On Friday Saudi Arabia announced its decision to outlaw several organizations which it deemed terrorists, among which the now infamous Muslim Brotherhood and the Houthis (Yemeni Shia faction based in the northern province of Sa’ada). Needless to say that such a drastic political stance will have far-reaching repercussions not only in Yemen but across the region as it will prompt a shift in dynamics and inevitably transform the region’s political map.
 Yemeni observers have already commented that Riyadh’s decision will prompt a re-arrangement and alignment of political forces in Yemen at a time where tensions have reached an all-time high. Whether such decision will benefit Yemen or worsen an already difficult situation remains to be seen.
Unlike the Houthis, which zone of influence has been limited to Yemen northern territories, the Muslim Brotherhood which operates under al-Islah political umbrella has deep root within Yemen. Simply dismissing its members and officials on the basis of Saudi Arabia’s terror labelling will prove far trickier in Yemen than in Egypt where the Brotherhood had less sway on the deep state.
After all one of Yemen’s most prominent tribal family, al-Ahmar has often voiced its support of the Brotherhood, both in Yemen and abroad. Directly clashing with such power and influence will undoubtedly test President Abdo Rabbo Mansour Hadi’s resolve to the limit.
Hamdan Rahbi a political expert was quoted by local media as saying that Saudi Arabia’s decision will help harmonize Yemen’s political landscape by removing armed militias from the country’s political equation. He stressed that Riyadh will offer Sana’a in full support and thus help neutralize both the Houthis and the Muslim Brotherhood.
Al Islah now faces a difficult decision: break all ties with the Brotherhood and thus renege long-standing allies or stand to lose all political standing.