Have We Lost the Red Sea? | What Should be the US Strategy Against the Houthis?

Have We Lost the Red Sea
What's Going on With Shipping?
April 25, 2024
In this episode, Sal Mercogliano - a maritime historian at Campbell University (@campbelledu) and former merchant mariner - discusses the current situation in and around the Red Sea and should the US continue to protect ships in the region or shift and focus on US-flagged or allied vessels.
#houthi #redsea #shipping #supplychain
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USNI News Timeline: Conflict in the Red Sea
news.usni.org/...
Iranian Ship Linked to Houthi Attacks Heads Home Amid Tensions
gcaptain.com/i...
Shipping hits out at scant coverage of hijacked crews
splash247.com/...
Shipping Industry Issues Plea to UN to Protect Maritime Security and Seafarers
gcaptain.com/s...
ADDRESS OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL AT THE OPENING OF THE 111TH SESSION OF THE LEGAL COMMITTEE, 22 to 26 April 2024
www.imo.org/en...
Merchant Ships in War Zones | Chief MAKOi Seaman Vlog
• Merchant Ships in War ...
MSCI Advisory 2024-006-Southern Red Sea, Bab el Mandeb Strait, Gulf of Aden, Indian Ocean, Somali Basin, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, Strait of Hormuz, and Persian Gulf-Threats to Commercial Vessels
www.maritime.d...
IMF Portwatch
portwatch.imf....
EUNAVFOR MARITIME SECURITY THREAT - RED SEA
on-shore.mscho...
No evidence more Chinese or Russian ships transiting Bab el Mandeb
www.lloydslist...
Marine Traffic
www.marinetraffic.com

[@BillyLapTop]

The cash flow hit to Egypt for less use of the canal must be tremendous. It has to put a serious strain on their economy.

[@simonschneider5913]

they have BRICS and the emirates to bail them out, dont worry about that..

[@tomhenry897]

A plus to iran as the government weakens the insurgents grow stronger

[@the_lost_navigator]

That's Israel's plan, Billy man

[@whazzat8015]

And doesn't Egypt border, what is it again, Gaza? Maybe they shouldn't be so hostile to the Gazans

[@geo8rge]

Perhaps Egypt can charge twice the rate for half the ships.

[@mikecohen2400]

Strategically the Houthis have a great advantage, they sit on an unsinkable aircraft carrier, and can fire at will on anything passing their way, and they have expanded their range well into the Indian Ocean, this was an extremely stupid fight to get into, because of the history of the region the Houthis are pretty much immune from the normal reprisals the west has used to beat down its opponents. To put it simply expending more wealth trying to bring the Houthis heal ain’t worth the gun powder, or the lives it would take.

[@imgr5143]

I agree. And the amerikans won't do a land invasion because they'll get their a** chewed off. So basically the amerikans are "not winning" and at what cost? Lol

[@Cba409]

Nothing nukes cant fix

[@TheCastedone]

Go back to bed child. ​@Cba409

[@ebrimajabbi5054]

​@@Cba409 Inhumane

[@Ofelas1]

"we" who is that, and "lost" was never yours to lose. "the navies of the world" well Russia and China sail through with no issue. Western hyperbole and hybris

[@GoodAfternoonDave]

If you can imagine the Houthi and Iranians policing the waters off the Florida coast, you'll understand why they're so motivated to stop you.

[@moritamikamikara3879]

What do we want? Free trade. What do they want? Jewish blood. You see the difference?

[@jaymarcase9737]

Preach!

[@eddieazimi5865]

And if they could imagine china setting up military bases in Mexico, they could understand why Russia sees NATO setting up bases in Ukraine as an existential threat.

[@RichardKing-sx6xc]

It's America's God giving right to spread DeMoCrAcY and GHEY rights across the Globe 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🌎

[@rolandthethompsongunner64]

@@eddieazimi5865WTF are you talking about? 🤡☝️

[@jongmans38]

It will be difficult in going around the Cape in winter, that's when the problem will come to a head.

[@robgrey6183]

We'll need some real sailors. Aaaargh!

[@simonjusticier333]

Winter in southern latitude is around June to September.

[@jongmans38]

@@simonjusticier333 Yes, not long now.

[@Pompomgrenade]

👹 What do you mean?? nuclear winter🔥

[@Ezekiel903]

@@Pompomgrenade who knows? I hope not, otherwise the winter will be hard in every region, and not only on sea ☠👀

[@AllNighterHeider]

It's in the numbers. As more ships divert, those that dont divert become more highlighted. There's safety in numbers and conversely more risk with fewer ships. Either way, costs go up. Thanks Sal

[@LawIV]

Unless we stop the Israeli genocide in Gaza

[@MGZetta]

Russian and Chinese ships don't need to hide in numbers. All they have to do is inform and raise the flags.

[@RobDeHaven]

You would think Egypt would have an incentive to help solve this problem so they get the fees from the transit of the ships through the Suez Canal. As for what the US can do, we clearly don't have the warship resources to provide escorts to defend all shipping in the region so that leaves only 2 other options. Do nothing and let the ships go around Africa, or go after the Houthis and their supply chain to prevent this from happening in the future. The conflict in Gaza and Israel will likely play out for months or years to come so some hard decisions will need to be made.

[@Rasscasse]

I can hear the deafening silence from Egypt. I’ve never seen a single statement by then concerning the Suez Canal, which provides an important contribution to their National income. So why is that? The scared of upsetting Iran? Or maybe perhaps one of the wealthy oil nations, who is friendly with the houthies, are compensating Egypt for their lost income, so as not to cause divisions in the Arabic world. For sure, something is going on to stop the Egyptians publicly complaining about loosing half a million dollars per big shop passage, caused by the Iran supported Houthie anti shipping action.

[@gmw3083]

Izrul is the problem

[@nubetubeme]

@@Rasscasse muslim brothers its all about the end win fall of the west

[@alexanderlarsen6412]

@@Rasscasse They don't want to take part in a genocide.

[@JoanneLeon]

​@@RasscasseCompensation seems pretty likely but not necessarily from the regional nations

[@lukenodag5784]

Also the US Navy helped enforce a blockade on Yemen during the Saudi invasion. So pleading about keeping sea lanes open probably rings pretty hollow in Yemen.

[@biggus333]

i hears tens to hundreds of thousands died of starvation because of that blockade, all because saudi didn't yemen to have a government chosen by it people

[@abraham9446]

​@@biggus333The west will pay a huge price for the crimes they've committed in global south.

