BEIRUT — The irony in the conflict raging in southern Yemen between the internationally recognized government and the Southern Transitional Council (STC) is that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia — the coalition leading the battle against the Houthis — are both seen as parties to the war, be it directly or indirectly, and now they are sponsoring talks to end the violent power struggle in the country. Clashes between the STC and government troops began in August; the STC took control of Aden on Aug. 10

These talks came as Riyadh and Abu Dhabi shared influence in southern Yemen at the military level through their proxies fighting on the ground. This influence was further legitimized at the political level on the negotiating table that gathered the Yemeni parties in the Saudi city of Jeddah and kicked off Sept. 10. 

As things stand now, it seems that Saudi Arabia and the UAE will be given further political legitimacy that would perpetuate their military influence in the country. Saudi Arabia is likely to support the legitimate government just for show, while the UAE would clearly back the STC.

The legitimate government rejected Aug. 10 any dialogue with the STC unless the latter pulled out from all camps and institutions that it took control of on Aug. 10, 2018.