The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Policy Towards North Yemen During the Presidency of Ibrahim al-Hamdi (1974-1977)

Abstract

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This Research Analyzes And Interprets The Policy Adopted By The Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia Towards The Yemen Arab Republic (North Yemen) During The Rule Of Its President, Ibrahim Muhammad Al-Hamdi (1974-1977). Al-Hamdi Came To Power In The Yemen Arab Republic Through The June 13th Corrective Movement, Raising The Slogan Of Building A Modern State With Strong Institutions And Reducing The Influence Of Tribal Sheikhs And Forces, Which Had Direct Repercussions On The Nature Of The Relationship With Saudi Arabia.

 This Period Was Marked By Internal Transformations And Delicate Balances In The Surrounding Region. Saudi Arabia Sought To Achieve A Degree Of Stability On Its Southern Border While Ensuring That Yemen Did Not Become An Arena Of Influence For Rival Regional Or International Powers. Saudi Arabia Dealt With Ibrahim Al-Hamdi's Regime With A Policy Of Cautious Support And Anticipation, As It Perceived His Reformist Tendencies And Efforts To Build Strong Governmental Institutions As A Challenge To Its Influence Within Yemen. Although Relations Between The Two Countries Witnessed Manifestations Of Economic Cooperation And Financial And Technical Assistance, They Were Characterized By Fluctuation Due To Differing Political Visions. Al-Hamdi Sought To Pursue A More Independent Foreign Policy By Strengthening Ties With South Yemen, Which Led To Reservations From Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom Supported Certain Tribal And Political Leaders To Ensure The Stability Of Its Southern Border And Prevent Any Actions Hostile To Its Interests, Fearing That Such Actions Might Lead To The Establishment Of A Unified Yemeni State, Thus Altering The Balance Of Power In The Region. However, Al-Hamdi's Reform Project, Which Aimed To Strengthen The Authority Of The Central Government And Reduce Dependence On External Support, Raised Concerns In Riyadh, As It Perceived It As A Potential Setback.  Despite Its Traditional Influence Within Yemen, Saudi Arabia Adopted A Policy Of Containment And Maintaining Official Channels Of Communication. Economic Aid Continued To Varying Degrees, And Diplomatic Relations Remained Intact, Recognizing The Importance Of Yemeni Stability To Regional Security. Saudi Arabia Cautiously Monitored Al-Hamdi's Efforts To Strengthen Ties With Other Arab States And His Pursuit Of Rapprochement With South Yemen. The Kingdom Opposed Unification, Viewing It As A Source Of Yemeni Strength And A Strategic Threat. This Led To Saudi Arabia's Unease With Al-Hamdi's Actions, Prompting Some To Accuse Saudi Arabia And Pro-Saudi Figures Within Yemen Of Orchestrating His Assassination.