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Breakthrough on the cards in Yemen

It's time to reconcile the differences and restore stability in Yemen.

There is some positive news from the warfront of Yemen. The warring parties have reportedly agreed to carry out a major prisoner swap within 20 days. The peace talks under way in Kuwait City had been hit by inconsistency and the delaying tactics adopted by Houthi rebels.
The prisoners' deal, agreed recently under the aegis of the United Nations and other regional stakeholders, is being seen as the light at the end of the tunnel, paving way for confidence building measures. It is no less than a breakthrough of sorts after months of warfare and violation of several ceasefire accords. According to reports, both the estranged parties will swap 50 per cent of the prisoners being held with each other. This step should pave way for delivering supplies to the warzones and let humanitarian assistance reach the needy people.
The war has already claimed more than 7,000 lives and turned the Arab country into ruins. The fighting has pushed the Arab world's poorest country to the brink of famine and left 82 per cent of the population in need of humanitarian assistance. With 2.5 million people in diaspora, and the state Balkanised on ethnic and sectarian lines, peace is a prerequisite for rebuilding the country. The talks in Kuwait are an opportunity in disaster to get back on the track, and move past the gaping wounds of war. The return of US Special Forces in Yemen to assist the Arab coalition will act as a stablising phenomenon, and deter the Houthis and the regime in Tehran from meddling in the internal affairs of the strife-torn country. Yemen cannot withstand war and destruction anymore. It's time to reconcile the differences and restore stability in Yemen.