Houthi Strike Kills 13 in Riyadh, Shattering Gulf Stability

On Saturday, Houthi rebels launched a deadly missile attack on Riyadh, Saudi Arabia's capital. The strike hit King Khalid International Airport, killing at least 13 people and injuring 300 others. It was the deadliest attack on any Gulf country since the US and Israel launched their war on Iran in February. Saudi Arabia is not used to such high casualties, and the attack is likely to trigger a strong military response. This attack marks a turning point. Over the past year, the Gulf has entered a new era of instability—one that is not temporary and cannot be reversed. Compared with Gaza and Iran, casualties in the Gulf have been relatively low. But the slow erosion of peace and security in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE has changed the region more deeply than its leaders want to admit. Old alliances may no longer be enough. The Gulf's leaders should not assume they can rely on them.