Aaron. I thought you were smart. What do you have between your ears? Hay? If the U.S. attack the Houthi, it would not take long before the SA oilfields would be targeted by them. What will that entail? Massive oil starvation on the western hemisphere, not to mention China. What would you do then? You must think a little longer than the end of your nose.
maybe the US isnt dealing with those european ships because they go the the euro cucks who put 1% gdp in the miltary and make fun of the US .. just a thought . that doesnt even cover the benefit the chinese and russians get from getting their ships through. we paying for them too?
@@erroneous6947 .. Oh boy. Yet another genius. You must press the correct button. Instead of answering me, you are answering Aaron. Try to be relevant.
THE KEY is not to play by knee jerk reaction and expand the war.....by TURNING THE SAND TO GLASS. KNOW real fear by the actions of self control/politics.
Didn't Congress repeal one of the authorizations for war from the President or modify the War Powers Act within the last year? That might make kicking things off without congressional approval more difficult and since Congress has elected to spend the next 2 plus weeks at home there's nobody minding the legislative house. Also, as noted by a comment below, maybe we should let diplomacy work. I know we have the world's most capable military, but let's not look at everything as a nail. It limits our freedom of action and reduces our options significantly.
This is a huge. I feel like kicking this off is going to cause a domino effect of sorts. Also, I won't play the 2-party game anymore... Neither Biden nor Trump are for the American people.
XD You think Trump actually cares? Why is the Patriot Act still here? Why are the FISA courts still around? The drug war is on full swing with Trump which gives China more power. You are brainwashed sir, you don't know who to believe. None of us do for sure. We can only take our best guess at who's heart is in it. Trump loves the Democrats actually, without them who could he point fingers towards to keep people playing the game?@@bbeen40
Hmmmm Houthi rebels shooting at commercial shipping. Sounds an awful lot like Barbary Wars 2.0 (1.0 being the reason the USN was made back in the years after we won our independence from the UK
I think that the U.S. navy is being careful because the navy is a very big stick, and the situation is politically and diplomacy wise very delicate. They are trying to not cause a wider conflict. Caution is not weakness, but in fact allowing ships to reroute instead of being more weapons into the situation. Also if it escalates you don’t want civilians involved anyways.
I follow Sal, his perspective is less important than Peter Zeihan in this instance. What makes you think we need to protect a ship registered in Cayman Island or Bermuda, let Bermuda send destroyers to escort their ships! 🚢
You are So On Point! Who the hell let These People Be InCharge? No one other than you is asking these questions. I Think that a "Modern Arc Light" campaign should be immediately instituted on the Hootie-tooties!! If these 3 people won't decide to Do Something, Then Hire People That WILL!!! They're gonna wait till American service crews are harmed, killed or until we lose a ship or one is damaged till they get off their butts and do their Job! My final comment on your comment regarding the next President being a war time President; The U.S. Is Fucked... It's been a pretty good run. Thank You for your posts and Wishing You a Happy & Safe New Year
Globally speaking why should the US Navy at great cost to to the USA tax payers be the protectors of the world’s merchant shipping? Not a single American ship has been scratched as yet so there is no reason to become involved as such. Let the ship owners and companies put pressure on those that “should” be quietly telling the Houthis to pull their collective heads in and desist or else Islam will come after them swords in hand. Here I refer to Egypt, Saudi, UA and other Middle East countries which rely on the maritime traffic to top up their coffers. The USN getting involved in this sissy fight would only detract for the principle reason that they are in situ ie the Israeli conflict and it should be very careful of getting sucked into side issues which clearly this is and instigated by Iran. No America should not be fighting other people’s battles. Saudi alone could decimate Yemen should it have the desire to do so but they and their rich Arab cousins prefer to eat popcorn and dates on the sidelines and let America handle all the dirty work. This is not “indecision” on the part of the White House but a logical political manoeuvre. US has many options in such matters and BTW I am a non US citizen and also not particularly a fan.
The real question that needs to be answered, why USA fights on behalf of Israel? Why the USA cover Israel crimes against Palestine people? Why the USA and its allies Saudi Arabia and UAE imposed air, sea and land siege against Yemen since 2015? In my view of point, Houthis have full right to protect people and break down the siege what matter the cost. The Yemeni people are deprived of accessing to the needed resources, foods and fuels, meanwhile all world shipping containers passing from their water? This is injustice and Yemeni people have nothing to lose. If the matter is about losing one’s life in order to break the siege and injustice on the Yemeni and Palestinian peoples, then this is what everyone wishes for.
