The article draws parallels between historical tribal codes of honor and contemporary challenges to state sovereignty in Yemen, emphasizing the gravity of perceived insults and the imperative for decisive action. The narrative begins by recounting a historical anecdote from the 19th century, highlighting the "eyes of Hessa" incident. This episode illustrates a deeply ingrained tribal custom where a tribal leader, Dira'i bin Shalan of the Anza tribe, ordered the slaughter of all newborn foals to ensure the mares remained strong for a battle to restore the honor of a woman named Hessa, who had been insulted. This act of solidarity and commitment to tribal honor became a rallying cry, demonstrating the lengths to which tribes would go to protect their own. The historical context further explains the "eyes of Hessa" incident. During a period of drought, the Anza tribes migrated north and clashed with the Shammar tribe in the "Battle of Basalah." Hessa bint Al-Hathal, the daughter of the Anza chief, was present and, after her camel was seized and she was subjected to a moral blow, she cried out for help, invoking Dira'i. Dira'i, a powerful leader of the Ruwala and Jalas tribes, vowed not to rest until he avenged her honor, reinforcing the tribal commitment to protect women and uphold dignity. The article then transitions to a more recent situation involving Sheikh Hamad bin Fadgham, who, along with a woman seeking his help, was reportedly detained. The woman's act of throwing her hair among men signified placing her honor in their hands, a grave matter in tribal customs. The narrative criticizes the Houthi movement's perceived "freezing" stance on this issue, contrasting it with the historical precedent of tribal solidarity and the imperative to act against perceived injustices. It suggests the Houthis' actions are an attempt to exploit the situation for their own narrative, portraying themselves as victims rather than perpetrators. Furthermore, the article criticizes the Houthi movement's alleged pattern of deception and evasion, drawing a parallel to their actions in August 2017, when they reportedly used peace talks as a cover to regroup. It argues that the current situation, particularly concerning tribal honor and state sovereignty, presents a critical test for the Yemeni government and tribal leaders to unite against what is described as an Iranian-backed Houthi project. The article questions whether the current focus is solely on air sovereignty or a broader project of restoring full national sovereignty. In conclusion, the article posits that the current crisis represents a true test for the Yemeni government and tribal forces. It emphasizes the need for decisive action to restore national sovereignty and defeat the perceived Iranian influence embodied by the Houthi movement. The author suggests that a united front between the tribes and the state is necessary to avenge the wronged and reclaim what has been lost, with the ultimate goal being victory in the national struggle. |
