Oman has great credit for Yemen’s transformation towards peace: American Brookings

Muscat: A new report by the American Brookings Institution says that the Sultanate of Oman has great credit for Yemen’s transformation towards peace, after reaching a ceasefire truce between the Arab coalition forces and the Houthi group, describing His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik as a skilled diplomat

The report said that in recognition of this important Omani role, U.S. President Joe Biden welcomed the agreement publicly, His statement to the United Nations and the Sultanate of Oman, as well as Saudi Arabia and the Yemeni government.

The report added that the Sultanate of Oman have facilitated contact with the rebels, and His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik is following in the footsteps of his illustrious predecessor late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos as a skilled diplomat seeking to reduce regional tensions.

The report stated the United Nations-brokered cease-fire in Yemen appears to be holding, pausing for now seven years of war. The truce reflects the balance of power on the ground: The Zaydi Shia Houthirebels control Sanaa and most of northern Yemen; They are on balance the victors. The rest of the country is divided into ministates. Iran has soured a foothold on the Arabian Peninsula.

The Houthis and Saudi Arabia agreed late last week to a two-month-long cease-fire coinciding with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. The truce can be extended by mutual consent, the report said.

The report added that the Saudi blockade of fuel imports is lifted. The first ship has unloaded in Hodeida harbor. This will facilitate the devilry of food, medicines and other assistance to the Yemeni people. The blockade of Sanaa airport is lifted to allow a handful of commercial flights a week, apparently to Cairo and Amman.