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Today, a western #Yemen analyst accused me of wanting to wipe north Yemen by a nuclear bomb & a western ambassador told me I want to condemn my country into permanent war. All because I criticized western approach to support peace by advocating a political settlement in Yemen.1/6
I feel like we Yemenis are automatically labeled as war mongers if we disagree with the way westerners interpret the conflict in Yemen or how they envision a solution for it. Why do some westerners want to hijack the conflict & peace narrative in Yemen & dismiss Yemeni voices?2/6
No one wants war.Yemenis more than anyone want peace. But Yemenis also don’t want a political settlement that will empower war criminals in the name of peace.Such political settlement might seem like a quick win for western diplomacy but it will come at the expense of Yemenis.3/6
As it is now & much like the GCC Initiative in 2011, a political settlement between Houthis & Hadi government offer a simplistic power share among the elite & ignores the root causes of the conflict. It will seal Houthis military victory & reward their violent behavior.4/6
I am asked what is th alternative? I don't think there is an easy solution for Yemen conflict right now. I think there is a value in negotiations, but it is better to focus on mitigation than to force a quick-fix solution that will only make matters worse short & long term.5/6
So rather than dealing with Yemenis with a colonial mentality, try to listen & understand their perspective. At the end of the day, you will move on with your lives & we will be stuck with the consequences of your intervention for generations to come. 6/6
