ESCALATING TENSIONS IN THE BAB EL MANDEB

This SAGE Intelligence Brief, Escalating Tensions in the Bab El Mandeb, underscores the critical juncture in the Yemen conflict with potential military strikes by Washington and London against Houthi rebels. Motivated by the economic impact of re-routing international shipping, the analysis highlights the absence of a comprehensive land war component, limiting the effectiveness of proposed measures. Strained relations between the Biden administration and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reduce the likelihood of Saudi involvement, while Egypt's intervention is hindered by political considerations tied to public support for Palestine and potential domestic unrest. The Israeli-Hamas conflict further complicates regional responses, presenting a challenge in navigating complex geopolitical considerations for international policymakers.