Yemen

War is back. The horrendous violence seen in Gaza, Azerbaijan, and Ukraine during 2023 has raised concerns that conflict may become increasingly frequent in the coming years.

US marines have acted against raiders in the Bab al-Mandab strait, where Israel's war on Gaza has intensified a proxy battle between Iran and Israel. It is worrying traders, sailors and insurers.

Worsening water scarcity threatens much of the Arab world as Iraq struggles to plan for the future

To maintain power, the Houthis foment tension and division, spread fear and terror, practice discrimination, and exact revenge.

Chants from folklore in the country have been twisted to political ends in its war, with groups competing to use them to fire up fighters and supporters. They offer insight into the balance of power.

Yemen has promising economic potential in various sectors, including agriculture, industry, tourism, and oil, but any recovery in the country remains subject to political and security stability

A notable feature of this year's Arab summit is that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad will be attending for the first time since 2011

A peaceful phase would also facilitate the proper utilisation of Yemen's underdeveloped oil and gas resources, which constitute the largest proportion of the country's undeveloped GDP

Proper respect for citizens' rights and especially an end to politically motivated arrests will help encourage the Yemenis the country needs to return home. Broader, federalised power will be key.

The ceasefire and reconciliation have provided a glimmer of hope in the ongoing crisis, and Yemenis are finally able to find some relief from the long-standing turmoil