Yemen’s civil war seems all but forgotten on the international stage –overshadowed by fighting in Gaza, upheaval in Syria, Russia’s war in Ukraine and other issues – but it remains a live conflict, with more than 100 battles involving Houthi forces in the first two months of this year alone. In late March, Saudi Arabia will mark a decade since Prince Mohammed Bin Salman launched the air campaign against the Houthis, hoping a quick victory would restore security to its southern border.
Issue 1197 - 13 March 2025
A decision by the Opec+ bloc to raise production from April has put more downward pressure on crude prices – and hence Saudi and other producer governments’ revenues for the year ahead. Crude prices may struggle to stay above $70/bbl, while Riyadh’s fiscal position is also being tested by Saudi Aramco’s falling profits and dividend payments.
Issue 1197 - 13 March 2025