Saleh ruled Yemen as president for 33 years after the 1990 unification of north and south Yemen. A long-time ally of Saudi Arabia, he waged six separate wars against the Houthis, Zaidi Shiites from northern Yemen. On Saturday, Saleh reached out to the Saudi-led coalition, offering to “turn the page” if it lifts a crippling blockade on the country. Yemen’s conflict has been a key focus of tensions between Sunni-ruled Saudi Arabia and Iran, the predominant Shiite power. The Houthis have warned that Saudi Arabia and its allies will “pay a heavy price in their own capitals” for Saleh’s “great treason”.

Source: Egypt Independent December 04, 2017 08:37 UTC