Saudi Arabia doubles down on its failed Yemen strategy

Saudi Arabia's new Red Sea maritime coalition is criticized as a diplomatic misstep, failing to address the fundamental issue of Houthi territorial control in Yemen. The article argues that the Red Sea crisis is merely a symptom of the Houthis' land-based power, which includes control over ports, missile sites, and supply networks. The coalition, formed out of desperation, is deemed weaker than previous efforts due to the absence of key anti-Houthi actors like the UAE, Southern Yemeni forces, and Israel, all of whom possess crucial military and intelligence capabilities. "The Red Sea crisis is only the symptom; the real source of power is the Houthis’ territorial control inside Yemen." The article concludes that without a strategy to dismantle the Houthis' land-based infrastructure through a capable ground offensive, maritime coalitions will not deter them, as evidenced by the Houthis' continued escalation despite previous military campaigns.