be a post-conflict state: 

I.      Good Governance - Joint Government Agency-Civil Society Platform

Establishment of a joint government agency (GA) and civil society (CSO) platform (G-CSOP) whereby relevant GAs and CSOs are empowered to work together towards:

A. Creating space to share ideas and develop knowledge bases, including enacting legislation to protect knowledge-based institutions

B. Government registration of Civil Society actors and relevant specialized entities 

C. Prioritizing response, coordinating efforts and pre-empting crises

D. Prioritizing efficiency, accountability and transparency in all operations

II.   Economic Development – Public/Private Partnership Platform (P4)

Establish platform to bring together government agencies, business entities and public organizations under an overarching (all-inclusive) economic development strategy:

A. Synch short term efforts with a locally sustainable and disciplined long term growth plan that includes responsible oversight and anti-corruption mechanisms 

B. Building national and local infrastructure and IT capacity to stimulate job growth, empower local workforce and manage workload efficiently

III. Education

Encourage preservation of traditional knowledge base while also building and strengthening a STEM-based modern education system that aligns with Yemen’s economic development plans and M/SDGs:

A. To create a skilled and regionally competitive workforce

B. To empower youth through early entrepreneurship initiatives

C. To ultimately facilitate the growth of a knowledge economy within Yemen

IV. Agriculture (agronomics)

Modernize and enhance locally-owned agricultural capacities to maximize crop yield geared towards sustainable food production (non-GMO) and equitable distribution; end goal is to increase/sustain food security:

A. Funding state-of-the-art irrigation systems coupled with proven traditional methods to create arable land

B. Utilizing efficient drip irrigation systems and fully organic non-toxic fertilizer

V.   Health Care

Fund immediate construction of fully equipped modern central hospitals with regional branches and satellite clinics to serve rural areas. 

A. To include specialized centers for children, women and men

B. Access to quality free healthcare is critical for Yemen, as most of the population is under the poverty line.

C. Use of drone technology for medical purposes has been proven highly effective, low cost to operate and practical to reach inaccessible locations:

- Blood deliveries, lab samples, vaccines and other simple yet life-saving activities.

D. Initial presence of skilled foreign medical personnel will be critical for operations; however, programs must be established, sooner rather than later, to hire and train local staff, and ultimately share and transfer knowledge to the indigenous workforce.

Concluding Observations

Every strategy and plan that extends beyond the immediate emergency needs of civilians must take into account the ultimate objective of facilitating Yemen’s path to self sufficiency. This is premised upon the indisputable right of Yemen’s citizens to be consulted and involved in the process; and where applicable, take the lead in developing the structures and systems necessary to move their country in the direction they see fit. The opportunities present in Yemen are obscured by the conflict and humanitarian disaster but they are, nonetheless, still present.

Opportunities exist for Yemen to become a model post-conflict state. Given the existing under-developed and inadequate structures and systems already in place, the impoverished yet resource-rich country is arguably a blank slate. Like all multi-faceted challenges, it requires visionary leadership, a long-term sustainable plan and inclusive local contexts, a genuine and dedicated collaborative structure among stakeholders, and an “all of society” and “all of government” effort designed to empower all Yemenis.

Once equipped with the necessary tools, the human resources of the nation can and will aspire to reach their full potential. Empowering the people of Yemen begins with instilling hope and genuine belief that they can and will make effectual change in line with their aspirations; however, this empowerment must be married to a feasible, practical, sustainable, inclusive and well-funded all-of-society and all-of-government national development campaign.

This is a way forward.