@@mechaeladam6424 Because the U.S. wants a strong ally in the area. It's not for any moral or ethical reason. It's purely foreign policy meeting American Interests. It's a global poker game, where everyone's cheating. Morality is out the window, power is all that matters. If the U.S. stops supporting Israel, their ability to have influence in the middle east is greatly diminished. Edit to add: I did not, and will not advocate for these behaviors. You asked a question and that is the answer.
It probably wouldn’t be quick or easy to eliminate the houthis. After you’re done attacking them they will still be there along the shipping lane, and Iran would no doubt continue to supply them whatever they want. A war would deplete you (cost asymmetry) and is unlikely to lead to peace/stbility. I don’t disagree the navy could do some shipping lane protection, but if nobody in Europe cares enough to do the heavy lifting then why should the US? Your military is very strong, but can’t solve all problems. Also the casual racism and misogyny wasn’t welcome.
I don't want to send my kid or anyone else's kid to fight and die in Yemen because shippers can't make a profit if they avoid the Red Sea. SubBrief: Why don't you go first and show us all how it's done.
I think they (the political bosses) know what they want to do: nothing. They don’t want to get involved. No political advantage in doing so (from their perspective).
I think the goal is to hold back until the very end of the fiscal year of 2023. Currently the Republicans are blocking aid to Ukraine. Now, the Presidential Drawdown Authority can be enacted on that. But the effect would be that there is less budget available for other hot spots, like in this case the issues with the Houthis. Or the other way around, if the President needs to use the Presidential Drawdown Authority 2023 on the Houthis, then less aid can be given to Ukraine. However, if you just wait and hold on until to the very last hour of 2023 to divert funds of the Presidential Drawdown Authority to Ukraine. Then at midnight it is the start of the new fiscal year. And I assume the Presidential Drawdown Authority is fully replenished and available for 2024. Giving more financial options for the US and the President to pick and choose who to prosecute. And then most likely the go will be given to go after the Houthis.
The US is no longer the "World's Police Force". We should convoy US assets but that type focus would be tricky? It's certainly not our responsibility to protect China shipping is it?
This kind of Gung! Ho! analysis is unsophisticated and unhelpful. It is easy to start a war but not so easy to stop one. Sure, the US can beat up the Houtis; but, doing so would play into the hands of Iran and risks having the Israeli-Hamas conflict escalate into a full-blown regional war. From a technical perspective, Aaron's videos are interesting and informative; but, the arts of strategic policy analysis and statecraft should be left to those with a deeper understanding of global geopolitics and the history of conflict between nation states.
Our options are all bad ones. Heavy disruption of international shipping without decisive action by the US makes us look ineffective. The Houthie weapons are cheap and effective, with easy to move launch sites. Be prepared for a lot more of this in the future. Politically we have friendly nations in the area that will find it more and more difficult to be seen as connected to a county bombing "poor little" Yemen over any extended period of time. The news feeds would be horrific. Marines running around the deserts and mountains will not fare any better and for the same reasons. Just play air defense? Calculate the cost of our AA missiles compared to the Houthie drones and see whose purse will empty first. Forget not that playing defense we are starting at the top of our game, the Houthie, starting out will get more and more sophisticated in the attack. It is at a time like this that a nation needs a leader who is a mature statesman.
The US and allies definitely should at least protect the waterways. I can understand being thoughtful when handling army action on land, but at sea and coastlines it should be clear what to do: blast away anything that has acted against friendly vessels. Being passive is not a good quality in any military.
Babylon is falling with its colonial rule and we're watching it fall ...we need to go watch old Rocky movies to charge our battery, even if they are out of date.
Yeah, this assessment closely follows my own. This could work if decisions were made lower on the chain. With the decisions made at the top and then not made, the kids at the bottom can get get killed.
The Navy has the authority to send their ships just about anywhere. Each ship has the inherent right to self-defense. Anytime you involve other nations or private companies, there's going to be a lot of paperwork involved. 5th Fleet/CENTCOM has to produce a detailed plan, submit it to Congressional Armed Forces Committee and Pentagon for approval, as well as, have the JAG develop a revised ROE. The plan also has to get approved by the other Coalition Nations and the Private Shipping Companies. These ships probably need a communications suite in order to coordinate and rendezvous with US Warships, which means you need US Sailors or Marines on board each of these ships. Coordinating escorts through chokepoints isn't something done over unclassified email and MARBAND. Which also means that they need to get on board somehow with their equipment. Helicopters and small boats are high risk evolutions depending on the sea state. But large commercial vessels don't like to pull into port because that costs a lot of money. I don't have any insight on French/European Ops, if they're just shadowing ships or trying to coordinate over MARBAND, which I can say would make things extremely difficult. MARBAND isn't as regulated over in the Middle East as it in US Territory. Plenty of bored fishermen making cat noises or reading books over it.
