Houthis Claim Closure of Embassy by Assad for Saudi Embassy Reopening

The Houthis reported that Bashar al-Assad closed their embassy in Syria as a trade-off for the reopening of the Saudi embassy. Following Assad’s government collapse, Houthi officials confirmed their staff returned to Yemen. This situation reflects changing alliances in the Middle East as Assad attempts to normalize relations post-conflict while facing criticism from former allies.

The Houthis, a Yemeni rebel group, have disclosed that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has closed their embassy in Damascus as a trade-off for the reopening of the Saudi embassy, which occurred in 2023. Following the fall of Assad’s government, Houthi spokesperson Nasruddin Amer confirmed via social media that their embassy staff had departed for Yemen’s capital, Sanaa. He stated, “Our embassy in Syria was closed by Bashar in exchange for the opening of the Saudi embassy.” The Houthis, aligned with the Axis of Resistance, have traditionally opposed Israeli interests and have shared ties with Iran. Meanwhile, Assad’s regime, once a pivotal ally within this axis, has sought to re-establish relations with various Arab states that had distanced themselves amid the prolonged Syrian conflict since 2011. Despite a reclamation of some political ground, Assad’s political stance remains distinctively secular, diverging from the Islamist ideologies predominant among other Axis members, including the Houthis. The latter have not been alone in their critique of Assad, as Iraqi armed factions recently highlighted solidarity with former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein, portraying Assad alongside him as members of a “criminal Baath Party.” As the momentum shifts in Syria, with the Syrian struggle intensifying, Iraqi militia leaders have refrained from providing military support to Assad, citing his unwillingness to negotiate amidst the advancing rebel forces. The ramifications of these developments may signal a significant shift in regional dynamics and alliances within the Middle East.

The Houthis, formally recognized as Ansarallah, are a significant force in Yemen and are known for their staunch opposition to Israel and their connections with Iran, positioning themselves within the broader Axis of Resistance in the region. This alliance also includes countries supportive of Palestinian rights against perceived Western and Israeli aggression. The Houthi’s claim about the closure of their embassy signifies shifts in diplomatic relations, particularly in light of the evolving interactions between Assad’s regime and other Arab nations, which have been reshaping their foreign policies post-Arab Spring. Additionally, the tension between secularism and Islamist ideology is central to understanding the complex relationships within the Axis of Resistance.

In summary, the closure of the Houthi embassy by President Assad, purportedly in exchange for the opening of the Saudi embassy, underscores the shifting diplomatic landscape in the Middle East. As Assad seeks to amend relations with Arab states and the Houthis express discontent, the intertwining narratives of alliance, secularism, and resistance suggest a potentially reshaped regional order. The reluctance of Iraqi militias to intervene highlights the precarious position of Assad amidst increasingly unfavorable circumstances.

Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net