DUBAI/RIYADH ¨C When the United States announced the list of countries in its new naval coalition protecting Red Sea shipping from Yemen¡¯s Houthi group, Saudi Arabia¡¯s name was conspicuously ¡ª perhaps surprisingly ¡ª absent.
Although it has a U.S.-equipped military, has been waging war on the Houthis for nearly nine years and relies on Red Sea ports for 36% of imports, Saudi Arabia along with Gulf ally the United Arab Emirates has proclaimed no interest in the venture.
The main reason for its absence appears to be a concern that participating would detract from a long-term strategic goal: extricating itself from a messy war in Yemen and a destructive feud with the Houthis¡¯ principal backer, Iran.
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