[@furtfurt]

Yes, our blockade of Yemen caused hundreds of thousands to die and tens if millions to be malnourished. We (the US government) did this to Yemenis for almost 10 years because we didn't like who they elected. en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blockade_of_Yemen#:~:text=It%20has%20been%20reported%20that,hope%20for%20millions%20of%20Yemenis.

[@plethoraofpinatas.]

Asymmetrical warfare at its finest.

[@samhavoc1066]

Finest? Funny choice of words for terrorism.

[@phillipparker5073]

Dude your channel is so on-point! You, as its creator and deliverer of this information have been awesome from the beginning!!! Really enjoy your personality and natural ability to bring complex info in a very understandable way! i like seeing your posts come up in my alerts. First one I go to. Thank you

[@JK-zw8ec]

Thanks!

[@brandistein5717]

My son is on IKE & I watch your channel to try to piece together the details of what they’re doing there- even though knowing the details doesn’t make sense as to why in the world they are there- it still helps to know. Thank you for taking the time to make these videos, they are much appreciated. ⚓️🙏🏼⚓️❤️

[@SpringIsBACK]

Let me try to explain without getting too political - Sal would frown on that. 🙂 While I'm not one of the perpetual gloom and doomers, there are a LOT of, shall we say, very fragile economies in the world today. The IMF has even given the USA a pretty significant warning - about the US economy. Many European economies are even dicier. Energy supply uncertainties caused by the War in Ukraine, and some other factors, are a large risk to those Euro economies. For example, assume nothing much about the present situations in Europe and the ME changes for the next year, except that Europe has a very hard winter. Because LNG ships are having to go around S. Africa (in winter - a quite rough ride) delivery times from the ME to Europe can double or more. Since there are not a bunch of extra LNG ships just sitting around unused, essentially that source of gas to Europe gets halved. Particularly since the US has limited gas exports, the potential negative effects to Euro economies are pretty ghastly. The ripples to the US could be rather nasty too... That's just one instance of the negatives, admittedly one of the most severe if it really goes sideways, but, then again, Mr. Murphy would advise us MULTIPLE difficulties could and maybe even would likely arise. Does Egypt fall to the Muslim Brotherhood if the Egyptian economy goes south? What if a ship or two is lost going around S. Africa in the winter? Will some other shortages develop with time? And so on. So... The US really is in the Red Sea to try to end or at least mute the problems caused by the Houthis, but, we are not there with nearly enough resources or determination. Instead, the Biden Administration is once again trying to "crisis manage", seemingly afraid to take the bull by the horns. The result not surprisingly being that the bull just keeps crapping on us.

[@Navymom77]

@brandistein5717 US Navy parent here-I so understand-thank ur son for his service, am grateful to him. My son was close to retire, just signed for 5 more yrs-a Chief, been on aircraft carriers-now change duty to 5th fleet, the Bush. It is so hard when our Sailors are deployed, I keep reminding myself the Navy ship crews are well trained & watch each other's backs. I too watch this channel as an excellent source of information. Hang in there Navy parent, Navy families stick together, strength in numbers🙏💙⚓⚓🇺🇲

[@carabideau]

Prior Navy here, in simplest terms I believe the IKE is there as a show of force. Some flexing, hopefully deterring forces. Just my opinion though.

[@HarryWHill-GA]

Sal, I know it was a slip of the tongue but USS Florida (SSGN-728) no longer carries ballistic missiles. It is now a guided missile submarine. USS Florida is home ported at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay here in beautiful Saint Marys, GA. Keep up the good work.

[@picahudsoniaunflocked5426]

For a split second I mis-read & thought you stated your outfit name as the "Base Kings" lol I grew up on AF bases so it made sense to me.

[@jeebusk]

what

[@RiffeLivingLife]

😊

[@mackfisher4487]

Sol, thank you American merchant Marine insights and how it's affected by national and international actions. I particularly appreciate your calling it as you see it and not allowing politics to enter your viewpoints.

[@stevenwilliams9359]

imagine being such a coward that you're to scared to criticise a failed operation in a country that advocates for free speech. Fuk your ships, stop funding genocide!

[@networkedperson]

uhhhhh deciding you don't care about Gaza is a political decision...

[@Lakridza67]

I am so thrilled to have spotted you on Australian news here in Melbourne lately. Comforting to know that they are finally bringing on the real experts! #DrSal #whatsgoingonwithshipping #whattheship

[@FeeNixBeech]

Asymmetric Warfare is a long game. "Winning" is a misleading term. The Taliban lost almost every battle they fought. Until the last one.

[@LawIV]

As will the people of Palestine

[@george2113]

Consider what they "won"?

[@george2113]

Is it better to rule in hell than serve in heaven?

[@TomTomicMic]

​@@LawIV Israel will win that one, Hamas does not want to win the war, it wants it to continue forever and they keep their terrorist hands on the aid money otherwise they have no future!?!

[@whazzat8015]

We have to win, they just have to not lose.

[@jeebusk]

even if every "missile" is shot down... the real question is what's the cost for the USN, Indian Navy, etc.

[@DR_1_1]

They operated these vessels anyway, so the extra cost is not huge. It's mostly Europe who pay the price with extra shipping costs, that's why the US is not interested in the end of the conflict. Just like the war in Ukraine, peace would mean that Europe would buy cheap gas and oil from Russia again, instead of expensive US LNG and oil!!! Not interesting for the US...

[@imgr5143]

At what cost?

[@pottyputter05]

Cost is a very misunderstood thing in this sphere. The value of the thing you are protecting plays a much bigger role and people also misunderstand that interceptor missiles are always more expensive because they must out perform the incoming

[@jeebusk]

it matters who's paying the cost too @@pottyputter05

[@earthsystem]

​@@pottyputter05exactly, cost is a nebulous construct, utility is the important determinant.

[@tedfisk1211]

These diversions around the Cape of Good Hope will reduce the volume going through the Suez and the issues that are faced with the one way traffic. Sure, shipping costs will increase overall and maybe that will have the effect of pushing manufacturing back onshore at the US and other countries. Interesting topic, for sure. Thanks Sal for explaining it.

[@benjones4365]

The US have, by bringing so much back to Mexico, self reliant in oil. The US is looking rosy. It is Europe I am worried about.

[@gandydancer9710]

@@benjones4365 "The US have, by bringing so much back to Mexico, self reliant in oil." This sentence is not written in English.

[@volvo245]

Too bad you have 2 generations now who were taught to despise manufacturing jobs and manual labor skills. Bit tricky to get skilled workers.

