Examining military strikes in Yemen and their impact on global trade, the historical and strategic importance of the Red Sea as a trade route, the emergence of Sheyas and the control of Houthis in Yemen, the UK's prominent role in the strike and questioning their motivations, the involvement of Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank in the conflict, the legality and morality of a recent military strike, and the complexities and uncertainties surrounding a particular group known as Ansa Allah.
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Quick takeaways
The conflict in Yemen's Red Sea region has important cost and efficacy considerations for Western nations involved.
The conflict in Yemen has broader implications in the global struggle for supremacy between the United States and China, raising questions about China's role in resolving the conflict.
Deep dives
The significance of the Red Sea
The Red Sea, connecting the Mediterranean European zone with the Indian Ocean and routes to China and Asia, is of vital strategic importance due to its impact on global trade and prices of goods.
Background on Yemen and the Houthis
Yemen, located on the Arabian Peninsula, has been split between north and south and experienced disruption since the invasion of Iraq. The Houthis, a group aligned with Iran, launched a successful insurrection against the official government in 2014, gaining control over 70% of Yemeni population and territory.
Challenges in confronting the Houthis
Previous Western military interventions in Arab countries, such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, and Syria, have not achieved their intended outcomes. The Houthis employ cheap weaponry, making the conflict asymmetrical with expensive Western missiles being responded to by inexpensive drones. The efficacy and cost of sustaining the war against the Houthis are important considerations.
Geopolitical and economic interests at stake
The conflict in Yemen has broader implications in the global struggle for supremacy between the United States and China. Disrupting the vital trade routes through the Red Sea affects Western consumers and challenges the existing world order. As China benefits from the sea lanes, there is a question of why China is not taking a more active role in resolving the conflict.