Arab League points finger at Turkey, Israel, Iran over 'interference'

Saudi-led airstrikes in Yemen will continue until Shiite rebels ?withdraw and surrender their weapons,? a summit of Arab leaders decided on March 29, also agreeing in principle to form joint military force and criticizing Turkey, Iran and Israel over ?interference.?
 
The decision by the Arab League puts it on a path to more aggressively challenge Shiite power Iran, which is backing the Yemeni rebels, known as Houthis.

A Saudi-led coalition began bombing Yemen on March 26, saying it was targeting the Houthis and their allies, which include forces loyal to Yemen?s former leader, Ali Abdullah Saleh. Current and former Yemeni military officials have said the campaign could pave the way for a possible ground invasion.
                   
At the summit, held in the Egyptian resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh, Arab League chief Nabil Elaraby read a final communique outlining the leaders? views.
                   
?Yemen was on the brink of the abyss, requiring effective Arab and international moves after all means of reaching a peaceful resolution have been exhausted to end the Houthi coup and restore legitimacy,? Elaraby said.
                   
The Houthis swept down from their northern strongholds last year and captured the capital Sanaa in September. Embattled President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi, a close U.S. ally against a powerful local al-Qaida affiliate, fled first to the southern city of Aden and left the country last week.

?Foreign powers?

Speaking at the summit March 28, Hadi directly accused Iran of being behind the Houthi offensive, raising the specter of a regional conflict. Iran and the Houthis deny that Tehran arms the rebel movement, though the Islamic Republic has provided humanitarian and other aid....