[@benjones4365]

@@gandydancer9710 OK Wazack, What fucking language is it then?

[@gandydancer9710]

@@benjones4365Who is this "Wazack" person? You write what I am willing to assume is excellent Gibberish. But, as I pointed out, it is not English. Can't you tell the difference?

[@Gi-Home]

The Red Sea is a trap that is best avoided, this project is a money pit. Absolutely great information from this episode, great work.

[@Jezebels_Dad]

Thank you for your work, Sal, especially the recent Key Bridge data. This is a great source of what is happening from a very interesting perspective. It might be interesting to spend a moment to apprise some of us who don't know what the costs are in say using 2 Moran tugs to escort a ship through the temporary channel. What a diver makes in a day, what... so many things. I'm really enjoying your work.

[@jrfox18]

Very interesting topic. Please keep giving updates on this situation or similar other ones Sal! Thank you!

[@NewGoldStandard]

This channel is easily the best on this topic. Thank you very much, I'm always excited to see a new post.

[@fubarbrandon1345]

One of a kind information...Thanks Sal.

[@calvinhobbes7504]

Sal, you didn't pause long enough for a quick sip when you first mentioned Bab-el-Mandeb .... probably just an oversight or empty mug. Seriously, thank you for another great presentation. Geez, Dr. Sal .... you didn't sip even ONCE. :)

[@peters-adventure]

My thought too! The amount of information packed in this episode left no time for Bab-al-Mandab pauses. 🍺

[@agcala9619]

Thank you for the update.

[@BrianWhite-e8g]

Thankyou for your content and importantly, being easy to listen to.

[@tippo5341]

Thanks Sal...always a concise delivery of facts regarding all subject matter, and in a non biased way, makes the information so much more digestable for us laypersons whom are somewhat less (but becoming more...thanks to you) educated with regards to the beast and necessary industry that commercial shipping is to the world!!!! Cheers from Aus!!!!

[@JK4507]

Sal - I love your content! Thank you

[@wgowshipping]

You are so welcome!

[@levi_ackermanns_gilfriend4798]

Thanks for the upload.

[@az10sbum1]

The bottom line is Chinese, Russian, etc have a lower operating cost because the Houthis are told which ships are "hands off". In the end, they fund the Houthis anyway so it is "win-win" for them

[@paulcollinseverett2151]

They haven't attacked those Ships with all pretty and matching colored containers that are unrusted and new ..... mtX

[@Ezekiel903]

no, I think a Chinese ship was hit!

[@Harry_Gersack]

I'm damn sure they're funded by Iran

[@mrpilkington9710]

Its Iran who funds them the Russians get a pass to operate freely due the the Russians supplying arms to and recently increasing economic corporations with the Iranians

[@paperandmedals8316]

So you must be ignoring the Chinese and Russian ships hit by the Houthis. I’m going to try that. Just ignore facts and argue a different narrative.

[@dennisclapp7527]

Sal, thanks for the excellent analysis and commentary.

[@wgowshipping]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@carmangeek8882]

The U S navy is not capable of keeping the shipping lanes open.

[@CptJistuce]

Let's be clear, if the US got serious they absolutely could. But it would require us moving from defensive acts to offensive ones. The houthi would stop attacking ships, because the houthi wouldn't exist anymore. Along with a good chunk of Yemen. Ooops?

[@floycewhite6991]

Capable. Just not willing.

[@l337pwnage]

They got more rainbow flags on order, when they arrive they will be able to do the job.

[@albertvanlingen7590]

Sal..... in South Africa we were treated by the passage of the BOKA Vanguard with an absolutely insanely big cargo on it. Some kind of metal structure, bigger than an oil rig.

[@AdilAchahbar-g9i]

I am from Morocco, from the Rif region specifically. Here, many Moroccans are thinking about communicating with Iran to obtain weapons and even manufacture marine drones locally, in preparation for closing the Gibraltar crossing in the future.

[@gertjan1710]

Beats balancing the books I guess

[@tubthump]

Every little helps the axis of resistance

[@2uksteve]

From Morocco - or Moscow?🤔

[@AdilAchahbar-g9i]

@@2uksteve Morocco

[@user-qq6rr2je4q]

Great idea

[@johngallus1735]

Great video, news and insights thank you Sir

[@nathanruben3372]

While US is taking over iranian ship, nobody complains. But if iranians did it, it is thread to maritime shipping...

[@richcook2007]

Sounds like the opinion of a 4 year old. F Iran.

[@jrossofskb]

Exactly!

[@user-bf3mh5tm8q]

Please go back to your Muslim channel

[@zondazerda2230]

​@@user-bf3mh5tm8q Truth hurts your little feelings?

[@jakewillits4678]

So youre saying most people are smart? Maybe there is hope

[@icare7151]

Thank you Dr. Mercogliano. Your insights, analysis and presentations are second to none. Do you have on-line college courses I could attend?

[@louisgiokas2206]

The US has officially stopped providing worldwide protection for shipping on the high seas. The US Navy is not configured for that task. To do that would take ten times the number of destroyers that we currently have. The US Navy is configured for power projection. Period. Sal, you should know that. The US populace is no longer interested in being the world's policeman. The last US president who even wanted to have the discussion about world governance and security was George H. W. Bush. He was our last president who had the experience, knowledge and interest to actually deal with international issues. He was voted out of office. The presidents we have had since have been progressively more populist. Even Bush's son, George W. Bush, ran on a platform of reduced international involvement and an end to "nation building". Then 9/11 happened. The GWT was a detour, not a change in direction. It costs a lot of money to patrol the oceans. Unless the US can tax other nations to pay for it, that burden falls squarely in the shoulders of the US taxpayer. Guess what? That is not going to happen, nor should it. The world is changing. The dynamics for the US have changed. This is especially true of oil. The future will be very different. I am afraid that many people, especially those associated with diplomacy and the military, do not see that. They want to keep things the same. That is not going to happen.

[@heinzriemann3213]

Worlds policeman? 😂 What did the policeman do when England captured an Iranian ship in breach of internatioNal law? Nothing? Well seems you're the rogue.

[@louisgiokas2206]

@@heinzriemann3213 That is just a turn of phrase. I believe that that case involved sanctioned oil. In that case, where is the breach of international law? As for Iran, they have a whole fleet of ships they have seized.

[@heinzriemann3213]

@@louisgiokas2206 Lol sanctioned by whom? Sanctioning trade between two sovereign nations is called... ... ... Piracy.

