Understanding the Yemen-based militia now exerting control over international shipping in the Red Sea means understanding its roots, context, and regional alliances
Had the anti-Houthi units been working in coordination, their enemy would not have progressed so easily down Yemen's Red Sea coast, but infighting and a lack of leadership opened the door
The US views talks with the Houthis as a way to contain the scope of the conflict with Iran, while Tehran sees them as a means to translate military gains in the Red Sea into political gains
Just as Iran used Hezbollah to expand its influence in the Levant, it is now using the Houthis to give it leverage in Bab al-Mandab and the Red Sea amid its war with the US
Backed by the IRGC, the Houthis are intensifying pressure around southwestern Taiz, northern Lahj and Marib, while pro-government forces are largely on the defence
The presence of large armies and costly bases no longer guarantees control. The rules are now written by whoever has the will and the accessible means to enforce them
Both Tehran and Washington have powerful incentives to resolve the conflict through negotiations, but actors on all sides have reasons to derail these efforts
From machines that develop human emotions to societies governed by artificial intelligence, Arab novelists explore the promises and perils of a radically transformed future