A first round [9] of official peace talks between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi rebels concluded April 14 in Yemen's capital, Sana'a, followed by the (long-delayed, and painstakingly negotiated [15]) release [16] of 880 prisoners [10] from both sides of the country's eight-year war. It's not the first time that Saudi Arabia, which leads a coalition backing Yemen's internationally recognized government, has spoken directly with the rebels. But some see new momentum in this effort to end the war, particularly given the recent rapprochement [17] between Saudi Arabia and Iran, which has close ties to the Houthis. Still, getting a truce back in place (the last one [11] expired in October) and sorting out the various sides' grievances [12] will not be easy [13]—especially as not all the groups vying for power in Yemen are represented at the talks: The government is notably absent, as are the powerful separatists of the Southern Transitional Council.
From The New Humanitarian [18], April 14