[@louisgiokas2206]

@@heinzriemann3213 Your ignorance of international relations is stunning. Any nation can decide to limit trade with any other nation. That is called sovereignty. To put it another way, there is no requirement to allow trade with another nation. In fact, nations grant trade status to other nations. It is not a natural right. The UN even imposes sanctions. If a nation is sanctioned, then the nation putting on the sanctions can also decide to sanction third parties that violate those sanctions. That is how the world works. What you fail to understand is that behind any law, local, state or federal (in US parlance) is force. Without force there are no laws.

[@CptJistuce]

​@@heinzriemann3213England is the policeman's friend, and the policeman doesn't much like Iran. Hence, the police looked away.

[@SteamCrane]

It would be worthwhile to do a segment about how pleasant it is to sail around the Cape Of Storms/Good Hope. It should be getting towards winter there now.

[@robertodelcristo6503]

Is this what an 825 billion dollar military budget buys us? If we can't clamp down on the Houthis then others will be encouraged by our lack of action. We may as well concede the South China sea right now. I miss the days when we were respected.

[@omgsrsly]

Being the largest source of entertainment and comedy is respectable in itself😉

[@whazzat8015]

It's a team sport. Who else on the team/ nobody it seems

[@ZealothPL]

Perhaps if you idiots haven't spent last 70 years on endless wars with basically everyone you'd not need a 825 billion a year military...perhaps you might have even been respected. Good luck trying to beat more and more of the world into submission though

[@x--.]

That really is the problem with half-measures. If we straight up conceded the Red Sea, declaring it not in our interest to protect then at least you could respect that decision. But half-way addressing the issue seems to invite attacks.

[@douglasfur3808]

That's the problem of asymmetric warfare. Our military may deter Russia or China or Iran but our military is not built to deal with an irregular force. The Houthi are more of a criminal element hiding in an economic development problem.

[@vasilispatsalidis5683]

Excellent report.

[@benrupp04]

Fascinating stuff sir, thank you!

[@StephenRWilliams]

Would this be a good opportunity to revive Q-ships? (arming merchant ships with disguised weapons to act as warships)

[@bjturon]

For want of a frigate a freighter is diverted... for want of a freighter a cargo is diverted...

[@tygerbyrn]

“For want of a nail…”

[@eccentricthinker142]

For want of a cargo, the supply was substituted... For want of the supply the prices went up

[@karlbrundage7472]

For want of a few nuclear weapons, world trade is diverted.........................

[@gandydancer9710]

@@karlbrundage7472 Not seeing any shortage of nuclear weapons anywhere. Do you think drivel is amusing?

[@karlbrundage7472]

@@gandydancer9710 Surely you knew I was talking about expending nuclear weapons, or do think being willfully obtuse is amusing?

[@jessen00001]

Great report thanks Sal

[@KellieEverts-ss8uz]

Not only have you lost red sea but the plot

[@jackkohler1392]

Thanks for a really outstanding report! Telling it like it is!

[@Onequietvoice]

Partly.

[@kawaiiduck5924]

Who wants a shirt like Sal’s?

[@mlangbert]

are the shipping and tanker companies charging premiums to compensate for the additional distances? Why is it so hard to get rid of the Houthis?

[@davidschwartz5127]

I think we are positioned there to stop missiles from hitting ships and also prevent missiles from hitting our allies.

[@OnLyCraftthebest]

fantastic overview of exactly whats happening for months now.

[@WALTERBROADDUS]

​@@OnLyCraftthebestnice reply to Captain Obvious....🙄

[@OnLyCraftthebest]

@@WALTERBROADDUS My sarcasm could use some workshopping

[@jakemocci3953]

Who is “we”, jew?

[@willythemailboy2]

@@jakemocci3953 The civilized half of humanity you are clearly not a part of.

[@simonschneider5913]

thanks for the broad and balanced update! love your channel, even more so when theres no national headlines. youre filling a big nichte here! :)

[@Onequietvoice]

Balanced? Where was the Houthi position explained?

[@simonschneider5913]

@@Onequietvoice he regularly talks about the roots of this shit being gaza. thats a big ask in media today alteady. i feel you, but you gotta cut sal some slack there. he is working a particular audience. and i think he does bring it up quite effectively.

[@TechOttawa]

Wait, wait! I have to get my drink ready... OK, press "play"

[@ThatOpalGuy]

Please provide next of kin info. Alcohol poisoning is a thing.

[@whazzat8015]

Day drinking again are we?

[@spiritualdeath101]

My question is : how can S.A. sustain the refuelling ports; Durban etc etc. How are these ports supplied with fuel ; is it tankered-in? how secure is this supply line. Or, do ships carry enough fuel to not require refuelling around S.Afric.

[@BencerCourt123]

This is the beginning of the end for US hegemony

[@havoc1482]

lmao okay rajesh.

[@jakewillits4678]

Dummy

[@bob___]

This is a time when global supply chains are reconfiguring into regional supply chains, and it is also a time when countries with blue water navies capable of policing global shipping lanes are not necessarily the same as the countries that use global shipping lanes for commerce. So it's open to question, not whether someone should do something about the Houthis, but who that would be.

[@External2737]

The US should protect US flagged ships. Other nations need to step up. Europe intentionally under funds their military. India and China too. I wonder if the US isn't as concerned as this hurts China more...

[@gardnep]

The only real solution is to talk to your enemies. Most compromises are based on relationships and building genuine truthful dialogue between the parties. The key is Gaza, military intervention by western nations in the Red Sea will not solve the issue. The only way forward, I see, is a multinational peacekeeping force in Gaza with power to act against both sides.

[@David-el3rv]

Sal went through this long exposition without ever mentioning that if the U.S. leaned on Israel to stop the genocide, the Houthis would cease endangering the Red Sea. Problem solved...

[@JohnSmall314]

"The only real solution is to talk to your enemies." The problem is that the Houthi are under the control of Iran, and Iran takes orders from Putin. The latest middle east crisis was created to divert American resources from Ukraine. Putin knows that America will spend any amount of money protecting Israel from a small band of armed rebels, but will quickly tire of spending money to protect Ukraine, and Europe, from the might of heavily armed Russia. Putin also gambles that a middle east crisis will help Trump's chances in November. Trump is Putin's key ally in Ukraine. If Trump wins then Ukraine is lost, and next goes the Baltic States and all of Europe.

[@CptJistuce]

The problem is that Iran keeps starting shit, and has no interest in "compromise". But we aren't willing to call them on it because they supply terrorist organizations rather than go out and actually fight their own battles. The houthi, hezbolla, and hamas would all fold like newspaper if Iran suddenly stopped supporting them.

