North Yemen, officially known as the Yemen Arab Republic (YAR), emerged as a distinct political entity in 1962 following a coup that overthrew the monarchy. Its establishment marked a significant moment in the Arab world, setting the stage for decades of political strife and conflict that continue to shape the region today.
The historical roots of North Yemen can be traced back to its geographic and cultural isolation. Nestled in the western part of the Arabian Peninsula, North Yemen was characterized by a mountainous terrain that fostered a mix of tribal affiliations and local governance structures. This political landscape complicated any centralised authority, leading to a variety of local leaders wielding power in their respective areas.
After the breakup of the Ottoman Empire in 1918, after the end of World War I, the northern part of Yemen became the Independent Mutawakkilite Kingdom of Yemen, in contrast with South Yemen which was under British rule. In 1934, Saudi Arabia declared war on North Yemen and took significant parts of Yemeni territory, which are still part of Saudi Arabia today.
The 1962 revolution against the ruling Imam, Muhammad al-Badr, was influenced by a desire for modernisation and the adoption of republican ideals. The coup was supported by Egypt under Gamal Abdel Nasser, which viewed the revolution as part of a broader push for Arab nationalism. The ensuing civil war, which lasted until 1970, saw North Yemen battling royalist forces supported by Saudi Arabia, showcasing the geopolitical rivalries that would persist in the region.
In 1970, a peace agreement solidified North Yemen's status as a republic. Life in North Yemen was marked by tribal governance, agrarian economy, limited education, and rudimentary healthcare. Political instability and conflict, particularly after the 1962 revolution, complicated modernisation efforts. Cultural life was rich, but poverty and low literacy rates remained significant challenges for many communities.
In 1990, the Yemen Arab Republic and South Yemen (The People’s Democratic Republic of Yemen) united into the modern Republic of Yemen. Civil war quickly broke out between the north and south, with a period of limited peace in the 2000s before the current conflict, which largely runs along the north-south divide, broke out again.
North Yemen’s significance today is multifaceted. Firstly, its history of conflict and political fragmentation provides critical context for understanding the ongoing civil war in Yemen, which erupted in 2014. This conflict, which pits the internationally recognized government against Houthi rebels (who have roots in the Zaidi Shia community in northern Yemen), can be traced back to longstanding grievances that emerged from the country’s historical divisions.
The Houthi movement, originally rooted in local grievances, has evolved into a significant player in the regional power struggle, drawing support from Iran, which has positioned itself against Saudi Arabia. This rivalry underscores the broader Sunni-Shia divide, complicating peace efforts and humanitarian responses in Yemen.
There is little support in the north for a divided Yemen, as opposed to in the south where support is significant. This is, in no doubt, due to the fact that economic and strategic power lie in the south of Yemen.
The significance of North Yemen is also evident in its socio-economic challenges. The legacy of underdevelopment, exacerbated by conflict, has led to one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. Basic infrastructure, healthcare, and education systems have been severely damaged, leaving millions reliant on humanitarian aid. Understanding North Yemen’s historical context is essential to addressing these issues, as they are deeply intertwined with the political and tribal identities that persist today.
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