Why the Houthis’ victory matters far beyond Yemen
A double blockade at Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb could further destabilize the global economy.
by Salah HIJAZI · L'Orient TodayThe Iranian axis is weakening in southern Lebanon but strengthening its grip on Bab al-Mandeb. On Thursday night and into Friday, Israel announced it had destroyed Hezbollah’s military infrastructure on the strategic Ali Taher hill. It was a setback for the group and its Iranian sponsor, which had threatened, without following through, to unleash heavy artillery if Israel captured the strategic site.But just hours later, Houthi rebels in Yemen launched an offensive in the country’s southwest and took control of the strategic cities of Mokha and Dhubab, as well as Mayyoun Island, also known as Perim. The move consolidated their control, and that of Iran, over the strategic Bab al-Mandeb strait.The new leverage could allow Iran, if it chooses, to disrupt the global economy, while also highlighting the limits of Saudi ambitions and a new...
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