[@OffendingTheOffendable]

Talk to your enemies 😂 that always works

[@OffendingTheOffendable]

​@@personzorzyeah they don't understand

[@edl653]

The premise of your opening statement is if it is solely a win or lose. The range is from 0 ship to unlimited ship traffic, there is lots of space in between, not just zero or infinity. As you mentioned there is still traffic going through at 50%. Additionally, you on combining the Strait of Hormuz situation of Iranian seizures with the Red Sea Houthi situation. They may be related but are different problems. - It will be impossible to stopped 100% of attacks from Yemen if they desire to not stop them. The true question is how much cost effort by Navys to expend versus improved risk profile achieved. Whatever level of effort decided by the folks making the decisions, costs will go up.

[@markcoveryourassets]

spare the rod, spoil the child. we get what we incentivize or ignore. it's a continuum, yes, and worth keeping open for even a high price.

[@angelarch5352]

What would happen if China and Russia declared that they are the only countries allowed to use the Red Sea and nobody else?... Why is that different from exactly the same thing happening now, but a little country Yemen declared it instead of them declaring it?

[@michaelk5825]

I heard that the Egyptians raised their rates, and that has had a major impact on the shipping volume through the Red Sea. What is the relative impact of this?

[@bjorntorlarsson]

Perhaps the question is: What should our strategy WITH the houthis be? What is it that upsets their security concerns and how could we help them create a secure region for themselves?

[@floycewhite6991]

They want money. It's the old protection racket.

[@bjorntorlarsson]

@@floycewhite6991 No. Already the Athenian General Thucydides wrote 2500 years ago that the thre causes of war are fear, pride and interest in that order of importance. Money is only part of the interest at the lowest level. Culture denialists in the West might think that monies are fun, they make me buy Chinese made stuff. But most people in the world do not think like that. They have true virtues instead. "Follow the money" is a common statement about how to investigate somebody's motives. And that is almost always wrong. Money is just a means to an end that is the true motive.

[@PaulCashman]

Great reporting as always. Also (hic), eight (8) mentions of the Bab Al-Mandab Strait, for those (hic) keeping track.

[@n4837z]

Sal, An interesting calculation would be...how much $$$ has Egypt lost due to the bypassing of the Suez Canal? just thinkin.

[@Yenadar]

I was just thinking the same thing, Egypt is going to have something pretty strong to say about the Lost revenue

[@robgrey6183]

Biden will print the money and cover their losses.

[@bobthemagicmoose]

Egypt received 10bn in revenue from the suez in 2023 (Bloomberg) and its traffic is down 40% (Forbes and others). So 4bn its looking like for the year.

[@AdastraRecordings]

Thanks as always for your honest assessment Sal.

[@1man2many]

Thank you, Sal for you excellent reporting. Politicians are expecting that Americans have forgotten about the Red Sea; they may be correct. Most seem to have the attention span of gnats. It's probably good you steer clear of politics that could hamstring your channel, we need you for REAL news.

[@SWOBIZ]

I have to wonder why the coalition doesn't organize a daily convoy system through the Bab el Mandeb strait? Assemble ships in the Gulf of Aden, have the destroyers/frigates escort them through the strait, then do the same thing for southbound traffic. Could even charge for the service.

[@karohe]

MSC Aries was traveling through the strait of Hormoz with both AIS turned off while not following the traffic separation schemes. If you were driving at night with you head lights off in the opposite lane, police stopping you and impounding your car is a given.

[@bobthemagicmoose]

lol. Right. It’s more like if I’m walking down the sidewalk and a homeowner calls out “where are you going” and I refuse to answer so he kidnaps me.

[@Rasscasse]

@@bobthemagicmoose Yes! That

[@karohe]

@@bobthemagicmoose Not really, read the UNCLOS regulations for straits and channels. There are rules that all ships must follow. Failing to do so will have consequences. Driving opposite the traffic on a highway at night with headlamps off is the perfect analogy.

[@ELCADAROSA]

@@karohe One word: radar. Highway vehicles don't have radar. Ships do. Paved highways have distinct physical boundaries and marked lanes. Yes, ships have designated shipping lanes, but exclusive of marked channels in ports, they have the ability (if not the legality) to plot and steer however they chose. And they can see vessels around them with their radar and plot courses to avoid collision, etc. Therefore, your automobile analogy, while well intended, is not completely relevant.

[@karohe]

@@ELCADAROSA Sure, let's see if that argument holds in court. Let's agree that the outcome of the case is going to resolve this. Bad faith spins can change public opinion, but not so much a judge that will rule on the subject. Also an israeli linked ship giving Iran such an easy point is dumb. I would have been on my best behaviour given what had happened 10 days prior.

[@Foxysvacation]

It’s about radar coverage and geometry. I would question if the DDGs can escort and have the right geometry for BMD. Remember the also must protect the carrier.

[@freelyfarmexploits8854]

Perhaps 'we' would be better focusing its foreign policy on peaceful solutions to worldwide problems and conflicts, we does not own the Red sea, I Guess increasing tensions is good for the MIC business.

[@TheWest214]

How reliable are those notations like, "Armed guards on board" or "Lybian crew"?

[@michaeltrillium]

It’s just horrible that there are so few credible, honest commentators. There is an immense role an honest press is needed for, and the vast majority is useless, corrupt and part of the problem.

[@georgewelliver9653]

Think you need to take a look at who controls the media. If you control the media, you can control the mind of the people. Joseph Gobles knew that, that’s why he was Hitler’s minister of propaganda. I just did a calculation of the 25 richest Israeli. The grand total came to $124 billion. Source CEO world magazine 2024 look it up.

[@jonceleste4008]

Sal is doing the best he can (everything he says is factual) The other stuff, the stuff he 🙊, you gotta fill in for yourself. If he spoke about it, no mo WIGOWS.

[@sladehelicoptersgaming3148]

So I don’t understand why when someone fires drones missiles etc , why don’t the navies in the area destroy the locations they come from ?

[@death_parade]

Don't know about you pal, but where I come from, that $hit is called war. And it is taken seriously. Simply declaring war on everyone is a rather f00lish strategy.

[@Peter_Morris]

It really doesn’t say much when the U.S. military doesn’t understand the problem. Or maybe they do, and there’s just no will to do it. If Houthis aren’t taking dirt naps, the Red Sea will remain closed.

