Al-Houthi movement in Yemen (2004-2010)

Abstract

This study examines the external and internal factors and interactions that led to the emergence of the al-Houthi movement such as State’s policies of anti-Zaydism and the spread of Wahabbism in Sa’adah province. These factors led to a series of disputes into Zaydism which led to raise radical al-Houthis faction. The Houthi movement framed the Zaydi historical and social grievances for mobilizing Zaydi young activates. This study uses social movement approach to explain the rise of al-Houthi faction within the Zaydi revivalist movements as framework for analysis. The analysis in this study is based upon qualitative approach, using official documents, reports, books, journals as sources of data. The study found that the al-Houthi movement was influenced by internal and external factors such as the marginalization of state and spread of Wahabbism in Zaydi heartland especially in Sa’adah province. The study suggests that Yemeni government should produce a solution that can help meet the grievances of the Zaydi population. This study concludes that to reduce sectarian and other social tensions, the Yemeni government should promote and facilitate inter-sectarian dialogues and exchanges, including fostering Zaydi participation in public debates, condemning the stigmatization of the Zaydi identity and facilitating the entry of qualified Houthis into state institutions.