The #SecurityBrief: Who are the Houthis? And why is the U.S, U.K, IDF & Saudi bombing them in Yemen?

Summary

The video discusses the ongoing conflict in Yemen, focusing on the Houthi movement, the international involvement of the U.S. and U.K., and the legal and political complexities surrounding military actions. It highlights the Houthis' control of Yemen's capital and their influence on the region, while examining the military support provided by the U.S. and U.K. under outdated legal mandates. The script also questions the legitimacy of such actions, discussing historical examples of military interventions and the legal frameworks that govern them.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Houthis have significant control over Yemen's military, with much of the former government's military equipment now aligned with them since 2014.
• 😀 Despite challenges, there are ongoing efforts to organize military action against the Houthis, with discussions on the possibility of an assault on the port of Hodeidah.
• 😀 The Stockholm Agreement of 2019 temporarily stalled plans for military action against the Houthis, but such discussions may resurface in the future.
• 😀 The US's Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF), which was passed in 2001 in response to the 9/11 attacks, is being questioned for its applicability in the current conflicts.
• 😀 The AUMF's scope is debated, as it originally authorized military force against those involved in the September 11 attacks, not against groups like the Houthis.
• 😀 In the UK, there is no legal requirement for the government to seek parliamentary approval before engaging in military action, but political pressure has led to votes on key interventions like in Iraq and Syria.
• 😀 The UK's 2003 invasion of Iraq was a pivotal moment, where parliamentary approval was sought under pressure, and the vote was heavily scrutinized afterward.
• 😀 There is a significant historical precedent for military interventions in the Middle East by both the US and the UK, with mixed results and varying levels of parliamentary involvement.
• 😀 The US Congress has seen significant turnover since the 2001 AUMF, with many current members not present when the authorization was passed, leading to discussions about revisiting or revising the mandate.
• 😀 The relationship between the US, the UK, and Middle Eastern conflicts remains complex, with ongoing debates about the legitimacy and scope of military actions under existing legal frameworks.

Q & A

What is the primary cause of the conflict in Yemen?

The primary cause of the conflict in Yemen is the political and military struggle between the Houthis, supported by former president Ali Abdullah Saleh, and the Yemeni government, which has been backed by a coalition of Arab states. This has evolved into a proxy war, with international involvement, including support from Iran for the Houthis and Saudi Arabia for the Yemeni government.

How did the Houthis strengthen their position in Yemen in 2014?

In 2014, the Houthis moved into Yemen's capital, Sanaa, with the support of former president Ali Abdullah Saleh. Many military units that had previously supported the Yemeni government switched sides, bringing their military equipment with them. This significantly strengthened the Houthis' military capabilities.

What role does the international community play in the Yemeni conflict?

The international community, particularly the United Nations, has been involved in mediating peace efforts, such as the 2019 Stockholm Agreement. However, various countries, including the US, UK, and Iran, also have interests in the region, with the US and UK providing support to the Yemeni government, while Iran supports the Houthis.

What is the Stockholm Agreement, and why was it significant?

The Stockholm Agreement, signed in 2019, was a UN-mediated ceasefire agreement aimed at de-escalating the conflict in Yemen, particularly around the key port of Hodeidah. The agreement temporarily stalled military actions, but tensions remain, and the port's significance as a humanitarian and military gateway makes it a key point of conflict.

Why is it difficult for government-aligned forces in Yemen to challenge the Houthis militarily?

It is difficult for government-aligned forces to challenge the Houthis due to the Houthis' strong military position, bolstered by former government forces who switched sides. The Yemeni government forces are not as well-equipped or unified, making it challenging to mount an effective opposition to the Houthis.

What is the AUMF, and how does it relate to the current US military actions in Yemen?

The Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF) was signed in 2001 in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. It allows the US president to use military force against groups responsible for terrorism. Critics argue that this mandate does not apply to the current situation in Yemen, where the US is involved in actions not directly related to the original intent of the AUMF.

What is the legal situation regarding military action in the UK?

In the UK, the government is not legally required to seek parliamentary approval for military action, although historical precedents show that parliamentary votes have been held on key military decisions. Public and parliamentary pressure have influenced such decisions, as seen in the Iraq War and the 2015 Syria intervention.

How has the US Congress reacted to the AUMF since its passage in 2001?

Since the passage of the AUMF in 2001, 90% of current US Congress members were not in office at the time. This has led to calls for the AUMF to be revised or rescinded, as many argue that it is outdated and not applicable to modern conflicts like the one in Yemen.

What was the UK's involvement in the 2011 Libya intervention?

In 2011, the UK participated in a NATO-led bombing campaign in Libya to protect civilians during the Libyan Civil War. The UK Parliament approved the action with a vote of 557 to 13, showing strong parliamentary support for the intervention.

How does the situation in Yemen relate to broader regional dynamics, especially with Iran?

The situation in Yemen is closely tied to broader regional dynamics, especially with Iran's support for the Houthis, which has made the conflict a proxy battle between Iran and Saudi Arabia. US actions in the region, particularly regarding Iran, also influence the military strategies and policies in Yemen.