[@annsheridan12]

Yep! Lacking the will .

[@kotori87gaming89]

The Houthi military have routinely stated their desire to become martyrs. The USA needs to take them up on that offer.

[@celiajames600]

​So genocide?? For shipping routes?​ this kind of thinking is exactly what leads the US into these kinds of problems. @@kotori87gaming89

[@thesaracen3992]

@@kotori87gaming89the US already tried and failed, go read about the yemen war since 2015 onwards lol😂

[@arcanondrum6543]

Travel back in time to find out the root cause: #1. Did colonies of England/UK rebel with justification? #2. Resources trade below their actual value because a very, very few people take most of the profits. #3. Resources are then used to make products that deliberately last less time than what is possible. #'s 1 thru 3 are inextricably linked together with the reason why empires eventually crumble.

[@clockco1362]

honestly, the houthis are fighting harder than Hezbollah

[@johngillon6969]

if we support Palestine, that would help.

[@stnln2180]

​@@johngillon6969 If we deal with puppeteer (the Ayatollahs) instead of puppets it would help.

[@clockco1362]

@@johngillon6969 the people of Palestine deserve our support. it would most certainly be a step towards stability in the region

[@johngillon6969]

@@stnln2180 u brainwashed i think,

[@evinwhiteson4902]

​@@stnln2180 This would show the world we usa and eu are paper tigers

[@jaydeeification]

Thoughts on the shipbuilding funding increases in the Foreign Aid bill? Looks like a couple more submarines and drydock funding also. Significant or too small?

[@bc-guy852]

"Bab el mandeb" X EIGHT?? Looks like I won't be driving anywhere today!

[@ThatOpalGuy]

RIP liver

[@Onequietvoice]

My very first comment to your channel on this issue when "Prosperety Guardian" began was to state that the Western Naval action would act as a force multiplier for the Houthi. This has been proved to be absolutely correct. You see fit to highlight the regretable deaths of 3 crew members due to Houthi action and the massacre committed by Hamas without even a mention of the brutal and disproportionate Israeli response in Gaza or the deaths among Houthi from US and British air strikes. In fact, I have found it impossible to find any coverage of the latter. You unintenionally demonstrate exactly why the West cannot deal with this area of the world without creating more problems than they will ever solve.

[@indylovelace]

So you said…if we aren’t winning, then why do we keep our ships engaged in this area? It would seem if we give up our mission in this area “freedom of navigation”…then do we encourage similar behavior in the South China Sea and other hot spots around the world?

[@wgowshipping]

I think we need to win this mission, but right now it is not conveying the right message.

[@indylovelace]

@wgowshipping What would you suggest?

[@wgowshipping]

@@indylovelace The US and EU should run convoys through the area. This would force the Houthi to expose themselves and then you can strike. In WWII, convoys were offensive weapons and not defensive ones

[@Joyful-213]

USA is spread too thin. China and Russia know this.

[@SteamCrane]

​@@wgowshipping A key point that people forget. The mission was to sink submarines, with the convoys as bait.

[@CharlesBallowe]

What stops the US or allies from parking a battleship out there and launching counter attacks against the launch sites? Or if these are non-state actors, what stops Yemen from raiding them and dismantling the houthi capabilities?

[@CptJistuce]

We don't have any functional battleships today. Yemen is mostly controlled by the houthi. The world generally does not recognize them as the rightful government of Yemen, but for all practical purposes they are.

[@user-qq6rr2je4q]

Typical misinformed braggadocio

[@robertbridges517]

The cost of fighting this asymmetric war favors the Houthis. The interceptor missiles cost more than the drones plus the cost of deployment of defensive ships is high. To open up the Red Sea requires Iran to pull the financial plug and they hold the cards now. It's not an Israeli-Iran issue.... it's the West-Iran issue.

[@mshtysf4646]

Nope not west-iran. Just west vs human dignity

[@willythemailboy2]

I just point out that Israel is also conducting "asymmetric" warfare and turning western Yemen into a second Gaza is an option.

[@YTViolatesourrightstofreedomof]

How can you say so COLD & carelessly ONLY 3 lives lost, those 3 lives meant alot to their families, friends or partners!

[@brianjonker510]

From the very beginning, I asked myself how much of the Red Sea shipping directly affects the USA & why is it the USA is spending the money to ensure safe shipping. I still do not know

[@flagmichael]

A whole lot of it directly affects the USA and most of the world. Check out Mr. Mercogliano's video from three months ago: "The Red Sea Attacks in 10 Charts | What Impact Have the Houthi on Shipping & the Economy?" Short form: longer trips, more fuel, insurance problems....

[@maartenvanrossen6138]

Because it is on the shortest route between asia and the east coast of the USA.

[@medstorm9454]

US government are happy to spend trillions of dollars just to make Israeli feel safe !

[@omgsrsly]

I'm getting tired of these 'but muh money' arguments

[@phobosmoon4643]

@@flagmichael I believe you may be misidentifying his point; he is asking why the USA protects ships flagged to other nations that pay no tax halfway across the world.

[@williesimpson6757]

It seems that with a coalition, the circle of protection ships could have escorted groups at a time .. should have been done long ago

[@kurtkohl151]

If the world wants free trade on the seas then we should send them a bill for protection, missile expense etc. If they don't want to pay then fine your on your own. Let the Liberian Navy protect your Liberian Flagged ship. Bill should be cost plus.

[@kp6215]

Exactly what 🇺🇸 DOD contracts have always been my entire life with the purchase overdue by years and quantity control not completed for original contract.

[@Khronogi]

Except we the consumers are the ones fitting that bill lol

[@ThatOpalGuy]

Problem is there are NO American flagged ships bringing cargo to the US.

[@dustin8268]

What your thoughs on iran releaseing msc aires is it likely to happen or is it gonna sit there and rust away like the other ships they have taken

[@lesliemacmillan9932]

I guess the United States can argue that we (you, really, because I'm a sympathetic foreigner) don't need to keep the Red Sea as a navigable waterway. Neither cargo ships nor warships want, or need, to take the chance on losses through it. There are alternatives, like Cape of Good Hope. Contrast that to the Second World War when Britain had no choice but to keep the North Atlantic open, and fortunately the United States entered the war to help enormously. So convoys had to sail even when they knew there would be, and were, heavy losses to both freighters and escort ships really until late 1943 when the Allies started to win the Battle of the Atlantic using improved tactics, code-breaking, and technology. Churchill said it was the only theatre that truly gave him sleepless nights. The Red Sea is just not in the same league. All of the Red Sea and the Suez Canal is not worth the bones of a single American (or British) sailor, you might say.

