Gulf

Saudi Arabia, a Dilemma

Saudi Arabia leads in Yemen, a fierce war. It reflects the historical rivalry with Iran. The Saudi Kingdom is also economical to the Extreme. And plays on risk.

How to deal with documents which, although de facto, but not officially exist? With this question, suggested in the past week, the Secretary of state in the British Ministry of foreign Affairs, Tobias Ellwood, around.

In the hands he held such a document, namely a UK Parliament-members draft UN report on human rights Violations in Yemen’s war. There is fighting with a Saudi Arabia-led Arab coalition a bitter war against the tribal group, the Huthis, which, in turn, the legitimate President Abded Rabbo Mansur-Hadi from the office hunted had.

Deal had to Ellwood with two things. First, in the UN report mentioned Violations of human rights. A total of 119 Times did the coalition against international law, is there to read. Aircraft hättem also civilian-populated areas under fire. In total, the March 2015 outbreak of war so far, nearly 6000 civilians died. About 80 percent of the population suffers from water – and food deprivation.

“But not receive“

But above all, had to Ellwood to the Parliament to explain why the UK in great style weapons to Saudi Arabia sold – and even those that are in a war of aggression. Just in the past few months were from the UK weapons worth three billion pounds to Saudi Arabia have come. “Including bombs and rockets for a Million pounds in the period from July to September 2015,” it says in the request of the British members of Parliament.

You take the report very seriously, assured Secretary of state Ellwood the deputies. More, he is able to Report, however, hardly say, ” he said. “We have the Text not yet officially received,” he said. “Yes, I get it, but I have not yet received,” he explained – and delivered so that what the newspaper “The Guardian” then “a Farce” called.

Bitter opponents: Saudi Arabia to fight the Huthi rebels in Yemen

Unexpectedly high losses

The debate in the British house of Commons, throws a spotlight on a questionable war by Saudi Arabia in Yemen. The war can be, obviously, the Ruling in Riyadh despair. Long-term strategic successes can the Kingdom not be posted. Instead, it must accept that its own citizens are increasingly in danger.

Just under 380 at the border to Yemen, living as citizens of the Kingdom were from Yemen, fired missiles since the beginning of the war killed. The total number of there are over 40,000 mortar has been shot down, the newspaper quoted “Al-araby al-jadeed” a Saudi commander.

The ferocity of the fighting indicates, for the importance of Riad the war holds. From the Saudi point of view is a
Defensive battle against Iran, not only in Yemen, but also in other countries in the Region – Syria, Iraq, Bahrain – military or secret service is active.

The Sunni Saudi-Arabia is the most significant adversary of Iran. Power issues are mixed with religious rivalry. “Ministers justify in Saudi Arabia and in Iran the use of force; every individual conflict is the Sunni-Shiite contrast overlays”, writes the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. “It has a momentum of its own unfolding, is unstoppable. War and sectarian violence are normal for them.”

Pressure from all pipes: The Saudi Oil-Industriefördert more as the market absorbed

Oil as a weapon

This war is challenging Saudi Arabia also economically – with high level of risk. After the historic low in mid-January 2016, as the
Price for a Barrel of crude oil to just under 30 dollars fell, he is now again rose somewhat. But in January 2015 it was just over a hundred dollars.

As one of the mainly responsible for the price drop applies to Saudi Arabia itself. The country promotes Oil in such quantities that the global offer, the demand by far exceeds. This will help the country not only pure market-competitors – Russia and the United States – undercutting. Above all, it wants Iran to its knees.

Because its economy is worth selling at such prices do not. Iran is its Oil is not going on – and so has a Chance of less, according to the now-repealed Embargo economically on the feet. The – indirect war with Riad comes Tehran is so expensive.

Expensive the price war, but also for Saudi Arabia itself. For the current financial year is expected the Kingdom to a deficit of 87 billion US dollars. An essential Item is the war in Yemen. It amounts, according to the policy in the Middle East specialized Internetmagazins “Al Monitor” on approximately 200 million U.S. dollars a month. Such a burden can the Kingdom only a few years out. Then the country would be bankrupt.