You speak of things you know nothing about. There’s absolutely nothing to prevent the admiral from ordering a retaliatory strike on anyone shooting at or near our ships. However at this point he may have received orders not to shoot back without approval from cinccentcom. If I ever received such an order I’d resign my commission on the spot. The flag officers have sold out to their political master and betrayed the oath they took. Please don’t be so naive. Open your eyes man. The secdef can’t even tell you what a woman is. He’s allowing Drag Storytime on military installations for the children of military personnel. This is what the Biden administration has done to the military. It’s not a communication problem it’s that they have different priorities than safeguarding the interests of America.
I just got out of the Navy in 2022 and this type of inept leaders in the US mil are an infestation. I've never seen an organization favor yes men, box checkers, and professional power point producers as the US mil. It truly has lost the art of warfare in it's bloated, over corporatized state. The mass exedus of sailors and releclutance for new people to join is a direct result of the failure of leadership over the last two decades.
Well said bud and spot on. They are slowly ruining the most incredible, powerful, military machine to ever exist. Its sad and dangerous at thr same time
ok, but riddle me this. It is easy to sit back and say pew pew everyone and everything. From a geopolitical lens, what has Yemen done to the United States to warrant basically declaring war on them? Every country in the world can transit freight throughout the purview of the Yemeni coastline. It is only Israel, Yemen has declared an embargo on. Why exactly should we put our blood and treasure on the line for? What do I tell my wife as to why our kid might die for? What exactly are my Tax dollars paying for? I thought the pro Trump crowd (including myself) wanted to keep us out of wars.
I’ve always had a strong urge to join, I’ve seen friends go in as boys and come out as men. A friend of mine who was in the Marines even said that exact same thing. I guess it’s the structure of our military which has been the main reason I won’t join understanding the toll of bad leadership.
Arron, it is evident that your understanding of geopolitics is lacking. The Houtis are not a sovereign nation, nor is what they are doing happening in a vacuum. Obviously this is a complicated situation, exasperated by the war in Israel, the Iranian government pulling strings, the Ukraine war and what Turkey is doing, or not, as the case may be, the stakes at play with Egypt, and on and on...... I can appreciate your impatience and I agree that there should have been a more robust plan in place, but I imagine that plan did not take into account Israel being at war with Iranian proxies. Be patient brother, when it comes to geopolitics cooler heads must prevail or the worlds situation could get a whole lot worse real fast!
At the moment it is only one frigate, but they could deploy other naval assets from the Indian Ocean and from Toulon in Southern France, and aerial assets from their Djibouti base.
Man these "flags of convenience" aren't terribly convenient when you need actual protection. While we should act at some point, the US needs to get more buy-in from other invested parties, both governmental and private sector. We are not rubes, we do not billions on a Defense Budget to give it out freely. Registering you ship as Panamanian affords you all the benefits that entails, principally lower operating costs and low taxes. It however DOES NOT include an obligation of the USN to protect your shipping routes. Private entities can either register their ships in the US, or pony up an appropriate amount of money/incentives if they want judicious application of firepower in another middle east nation.
Hopefully you don’t understand how international shipping works and the impact on the global economy, and food security it has - yes that includes America. The incentive is that the world keeps ticking if that strait is open. If it’s closed we’re all screwed. Protection of global trade and international shipping and international law is what is paramount. Not who pays what to fly which flag.
We can end flags of convivence by listing the flags we will protect and telling insurers all the rest are on their own. NATO, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand would be default group, with the rest of the world having to ask for protection in exchange for...???
I’m no sailor nor privy to any information that isn’t public. That said - I thought the Navy mission changed a long time ago away from escorts unless the ships were flagged US. Most these ships are Chinese or Indian or Indonesian. Where are those navies? I’m sure we would protect our own, but we don’t really ship through those lanes so we? I think our navy is there to protect Israel and our own bases, and our US flagged shipping, but not third parties. That doesn’t seem to be our mission any longer.
There are not so many ships with western flags, because it is far cheaper to register them in other Countries. So it is entirely possible to have US cargo on, say, a Liberian or Djibouti flagged ship. But you're right, main routes to the US aren't through that area.
You're trying to apply logic to this situation. There was logic with the original intent to protect cargo ships so that supplies could get through to Israel. However, the mus|ims ignore the Navy ships and attacked cargo ships destined for Israel anyway. The weak leadership in the White House and the Pentagon gave our warship commanders rules of engagement that allowed them to shoot down missiles but doesn't allow them to attack the launch sites. The mus|ims can see the weakness and our exploiting it.
