Middle East/ Africa Security IssueIntroduction
The ends, ways and means strategy is a method of understanding what the objective is for a particular issue (ends), how that objective will be achieved (ways) and what resources will be required to make this happen (means). This methodology is commonly applied in military or international relations, where the issues can be complex, as this method simplifies strategy by focusing on the desired ends (Eikmeier, 2007).
Background on the Issue
There are several issues in the Middle East worthy of attention, one of which is the ongoing conflict in Yemen. While Yemen has commonly been engaged in conflict, this issue has become more pressing in recent months. Houthi rebels were engaged in conflict in the region near the Saudi border, drawing Saudi Arabia into the conflict. This became a front in the Saudi-Iran proxy war, as the Houthi rebels are predominantly Shia. Western powers have traditionally backed Saudi Arabia in this conflict (BBC, 2018). In recent months, the conflict appears to have spiralled out of control, and may be contributing to a rift between Saudi Arabia and the UAE. While they have been allies for much of this conflict, each is using the conflict as a means of extending influence and power in the region, but there are longstanding tensions at play in this conflict that have resulted in the lack of control, and the risk of greater regional destabilization (al-Mujahed & Raghavan, 2018). The UAE is backing Sunni rebels, while Saudi is not only fighting the Houthis but also supporting the Hadi government in conflict with the UAE-backed rebels (al-Mujahed & Raghavan, 2018).
Ends
The conflict in Yemen matters because it has drawn in other regional powers. In addition to Saudi, Iran has been drawn in, as part of its ongoing conflict with Saudi Arabia for regional dominance....
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