The Houthis in Yemen: Who Are They and Why Are They (Really) Attacking Ships in the Red Sea? With Dr. Michael Knights, The Washington Institute

In light of the recent U.S./U.K. air strikes on the Houthis in Yemen, A'ndre chatted with Dr. Michael Knights (The Washington Institute) about the Yemeni militant group that has been launching attacks at ships in the Red Sea since the advent of the Israel-Gaza War. Dr. Knights, a long-time expert on Middle East militia groups, breaks down who the Houthis are, discusses their supremacist ideology, their history, and what their popular support has generally looked like. A'ndre and Dr. Knights steep the conversation in the context of the Yemeni Revolution and Civil War, working to explain how the Houthis' rise to power was exacerbated by those significant developments. Dr. Knights also discusses how the Houthis aim to enmesh themselves in Iran's 'Axis of Resistance', and why he believes that the attacks on commercial shipping and U.S. military vessels in the Red Sea aren't necessarily to express solidarity with Gaza, but rather to showcase alignment with Iran, who has provided mentorship and weaponry to the militant group. A'ndre and Dr. Knights wrap the conversation with some points on the on/off designation of the Houthis as a terrorist organization, and whether U.S. conflict with the Houthis will increase in the days ahead.

NOTE: This episode was recorded on January 15th. The Biden Administration re-designated the Houthis as a terrorist organization on January 17th.