Sounds like the "creative inaction" I saw first hand in the federal government civilian sector. No one wants to do anything because it might turn out wrong so they delay, do nothing, and hope the situation changes or goes away.
There are 2 kinds of problems, big and small. Big ones, you can't do anything about, so why bother? Small ones will solve themselves, so also why bother?
I think it’s pretty clear that strategically starting a war in Yemen at this time is not a tenable idea. They’re real dig into those mountains and we know that trying to assault that country would kick off something real spicy.
also this navies are not as invincible as they were 10 or 20 years ago. sea drones and anti ship missals have made it impossible for the NAVY to operate with impunity. ask Russia, gorilla warfare in the high seas is not something this ships are built for. also Russia, iran and China will be jumping on the opportunity to send some of this weapons just to dgread US standing in the world. granted Russia cant send much in the way of weapons atm but given Ukraine doesn't have any navy..stand to reason Russia will be capable to be sending some anit ship missals and sea drones just to get back at the US. you can go after the houthis without dealing with the backers aka iran...russia and so on. China would also love nothing more than the US getting suck back in the middle east. the US is full of ego so if the huties sink even one of its ship's it will be all out war. the world feels like its on fire and there is no appetite for more war in the US and Europe. no way EU will follow the US back in to the middle east after the last debacle. there is a lot at play here that what this guy is saying
Who is talking about starting a war? Also, the Houthis attacked ships, they have already opened fire. So retaliatory strikes till these attacks stop are perfectly sensible and proportionate. The dumbest thing is to have someone shoot at you and do nothing.
@@termitreter6545 you are right "The dumbest thing is to have someone shoot at you and do nothing" the houthis are thinking exactly the same thing. they didn't fire on US war ships, they fired at Israel and the US intercepted their drones. so its the US that fired first. second you can retaliate but without escalating into significant bombardment you wont deter the Houthis. if you escalate then it will be perfectly fine for them to directly target US war ships... and that wont bode well for the US war ships... given there will be sea drone and Iran..Russia and possible Chinese made anti ship missal's supplied to the Huties. would be perfect scenario for Iran to test out their missal systems. not everything has a military solution and not everything is a nail. perhaps let the ships go through cap town until this war dies down.
I don't have any qualifications but I think their dealing with a very multifaceted problem and want to avoid escalation. This is obviously affecting shipping but I don't think the Houthis are so dangerous that we need to strike immediately. H I Sutton said in his most recent video that the Houthis told the ship to stop and then they fired at a more or less stationary target.
Literally every ship fly a flag of convenience. Small island countries fly the US flag for USN protection, US ships fly another country’s flag for lesser taxes and lesser salaries to the employees, etc..
@joelborden: So you'll not complain then when the shortages come to a supermarket near you then? Remember the lesson from Evergiven? Modern trade is so interconnected, Singapore sneezes, Brazil gets a cold! It will take a few weeks, but shortages are a comin!
What is the basis of your assertion "we are not geared for this"? also, what do you mean by "this"? Not being critical I just want to understand your meaning.
The Houthis have the ability to reach out and touch these ships. This is not the 2000's anymore. The enemy has missles and drones well capable getting through ship defenses. So what I'm saying is we are 'Geared' for wars of 10 or 20 years ago. Add to that how far we are projecting U.S power , costs..ect...ect This is a losing proposition
@@raulquinones6192 The political fallout from losing a ship would make the political fallout from inaction seem miniscule by comparison, maybe you have a point and we shouldn't automatically assume we have the same kind of impunity that was enjoyed when striking Syria in the 2010's.
@@raulquinones6192 Disagree this threat can be easily taken care of. I think is more a question of political willingness. If the threat is substantial enough it comes down to what are people willing to do?
They want to start as many fires in as many places as possible! Then sit back watch, ridicule, bitch, complain and maneuver for their best interests while we run around trying to put out fires. Meanwhile they'll keep lighting more.
Instead we send the message that we want to avoid a fight and as a result we end up with a much bigger one. Some people don't miss the big picture, they choose not to see it.
All this is doing is showing is that usa has lots its stomach for a fight. Reinforcing the impression biding gave out as soon as he took power. Bidens disastrous withdrawal from afghan gave the green light to iran, north korea, russia and china to start acting up again and they all did. Immediately. Thats what biden did. And now his priorities on diversity instead of competency is causing more problems.
