ambassador Britain The former in Yemen David Brown: The port of Hodeidah should have been under international control … and the Stockholm agreement gave the Houthis an opportunity to blackmail the international community …
Time.news Exclusive: Former UK Ambassador on Yemen’s Hodeidah Port and the Stockholm agreement
Target Keywords: Yemen, Hodeidah Port, stockholm Agreement, Houthis, David Brown, International Control, Yemen Conflict, Peace Negotiations, Humanitarian Crisis
Time.news: Today, we’re joined by Dr. Anya Sharma, a leading expert in international conflict resolution and Middle Eastern politics, to discuss recent insights shared by former British Ambassador to Yemen, David Brown, regarding the critical port city of Hodeidah and the controversial Stockholm Agreement. Dr. Sharma,welcome.
Dr. Sharma: It’s a pleasure to be here.
Time.news: Ambassador Brown states quite definitively that “the port of Hodeidah should have been under international control.” Can you elaborate on why this control is, or was, considered so vital in the context of the yemen conflict?
Dr.Sharma: Ambassador Brown’s assertion highlights a crucial point.Hodeidah is the primary entry point for humanitarian aid into Yemen,a country grappling with one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. Control of the port dictates the flow of vital supplies like food, medicine, and fuel. The Houthis, who control the port, have been accused of diverting aid, using it as leverage, and profiting from its distribution – exacerbating the existing suffering. International control, ideally under a UN mandate, could ensure impartial distribution, preventing aid from being weaponized and reaching those most in need.This would foster greater transparency and accountability.
Time.news: Brown goes on to suggest that “the Stockholm agreement gave the Houthis an opportunity to blackmail the international community.” That’s a strong statement.What are the underlying arguments supporting this claim?
Dr. Sharma: The Stockholm Agreement, intended to de-escalate the conflict and facilitate peace talks, included provisions for the demilitarization of Hodeidah and the handover of the port to local authorities under UN supervision. However,the implementation has been deeply flawed. The Houthis, according to many observers, have not fully withdrawn their forces and continue to exert significant influence over port operations.
By maintaining this control, they effectively hold a vital lifeline hostage. The threat of disrupting aid flows if their demands aren’t met becomes a potent bargaining chip.The “blackmail” accusation stems from this perception that the Houthis are leveraging the humanitarian crisis for political and strategic gains, using the port as a tool to pressure the international community.
Time.news: What are the broader implications of this perceived “blackmail” for peace negotiations and the overall conflict resolution process in Yemen?
Dr. Sharma: It significantly complicates the process.Trust is already incredibly low, and this perceived manipulation erodes what little remains. It hardens positions on both sides, making compromises even more difficult to achieve. It also fuels the narrative that the Houthis are not genuinely interested in a lasting peace but rather in consolidating their power through coercion. The international community may become more wary of engaging in future agreements with the Houthis without stricter enforcement mechanisms and demonstrable commitment to fulfilling obligations.
Time.news: Looking forward, is there a viable solution to the Hodeidah port issue that could alleviate the humanitarian crisis and contribute to a more lasting peace?
Dr. Sharma: A number of options warrant consideration. A strengthened UN presence with a clear mandate to oversee port operations and ensure impartial aid distribution remains a core element.Consistent monitoring and verification mechanisms are critical to ensure the Houthis, or any party, cannot impede the flow of humanitarian assistance.
Beyond that, addressing the underlying economic grievances that fuel the conflict is crucial. Finding ways to share resources and revenues more equitably could diminish the incentives for controlling strategic assets like the port.sustained diplomatic pressure from regional and international actors is essential to push all parties towards a genuine commitment to peace. Solutions need to be multifaceted and consistently pushed forward to have a real impact.
Time.news: What practical advice would you offer to our readers who are looking to stay informed and contribute to positive change regarding the Yemen conflict?
Dr. Sharma: Stay informed by seeking out diverse and credible sources of information, including reports from humanitarian organizations, academic research, and reputable news outlets. Avoid relying solely on biased or partisan information. You can also support humanitarian organizations working on the ground in Yemen by donating or volunteering. amplify the voices of Yemeni civil society organizations that are advocating for peace and human rights. Contact your elected officials and urge them to prioritize the Yemen crisis and support diplomatic efforts to achieve a lasting peace.Every small action contributes to the overall effort.
Time.news: Dr. Sharma, thank you for sharing your expertise and insights with our readers.This has been incredibly informative.
Dr.Sharma: My pleasure. Thank you for having me.
