Yemen Conflict: Houthi Attacks, Biden Administration Challenges, and Trump's Presidency

Added: Jan 13, 2024

Houthi Attacks on Commercial Ships

The Houthi rebels are a ragtag group of terrorists who have been funded by Iran for years. They have been carrying out attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea, leading to a 90% reduction in traffic through the Red Sea from the prior year. This has caused a significant increase in shipping rates, impacting global trade and supply chains.

Strikes on Houthi Targets

The recent strikes on Houthi rebel targets in Yemen were a telegraphed punch, designed to deter the Houthis from further attacks. The strikes were conducted by the United States and British forces, with support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands. The goal of the strikes was to send a clear message that attacks on commercial vessels and the freedom of navigation in critical waterways will not be tolerated.

The Houthi rebels have been using child soldiers and have been recruiting children into their military ranks to fight in the country's civil war. This is a violation of international law and demonstrates the brutality of the Houthi rebels.

The Conflict in Yemen

The conflict in Yemen erupted in 2014 when the Houthi rebels descended from their Northern Enclave and took control of a large part of Yemen. The Saudi-led coalition entered the war in early 2015, leading to a devastating civil war that has resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths.

The Biden administration's approach to the conflict in Yemen has been criticized, as they lifted the designation of the Houthi rebels as a global terrorist organization and suspended terrorism sanctions on the group. This move was seen as a reversal of the Trump administration's policies and has been linked to the recent escalation of attacks by the Houthi rebels.

The podcast also discusses the broader implications of the conflict in Yemen, including the involvement of Iran and the impact on global trade and supply chains. The actions of the United States and its allies in response to the Houthi attacks are seen as a crucial step in maintaining the freedom of navigation in critical waterways and holding malign actors accountable for their actions.

Challenges of the Biden Administration

Shapiro then delves into the challenges facing the Biden administration, particularly in relation to the border crisis and the economy. He criticizes the administration's handling of the border, pointing out the surge in illegal immigration and the impact on American cities. He also discusses the inflation rate, which has increased under the Biden administration, and the challenges facing the US military.

President Biden's Health

The podcast also touches on the age and health of President Biden, with Shapiro expressing concerns about his ability to lead the country effectively. He highlights Biden's struggles with speaking and his administration's perceived lack of control. Shapiro also discusses the potential impact of these issues on the 2024 election, suggesting that Trump's popularity may be on the rise due to concerns about mass migration, the direction of the country, and trust in institutions.

A Trump Critic's Case for Trump's Presidency

Shapiro then presents a column by Brett Stephens, a Trump critic, who makes a case for Trump's presidency, highlighting his understanding of mass migration, his appeal to pessimistic voters, and his criticism of institutions. Stephens also addresses concerns about January 6th and election denialism, suggesting that the 2024 election will focus on which candidate can deliver more for the American people.