mat200
IPCT Contributor
- Jan 17, 2017
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The War in Yemen Keeps Getting Worse
Preston Stewart
This video features a discussion between host Preston Stewart and Middle East analyst Mohammed al-Basha regarding the deteriorating security and political situation in Yemen.
Key takeaways from the discussion:
Preston Stewart
This video features a discussion between host Preston Stewart and Middle East analyst Mohammed al-Basha regarding the deteriorating security and political situation in Yemen.
Key takeaways from the discussion:
- Houthi Expansion and Tactics: The Houthis are currently solidifying gains in the West Coast around the Bab al-Mandab Strait (1:09 - 2:33). They are demonstrating significant organizational sophistication, including the deployment of administrative and security personnel to captured territories, moving beyond a simple insurgent force (3:14 - 5:29).
- Military Imbalance: While government forces are fractured, suffer from poor cohesion, and lack sufficient air support, the Houthis benefit from advanced weaponry (ballistic missiles, drones, and hypersonic technology) supplied by Iran (11:10 - 12:25). The Houthis are also noted for an expansionist belief system, aiming to influence networks across the region, including in Sudan and Somalia (16:16 - 17:32).
- Saudi Response: Saudi Arabia has so far limited its intervention, likely to avoid the optics of a foreign-led conflict, but the potential for a full-scale air campaign is increasing as economic interests like Aramco infrastructure are targeted (17:40 - 20:21, 24:22 - 25:36).
- Geopolitical Context: The conflict is described as highly transactional and complex. While the Houthis coordinate with the Iranian "Axis of Resistance," they operate as an independent entity with their own Zaydi-influenced agenda rather than strictly following Tehran's directives (27:06 - 29:54).