[@floycewhite6991]

Your build-up is incorrect in that Germany fairly begged Britain and France not to go to war, while neutral America sank every German merchant and military vessel it came across. The cabal running the Cabinet always had a choice and chose to provoke war at every turn. For good reason every country at war is labeled a belligerent. At any rate, why don't we (the developed world) simply stop aid and trade with unfriendly nations? Simply ignore them for, oh, say, 100 years once they allow piracy.

[@themacker894]

Excellent episode. Professional. Information dense. Wise conclusions based on the evidence. Thanks!

[@ltribley]

Glad you brought this topic up, and thank you for your professionalism all the way. Some geopolitical experts have stated “directly” that the U.S. Navy Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Yemen mission is a FAILURE. Independent experts stated this from the very beginning and the U.S. should have known this based on past military hostiles with them. It really was “black and white”. The only possibility for a win was a ground invasion with U.S. body bags. History tells the story. The Houthis “Naval Attrition War Model” has been successful. It’s not about sinking ships, but “demilitarizing” naval ships (remember 2 $2 mil. defensive missiles shot for every Houthis cheap drone), hurting the Israeli economy, and related shipping ownership. Let’s have a GAO audit report of this operation. You don’t see this unless you monitor World news and social media outside the U.S., but the Houthis are looked on as HEROES around the world for their support of the Palestinian's. They made the U.S. Navy (and NATO) look toothless! The GLOBAL MAJORITY is comprised of 85% of the world’s population so they have a big following. Censored here. You also know it’s been a failure because we no longer see or hear much coverage of events in the Red Sea by U.S., EU, and UK media as we suddenly ramp up the Chinese “Yellow Peril” wherever we turn. [The U.S. is diverting Naval Forces to the Philippines and South China Sea with a very provocative naval exercise within contested islands (for the first time) the other day continuing to May 10 with 16,000 U.S. personnel. Philippines, Australia, France involved. Others invited.] See where are children’s future is going? Houthis attacks continue, with several already this week, but note they are not reported by most Corp. Media or when reported, played down. You have to access Media outside of the U.S., EU, and UK to see this reporting and know how to translate reports. As noted, NATO partners are giving up making all kinds of excuses. Look at the British Navy crashing over their own ships, incapable of targeting Yemen land targets. Try to send an aircraft carrier that breaks down. They’re a clown show! ------ Chinese PLAN International and Chinese media reported that the Chinese PLAN from Djibouti HAVE BEEN escorting Chinese flagged ships through the Strait of Hormuz, the Arabian Sea, and in the Gulf of Aden. Video footage is in the public domain. Censored here. The Chinese are more concerned with their shipping through the Strait of Hormuz because the U.S. has THREATENED them and Iran with closure of the Strait. They will not target Houthis attacks since they are part of their defense of the Palestinian people. The Chinese (and Russians) have a DIPLOMATIC arrangement (imagine diplomacy) with the Houthis for safe passage through the Red Sea if necessary. This did not come out of the blue and has been CLEAR from the beginning but not explained openly here. We KNOW that Biden can stop this with one “ceasefire” phone call. ------ World News from today. The German Frigate “The Hessen” exits the Red Sea Look at the wording of this “claptrap”! Yemeni “3-dimensional threat”! ;-0 “The Hessen, a German frigate that was part of an EU security mission ‘Aspides’ to “protect commercial vessels” from Ansarallah’s naval operations, has exited the Red Sea after nearly 60 days. The German military said in a statement that the crew members were on a “permanent war march” and that “This very high state of readiness was due to the constant three-dimensional threat” that the Yemeni Armed Forces posed to ships in the area. Deputy foreign minister in the Sanaa government Hussein al-Ezzi (Yemen) described the warship’s departure as a “step in the right direction.” The commander overseeing EU’s Operation Aspides told Al Arabiya English that the threats by the Yemenis “remain persistent.” ;-0 This comes following the exit of France's Aquitaine-class FREMM frigate Alsace from the Red Sea on 12 April after RUNNING OUT of missiles and munitions (Attrition model, ed.) repelling attacks from the Yemeni armed forces. At the time, its commander Jerome Henry said, “We didn’t necessarily expect this level of threat.” ;-0 Another Clown Show for the Global Majority for countries to see… Too bad… ----- Today: BREAKING | Yemeni Armed Forces announces that it targeted an Israeli container ship (MSC Darwin) in the Gulf of Aden with missiles and drones. Houthis have attacked other ships over the week and before. ------ I'm sure I can find other events and citations if I go back through the archives. Diplomacy is the only solution. And we want to provoke a “kinetic war” with China when we can’t solve our hostiles since WWII. Nuclear Armageddon at hand mates!

[@emgoss84]

Good comment. US and Western partners are struggling to find a military solution where none exists, aside from starting a very risky ground operation in Yemen during an election year with an electorate that is sick and tired of Middle East wars. Curtailing Israel's worst impulses is the only diplomatic path forward, but the US is controlled top to bottom by Israel-friendly political donors and politicians so that's apparently out of the question as well. The result is that the US empire is shown to be unable to secure global shipping routes any longer.

[@dildswagginz3408]

"We KNOW that Biden can stop this with one “ceasefire” phone call." How fanciful... most of what you wrote was interesting but netanyahu needs war to cling to power. Biden can barely get bills passed in his own country. Pure imagination to think he has that level of influence in Israel.

[@robcraigmyle3892]

It's worth noting here that 1956 Suez crisis marked the end of the British Empire.

[@robcraigmyle3892]

A quite informative report. It would be more complete, if it noted that Ansar Allah (a much larger entity than the Houthi tribe) does in fact allow commercial shipping to pass that is not doing business with Israel, and vessels not concealing their identity and itinerary.

[@williambarry8015]

The US has Precision guided munitions that can hit a gopher hole from 40,000 feet.

[@ScoobieDoo-zy1rh]

All sent to Ukraine

[@williambarry8015]

@@ScoobieDoo-zy1rh We all witnessed them in action in Gaza.

[@ScoobieDoo-zy1rh]

@@williambarry8015 divided among Israel and Ukraine then .

[@williambarry8015]

@@ScoobieDoo-zy1rh can't argue with that one bro✌️🇵🇸✌️🇮🇱✌️🇺🇦✌️🇷🇺

[@dawnmoriarty9347]

They're expensive. Swarms of drones are cheap.

