Al Houthi rebels in Yemen have proven time and again that their word, or even their signature, cannot be trusted. They have repeatedly dragged an embattled Yemen President Abd Rabbo Mansour Hadi to the negotiating table and made him sign agreements under duress, by which they only expect him to abide. Hadi fulfils his terms of the agreements while Al Houthis flout them in broad daylight and only hours after signing. They have successfully undermined the president and made a mockery of his authority at a sensitive time, during which he is expected to unify the country in the face of the multiple crises it faces.
The rest of the world has understood Al Houthis intentions, but Hadi appears to be alone in trusting them enough to keep returning to the negotiating table. It is time that the president realised that his current strategy has failed and that a new one needs to be adopted — one that makes use of carrots as well as sticks. The lack of resistance from the security forces to Al Houthis’ overrunning of the capital was shameful. Hadi should start by reasserting his authority in the capital and regain the military balance that has tipped in Al Houthis’ favour. Only then should he return to the negotiating table. Any subsequent agreement should be enforced in stages to ensure reciprocity. Needless to say, such a move will be difficult, as Hadi has displayed all his cards to Al Houthis by prematurely signing wide-ranging agreements with an adversary that cannot be trusted.
