Who are the Houthis and will the airstrikes stop them?
Jan 16, 2024
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The podcast explores the recent joint military strikes against the Houthis in Yemen in response to their attacks on cargo ships. It delves into the ideological and political motivations of the Houthis and discusses the impact of airstrikes in Yemen. The podcast also examines the potential consequences of the conflict on global trade and shipping routes.
The Houthis are a religious and political group in Yemen that aims to take control of the Red Sea and push back against Saudi influence.
Military strikes by the US and UK are unlikely to deter the Houthis, who operate by their own logic and narrative.
Deep dives
Houthi Attacks on Red Sea Shipping
The U.S. and British military have launched strikes against Houthi-held areas of Yemen in response to the Houthi movement's attacks on cargo ships in the Red Sea. These attacks have disrupted commercial shipping and the global economy. President Biden stated that the strikes were meant to send a clear message and protect U.S. personnel, civilian mariners, and trade. However, these limited strikes are unlikely to deter the Houthis, who have shown resilience and a commitment to continue their attacks.
The Rise and Identity of the Houthis
The Houthis are a religious, political, and military group that emerged in northwest Yemen. They are a she-e group known as Zaidis and have grown in influence, controlling territory where two-thirds of Yemen's population lives. Their desire to take control of the Red Sea and push back against Saudi hegemony and influence in the region has been a long-standing objective. The ongoing conflict in Yemen, the Arab Spring, and the opportunity to align themselves with Iran have contributed to their rise.
The Challenges of Dealing with the Houthis
The U.S. and UK face a dilemma in their approach to the Houthis. Previous attempts at sanctions and hampering the flow of funds have not been effective. Diplomatic efforts are challenging due to limited leverage over the Houthis. The recent airstrikes by the U.S. and UK may actually strengthen the Houthi narrative of aggression from the West, playing into their narrative of resistance against imperialism. Military strikes are unlikely to deter the Houthis, who operate by their own logic and have witnessed failures by foreign powers in the region.
Yemen’s Iranian-backed Houthis began firing missiles into Israel shortly after the invasion of Gaza. But when the rebels started targeting commercial shipping vessels in the Red Sea, the US and UK hit back. So, who are the Houthis and can they be stopped?
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Guest: Dr Elisabeth Kendall, Arabist & Middle East specialist and Mistress of Girton College, Cambridge University.
Host: Manveen Rana.
Clips: NBC, CBS, BBC, France 24, Al Jazeera, Reuters, YouTube/Dr Elisabeth Kendall.