Shireen Al-Adeimi, an assistant professor of language and literature at Michigan State University, joins the show to discuss the history of U.S. involvement in Yemen, the emergence of the Houthis, and the political threats of the present conflict. The podcast also explores the ongoing war in Yemen and Israeli ground war against Hamas, Yemen's political circumstances, the origins and beliefs of the Houthi movement, and the adaptation of the Houthis.
The United States continues to agitate for a wider war in the Middle East, despite public rhetoric suggesting otherwise.
Israel's ground war against Hamas is not achieving its stated goals and may result in a potential quagmire.
Joe Biden's admission that airstrikes against the Houthis in Yemen are ineffective but will continue highlights the flawed strategy of previous administrations.
Deep dives
Concerns about US government agitating for wider war in the Middle East
The United States government is agitating for a wider war in the Middle East, despite rhetoric from the White House stating otherwise. US airstrikes in Yemen and continued military operations in Iraq indicate a different position than what is publicly portrayed. Netanyahu's statements about Palestinian statehood and Israel's control further complicate the situation.
Analysis of Israel's ground war against Hamas
Israel's ground war against Hamas is not going well for Israel or the United States. The stated goals of eliminating Hamas and rescuing Israeli hostages are not being achieved. Israeli casualties and the increasing intensity of the conflict signal a potential quagmire. The presence of Hamas tunnels and Israel's lack of clear exit strategy may result in goals being impossible to achieve.
Joe Biden's admission about airstrikes against Yemen
Joe Biden's admission that airstrikes against the Houthis in Yemen are not working but will continue indicates a continuation of the unsuccessful approach taken by previous administrations. The US policy of bomb and see if it works has not achieved desired results. This admission highlights the continuation of a flawed strategy despite knowing its ineffectiveness.
Yemen's relationship with Palestine and its impact on the current conflict
Yemen has a deep-rooted relationship with Palestine and considers itself a defender of Palestinian rights. Despite differing political factions and disagreements within Yemen, there is a united front in supporting the cause of Palestine. The solidarity with Palestine runs deeper than any political divisions or affiliations within Yemen.
Implications of US attacks in Yemen and the regional outlook
US attacks against Yemen and the blockade led by Ansar Allah's Houthis have regional implications. The airstrikes and expanded targets in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden escalate tensions and pose risks of broader conflict. Yemen's limited capabilities, including ground forces and unconventional tactics, may lead to escalation in these regions. The Saudi desire for de-escalation and concern over the potential implications of the strikes may impact the peace talks and the war in Yemen.
With his airstrikes this month ordered in response to attacks on Red Sea shipping, Joe Biden has become the fourth consecutive U.S. president to bomb Yemen. The strikes targeted against the Houthi militant group are aimed at preventing further attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea. Biden himself has said that the strikes carried out so far have been ineffective but that they would continue on nonetheless.
This week on Intercepted, Shireen Al-Adeimi, an assistant professor of language and literacy at Michigan State University and non-resident fellow at the Quincy Institute focused on Yemen, joins us to discuss the history of U.S. involvement in the country since the war on terror and the potential impact of this new intervention on Yemeni society. With co-hosts Jeremy Scahill and Murtaza Hussain, Al-Adeimi discusses the U.S. role in facilitating a disastrous Saudi and Emirati war in Yemen over the past decade, the emergence of the Houthis, and the political threats of the present conflict as Yemenis attempt to negotiate a peace agreement aimed at putting an end to a devastating conflict that has killed hundreds of thousands in the country.
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