Yemen has become a complex international issue due to its strategic location. The country overlooks the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Gulf of Aden, and it owns the island of Socotra in the Indian Ocean, which is also of strategic importance. Also, Bab el-Mandeb greatly controls international shipping lines, especially energy supplies and other international trade. This geographic positioning has made Yemen a focal point of competition between global powers. China is pursuing its Silk Road Initiative and sees Yemen as an integral part of its strategic plans. Meanwhile, Russia is working to expand its influence on the African continent, including in Yemen, to preserve its regional interests. 

The ongoing conflict in Yemen is multifaceted. It pits the Iran-backed Houthi rebels against the internationally recognized Yemeni government, which is supported by Saudi Arabia. Regional powers like the United Arab Emirates are also vying for control over strategic areas, especially in southern Yemen and along the Red Sea coast. The conflict has taken an international dimension as well. The Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, which they have linked to the situation in Gaza, have prompted the U.S. to form a military alliance to secure maritime traffic in the region. This militarization of the Red Sea raises the risks and could further destabilize Yemen and the broader region. To address these complex issues and maintain international peace and security, it is crucial to understand the root causes of the conflict in Yemen. Any solutions must balance the competing interests of the various local, regional, and global actors involved.