Yemen.

The situation on the ground in Yemen is chaotic, but the U.S. government has retained its bearings through it all.

The Yemeni President and various cabinet members have resigned in protest. As the Iranian-backed (Shia) Houthis exercise control over the capital of Sana'a, the Houthis have filled various bureaucratic positions within the government, providing constancy and allowing the continuance of U.S. counterterrorism activity within Yemen's borders. These connections ensure a steady partner on the ground when it comes to the rooting out and defeat of dangerous militants under the banner of A.Q.A.P. Teaming up with an Iranian-backed group of insurgents in Saudi Arabia's back yard? The war on terrorism makes strange bedfellows. Speaking of strange bedfellows, what if the Saudis could be convinced to strengthen ties with the Houthis in exchange for: 1) Collaboration against Al Qaeda (alongside U.S. efforts) 2) Collaboration on the Saudi vision of the future for the region. It might seem like a crazy notion, but it is not Saudi Arabia capitulating to the will of the Iranians. It's simply a matter of priorities. What would be worse for Saudi Arabia? Having a Shia-run Iranian client state on their border or Al Qaeda running around unfettered on their border? The Saudis giving their blessing to the Houthis in their back yard would potentially give them a partner in carrying out the vision for Egypt (and the surrounding region). It would help to maintain stability and order in a region that is quite volatile. We'll get there, one step at a time, together. Take care.