[@sonnyeastham]

Its my understanding that the Houthies have recently (in the last 14 days) received new Iranian made hyper-sonic anti-ship missles. These type of anti-ship missles cannot be shot down. If and when?

[@sonnyeastham]

...another Evergreen-type plug?

[@derekantill3721]

The Red Sea is only partly open, some mariners are being held = the Houthis & Iran are clearly winning.

[@marvinsannes9397]

Gas in Corvallis, Oregon yesterday - $4.69 gal. regular.

[@karohe]

Here is another idea. Ships can contact Yemeni authority and confirm their identity, declare their cargo and their destination port. Once clearance is issued, they can pass through Bab-al-Mandab safely and freely.

[@death_parade]

I think the Houthis have demonstrated plenty that they don't have the ability to target certain ships and that they are simply targeting ALL ships because they don't have the ability to distinguish.

[@karohe]

you do know that 60% of shipping is happening. The ships who are in contact with Yemenis don't have any problems. The ones who refuse to respond over radio and turn off their AIS do.

[@death_parade]

@@karohe Do you know about MV True Confidence? This ship was warned by Houthis, who asked the ship to turn back. The ship COMPLIED with the illegal Houthi demand, yet the Houthis shot this ship in the back AFTER it had already turned back and was heading out the way it came. This lone incident has amply demonstrated that Houthis are nothing more than terrorists who have no restraint and are indiscriminately hitting innocent ships regardless of their origin, compliance or location (one other ship was hit off the coast of India, nowhere near the Red Sea or Yemen). Houthis have not only shown an inability to exercise restraint, they have also shown their own lack of skill (compared to a professional military) when it comes to targeted weapons employment.

[@floycewhite6991]

@@karohe I supposed you took Diversity Studies 101 instead of the course on maritime law.

[@khadijagwen]

It seems that a News blackout has developed in the last week or so. Nothing for 5/6/2024. Perhaps this is further development of prophesied events?

[@lukenodag5784]

To be fair these sailors have still been better treated than those on the mavi mamara were by the IDF. The outrage at the houthis seems rather selective. If the Saudi/UAE invasion of Yemen didn't stop the houthis idk what the US navy will be able to do.

[@jakemocci3953]

Or the sailors on the USS Liberty, who were machine gunned by Israeli warplanes.

[@tomyoung8563]

What’s the point in having the world’s largest navy if it can’t get our international trade routes safe?

[@gotmilk91]

"Who's winning? The Houthis, or the G€noc¡d€ Coalition?" ... *_"The 3 parties that deserve the Nobel Peace Prize:_* 1. *S Africa for ICJ genocide case against Israel* 2. *Volunteer doctors of Gaza* 3. *Houthis for standing-up against genocide"* - Nornan Finklestein, political scientist, human rights activist, son of Holocaust survivors

[@gotmilk91]

@Flight-td3jc - I'm just an armchair warrior... make my own coffee (havent bought that brand since b4 Oct 7)... although sometimes I get coffee at a Jack-in-the-Box or Taco Bell or some alternative...

[@Onequietvoice]

@@gotmilk91 The strong tendency to mock rather than heed meaningful criticism is exactly what dooms attempted military solutions to what are political problems,

[@gotmilk91]

​@Onequietvoice which is why we must all revert back and make right the wrong for the Nakba... 1948 borders! Or before... return to the TRUTH of *Birthright Palestine!*

[@andycraddock7677]

Thank you Sal for these deep dives and discussions about very complex and serious issues. You’re 1000% better than the 60 second piece the nightly news (take your pick) occasionally reports on this ongoing crisis. May I respectfully pose a somewhat related question? First: full disclosure- I am not a current or former mariner, military veteran or expert in maritime law or diplomatic relations. That said, what occurs in the world interests me. There has been much reporting lately about Israel’s response to Iran’s recent drone, missile and rocket attacks. Especially what Israel’s military (or diplomatic) response should be. I thus pose this question to you or any of the military experts you regularly interview or reference: Why does the IDF, both air, naval and possibly ground assets not consider precision, directed strikes against the ENTIRE Iranian “Navy,” which I have repeatedly read consists largely of fleets of heavy armed “fast boats” (my term), and some larger, more heavily armed vessels. It remains my understanding that the entire Iranian “Navy” is small and compared with the navies of the US and her allies, would be hopelessly outmatched in any all-out engagement. In addition, why doesn’t the Israeli IDF and allied naval and air forces also consider directed, tactical strikes against every one of these heavy lift helicopters, funded by Iran and used by the terrorists in strikes/highjacking of civilian cargo vessels transiting the Red Sea and adjacent waters? No intelligence agencies or military will ever openly admit this, but I suspect that it is known where these helicopters are based, maintained and flown from. In my non-expert opinion strikes designed to destroy much of the Iranian “Navy” and these terror helicopters would be undeniably against clear military assets, not involve (hopefully) innocent civilian populations, would be militarily proportional and perhaps more importantly might just improve the security situation. I have little doubt that Israel could successfully implement such strikes. A wider war between Israel and Iran has always been a concern and possibly. Iran has now struck Israel and continues to wreak havoc in the Red Sea through its well-funded terrorists. Your thoughts Sir - or those of colleagues- on why this is not being discussed? At least openly, to my knowledge. TY.

[@brianjonker510]

From the very beginning, I thought Egypt would send in their large army to straighten out the Houthi's

[@SparklesMcFartyPants]

Egypt must be losing a boatload (pun intended) of money with all the ships diverting around Africa - I agree, I thought Egypt would straighten the Houthis out... I guess not.

[@Comm0ut]

They would lose. The Egyptian military is a jobs program, a business and a way to control the Egyptian people. Egypt has no external enemies that matter. Egypt has no power projection, no suitable logistics, and the distance is much too far.

[@brianjonker510]

@@Comm0ut Transport and logistics is an easy thing for the USA to provide.

[@Malachamavet]

@@brianjonker510 The Egyptian government already has a difficult time maintaining control (of a populace who are much more sympathetic to the Houthis and Gazans than they are), if they sent meaningful assets to Yemen even with American support they know they would be enabling internal conflict that threatens their position.

[@jimbob4413]

its a planned activity to slow down the supply chain and make things more expensive, the great reset

[@shukeelc5177]

The Yemeni Resistance aren't part of the Zionist Talmudic Great Reset, but their unavoidable reaction to Israel/Zio linked shipping does contribute to shortage of goods and price hikes. People around the world need to take action and demand their regimes stop supporting and fearing the Satanic Zionist Apartheid Terrorist Entity