• Research
  • Diwan
  • About
  • Experts
Carnegie Middle East logoCarnegie lettermark logo
PalestineSyria
{
  "authors": [
    "Ahmed Nagi"
  ],
  "type": "commentary",
  "blog": "Diwan",
  "centerAffiliationAll": "dc",
  "centers": [
    "Carnegie Endowment for International Peace",
    "Malcolm H. Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center"
  ],
  "collections": [],
  "englishNewsletterAll": "menaTransitions",
  "nonEnglishNewsletterAll": "",
  "primaryCenter": "Malcolm H. Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center",
  "programAffiliation": "MEP",
  "programs": [
    "Middle East"
  ],
  "projects": [],
  "regions": [
    "Gulf",
    "Yemen",
    "Middle East"
  ],
  "topics": [
    "Political Reform"
  ]
}
Diwan English logo against white

Source: Getty

Commentary
Diwan

An Island of Stability?

Though it is a front line in the battle against the Houthis, Marib city is bustling.

Link Copied
By Ahmed Nagi
Published on Aug 1, 2019
Diwan

Blog

Diwan

Diwan, a blog from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace’s Middle East Program and the Malcolm H. Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center, draws on Carnegie scholars to provide insight into and analysis of the region. 

Learn More

At the Carnegie website, Ahmed Nagi has published the first of a series of photo essays on his recent trip to Yemen—in this case on the city and governorate of Marib. Controlled by foes of the Houthis, Marib is a front line in the battle against the group and has attracted many who have been harmed by Houthi policies. Though Marib has been transformed by the influx of people, becoming a bustling city, the peace there appears fragile to Nagi. He concludes, “Perhaps it is the common resilience of the people that sets the city apart. Even so, no one can anticipate whether Marib will remain a stable exception or turn into another example of failed governance. It is certainly a place to watch, with potential lessons for other parts of Yemen.”

Ahmed Nagi
Senior Analyst at the International Crisis Group
Ahmed Nagi
Political ReformGulfYemenMiddle East

Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.

More Work from Diwan

  • Commentary
    Diwan
    Exporting Fossil Fuels Through Cloud Computing

    The GCC states’ use of Artificial Intelligence will generate much leverage over the global digital infrastructure and climate talks.

      Camille Ammoun

  • Commentary
    Diwan
    System Maintenance in Iraq

    In an interview, Shahla al-Kli discusses the country’s parliamentary elections and what they reveal.

      Rayyan Al-Shawaf

  • Commentary
    Diwan
    Where Might Developments in Yemen Lead?

    In an interview, Ibrahim Jalal discusses the Southern Transitional Council’s recent takeover of Hadhramawt and Mahra.

      Michael Young

  • Commentary
    Diwan
    Is Türkiye Lebanon’s New Iran?

    Ankara may seek to annul a maritime deal with Cyprus and expand its influence in the next parliament.

      Mohanad Hage Ali

  • Commentary
    Diwan
    Toward a New Compromise in Iraq?

    Recent election results have placed Nouri al-Maliki in a strong position to name the next prime minister.

      Wladimir van Wilgenburg

Get more news and analysis from
Malcolm H. Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center
Carnegie Middle East logo, white
  • Research
  • Diwan
  • About
  • Experts
  • Projects
  • Events
  • Contact
  • Careers
  • Privacy
  • For Media
Get more news and analysis from
Malcolm H. Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center
© 2026 Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. All rights reserved.