Empire
125. The Origin of the Houthis
Feb 22, 2024
Iona Craig, an award-winning investigative journalist and Yemen specialist, dives deep into the origins and rise of the Houthi movement. She recounts her harrowing experiences covering Yemen's conflict and her encounters with the Houthis. The discussion highlights the group's transformation from a Shia religious movement to de facto rulers, the geopolitical significance of their recent attacks on international shipping, and the broader humanitarian crisis following their coup in 2014. Her insights illuminate the complex interplay of local and global politics in this war-torn region.
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Quick takeaways
- The origins of the Houthis can be traced back to a Shia religious movement in the 1990s, born out of opposition to the corrupt rule of Yemen at the time.
- Saudi Arabia intervened militarily in Yemen in 2015 to counter the Houthi rise, leading to a complex conflict with a Saudi-led coalition and dire consequences for civilians.
Deep dives
The Rise of Houthis and Impact on Yemen
The podcast discusses the rise of the Houthis in Yemen starting from the formation of the Believing Youth movement and leading to the escalation of conflicts with the government. The narrative details the influence of religious ideologies, specifically Zaidism, on Houthi actions and their political alliances. It further delves into the internal power struggles within Yemen due to the Houthis' rise to control, impacting the society and governance significantly.
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