The Houthis Are Winning & AI Is Making Them More Dangerous | EYES ON GEOPOLITICS

In this episode of Eyes on Geopolitics, hosts D and Andy Milburn, joined by Jonathan Hackett, delve into the escalating conflict in Yemen, the Houthis' surprising military advancements, and the geopolitical implications of AI in modern warfare. The discussion also touches on the broader shifts in US foreign policy in the Middle East, the upcoming Israeli elections, and a controversial Trump Organization hotel project in Georgia.

The Houthis' Resurgence in Yemen

Jonathan Hackett opens the discussion by highlighting the Houthis' recent territorial gains in Yemen. Since 2014-2015, when hostilities between Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Yemen escalated, the Houthis have experienced periods of both control and surrender. However, the most recent developments show the Houthis regaining previously lost territory. Hackett notes that they used to control the entire Red Sea coast until a Saudi and Emirati coalition pushed them back. Now, they are once again seizing strategically important islands like Perim, which sits in the middle of the Bab al-Mandab Strait, as well as Zuqar and Hanish. These gains are not just on land but also in crucial maritime areas, particularly the Tihamah Plain area.

Andy Milburn emphasizes that the Houthis are definitely exerting territorial authority further than they have in the past six years. He explains that the change in dynamic is largely due to the US withdrawing direct support for the Saudis and Emiratis in their efforts to push the Houthis back into the mountains. Milburn recounts that former President Trump, while in Ireland, stated that the Saudis needed to "figure it out themselves." This marks a significant shift from past US policy, where the Saudis likely built their defense strategy against the Houthis with the expectation of US assistance. The lack of US support is concerning, especially given the recent 123 Agreement on nuclear cooperation with the Saudis. Milburn speculates that this withdrawal of support might be a rebuke from the US following Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey signing the Mecca Agreement, a mutual defense pact that has seen its signatories fail to assist the Saudis in recent developments. This leaves the Saudis questioning their next steps as they face a real and growing threat on their border and in the straits.