New World Global Outlook

Saudi Arabia-Yemen: The Conflict Begins

The Elaph websiteis reporting that the Saudi Air Force is bombing Shi'ite rebel positions in Northern Yemen today.  This attack is a direct response to the killing of two Saudi border guards by Yemeni militants two days ago.  In addition, there are reports circulating that Saudi ground forces are moving toward the Saudi-Yemen border in preparation for a larger offensive.  The significance of this escalation should not be overlooked given the increased presence of al Qaeda in Yemen as well as the direct infiltration of Iranian support for the rebel Shi'ite tribes in Yemen's northern region.  The hope is that this situation does not escalate to full-scale conflict; at this point, however, that does not appear to be a certainty. 

The dangers of a Saudi-Yemeni confrontation creating some critical complexities for the US mission in Iraq, any future conflict between Israel/US and Iran and regional stabilization cannot be overlooked.  In addition, it has been a clear directive of al Qaeda to attack and bring down the Saudi ruling family.  When evaluating these most recent developments, it is not too hard to see that al Qaeda would welcome the opportunity to bait the Saudis into a broader conflict with Yemeni Shi'ites receiving direct material support from Tehran.  Simply put, this is superpower baiting on a regional level.

Ongoing Escalation in Venezuela-Colombia Border Dispute

Reutersis reporting that Venezuelan military personnel have shut down the border with Colombia near the town of Tachira.  According to estimates found on the El Universal website, the border shutdown has already cost the region over $4 million (USD) and tensions are continuing to escalate.

According to Venezuelan Vice-President Ramón Carrizález, the two Venezuelan National Guard troops killed on Monday were executed by Colombian paramilitary militia seeking to gain a foothold inVenezuela.  Carrizález claims that the murders are part of a larger and more sinister plan.

This forms part of a destabilization plan that we have been reporting for some time now. President Chávez and other top officials have been advised of this issue and it has been minimized by members of the sick opposition in our country.  These murders are intended to intimidate the Bolivarian National Guard.

The argument can be made that Leftist Colombian paramilitaries that make their money through the drug trade would have an interest in escalating tensions between Colombia and Venezuela.  This would provide breathing room from the Colombian government and ensure that the incoming US forces are at least preoccupied by the situation with Venezuela.  Either way, the addition of more US troops to the region is not likely to deescalate the situation.  Yet another addition to the Frontier Wars.