The conjunction between the efforts on Syria and Yemen is interesting, especially as the talks also coincided with Saudi Arabia for the first time agreeing to Iranian participation in an international conference on Syria. At the same time, Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir has stated the war in Yemen could end "soon", as the Houthis and pro-Ali Abdullah Saleh faction agreed to abide by Resolution 2216 and to engage in UN-backed talks accordingly, and after "gains" on the battlefield by the Saudi-led Arab coalition in Yemen. Washington and Moscow must have no doubt played a role behind the scenes to contain the recent public escalation between Saudi Arabia and Iran, and to find common...
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