Rise of the Houthis

• Prize
• Photographer
  Alex Potter, United States
• Studio
  www.alexkaypotter.com
• Website
  http://www.alexkaypotter.com

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.

• Biography
  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.
• Awards
  2016 IWMF Howard Buffet Fund Grantee Joop Swart Masterclass Nominee Kolga Tbilisi Photo Festival, Reportage Award Lucie Foundation Emerging Photographer, Shortlisted 2015 American Photography, AP 31 Joop Swart Masterclass Nominee Kolga Tbilisi Photo Festival, Documentary Award Oscar Barnack Newcomer Award, Finalist PhotoBoite 30 Under 30 2014 American Photography, AP 30 LOOKbetween Lucie Foundation Emerging Photographer, Shortlisted Oscar Barnack Newcomer Award, Finalist PX3 Silver Winner, Press / Feature Story 2013 American Photography, AP 29 Lucie Foundation Emerging Photographer, Shortlisted New York Times Portfolio Review PDN Photo Annual, Student Award 2012 Chris Hondros Student Fellow at Eddie Adams Workshop Glimpse Correspondent Lucie Foundation Emerging Photographer, Shortlisted Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar