Rise of the Houthis

Post revolution Yemen has led to the rise and fall of many influential groups. One of these currently rising in popularity are the Houthis. Once a small Shia'a militant group from the Saa'da province in northern Yemen that fought six wars with the Yemeni government, Houthis have spread their efforts into the politico-religious realm, gaining media savvy and popular support throughout the country. Their biting slogan "Death to America, death to Israel, damn the Jews, victory to Islam" can be seen painted and plastered on walls throughout northern Yemen. The slogan stems from assumed corrupt governments of America and Israel, and the possibility America supported Yemen and Saudi in destroying much of the north during their six long wars between 2004 and 2009. Despite their biting slogan, leadership and nearly all supporters assert their policy is against the governments of said countries, not the individual citizens. The Houthis have gained influence and power throughout the country, heading up community rebuildling and services throughout the north. Led by the son of their founder, Abdul Malik al Houthi, the group has re-branded themselves Ansar Allah and become seen as one of the least corrupt and most effective political groups in Yemen. Throughout 2013 and 2014, Houthis have fought rival tribes, encroaching Salafi religious schools, and the Yemeni government. While many outside the north fear their rise to power will lead to a crackdown on rights and freedoms, those in the far north support them unequivocally. Whether the Houthis will go the way of most who gain power and fall into corruption remains to be seen. But at present their support of the common Yemeni makes them all the more popular than the ruling majority.

Alex Potter is an emerging photojournalist with particular interest in people and nations in transition. After growing up in rural Minnesota, Alex pursued a nursing degree through Bethel University in Minnesota. While working for the university newspaper, she realized her passions led her instead toward photography. Alex decided to finish her nursing degree while individually pursuing photojournalism. In 2011, she completed a Master Class with Ron Haviv of VII Agency, followed several Occupy movements, and in February set out for the Middle East. She ended up in Yemen just before the presidential elections and stayed to document the transition for two months. Presently, she is finishing working on a long-term project in her native Minnesota: the identity struggle of young Somali immigrants in Minneapolis. Alex is a 2013 Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar and shortlisted for the Lucie Foundation Emerging Photographer Award. Her work has been published through Reuters, JO Magazine, Boreal Collective, and small Midwest publications. Alex plans to move back to Yemen in August, then to Egypt for her Rotary year.