Explain how it makes sense for the U.S. to keep going out of its way to effectly appease the demands of private shipping companies and non U.S. flagged ships with free military support.... The narrative that the houthis are causing a shipping crisis is driven primarily by the risk tolerance of the massively powerful private shipping companies who have realized record windfall profits. If europe truly needs the goods on these ships, wouldn't the risk tolerance have to change and require more substantial action by the nations said ships are in fact owned in? Now the idea that the U.S. should strike the houthis requires a similar analysis. The shipping companies could petition their home governments to request support from U.S. military assets with pledging financial contributions or reflagging their ships to the U.S. Otherwise the wealthy nations of the world literally get free U.S. military support without having to incur any of the costs, danger, fatigue on sailors and wear and tear on military assets themselves.
None of said nations get free US military support. They literally spend billions every year in US bases around Europe, on top of loosing land to said US bases.
@christopho: Don't worry. Most people no longer trust the US, especially under sleepy joe. They aren't a reliable ally right now. After the infamous pull-out, leaving long term allies high and dry, it's crystal clear that America is powerful and very badly led. Hopefully, the next administration will be better. Sadly, American politics has become so partisan it's rapidly freezing into immobility. Personally, for once, I'd like to see the Royal Navy follow the French example, stop following USeless fleets around and actually get something done. It's unlikely to happen because the British prime(?) minister RishyWashy is just as weak as Biden but without the excuse of senility!
@@nathanryweck3137 Shouldn't Allies share in financial and materiel costs in a mutually beneficial alliance? I have no issue with any ship under imminent attack receiving military protection from any nation in good faith. The legal framework of open sea trade is fascinating and complicated. The practice of consolato preserved evan as bilateral 'free' trade treaties were signed by more nations. The main reason mare clausum gave way to mare librum as coined by Hugo Groitus and the Dutch Republic was the decline of Spanish and Portuguese naval power and the rise of massively profitable international trade. This framework led to many treaties through the Paris Declaration Respecting Maritime Law of 1856 and UNCLOS of 1982. Freedom of navigation and trade is a very new concept and I would argue much more fragile than we all may think.
US do not want to start a war that it cannot finish. US president Bush (Jr) started a war on Taliban and said they will crush Taliban to a point where it will never come back to power. 20 years of futile exercise, numerous tomahawks, numerous aerial bombardment, numerous ground operations but net result against taliban remained zero. When you fight against resilient people then its really too hard to beat them as seen against Vietnamese and Taliban.
The issue is that the u.s. military would have had to fight more violently than the opposition, and that would require an unacceptable level of brutality by our troops. Expecting people who historically allied on a family/tribe level, to suddenly come together and fight for their country as a whole, was a massive mistake and showed a gross and fundamental lack of understanding of how the people operated there before that time. Expecting to crush the dominant stabilizing force in the region and reform generations of the local society was a huge fuckup. It was a quagmire from the beginning to the end.
@@gang3576Is the Taliban still actively supporting Al Qaeda or atracking US interests? Interestingly, the Talibans are attacking the Iranians and staying low-key relative to the War in Gaza. Study geopolitics. 😩
@@gang3576Your kidding right. Afghanistan was destroyed by the Taliban the first time. It is being destroyed by by them now. Even a glance at the GDP numbers demonstrate that. They have no missile program because they lack the economy, the production capacity, and the intellectual background to build such things.
Don't worry too long about wars and the U.S. if tRump gets reelected. The U.S. will become a Totally Corrupt Isolationist country. Good Luck NATO. You'll All be on your own! Happy New Year?
That last line - very true. It's pretty clear now that the only way to keep things from getting out of hand is to respond to aggressors immediately and decisively. Ukraine and the Red Sea should be more than enough to show the Western world this truth.
That’s exactly what they’ve done with Ukraine, Europe being the biggest contributor to both Ukraine’s military effort and Ukraine’s humanitarian effort.
Somehow it was labelled successful...Paying the Taliban to provide perimeter security, which they failed at spectacularly. Deciding to go to Kabul instead of the obvious choice of Bagram. Biden lying on TV saying no one would be left behind. Abandoning billions in military arms and equipment. Continued payments of billions to Iran. If this was successful, God help us when leadership has a failure.
Aaron it would seem that world and politics along with primary goals have changed ALOT since you were there last time listening to ping pongs..... Yea, kinda sad. Subbriefs soon? Or did you cover every single sub thats worth the mention? Cause i feel like i can learn more about subs from you, thanks for teaching me subs. Really obscure area and you shed light on it! Subs do be creepy and amazing!
I think it safe to say the US knows how to resolve this and has the assets in place to do so. Question is should we? The vast majority of the vessels are not US flagged ships so they arent paying for protection. Why should we protect foreign flagged ships not transporting goods ports in the Western Alliance? The US does not import much energy or other critical things from the Red Sea. China does. For China this is critical for them. Worse for China they lack the force projection to solve this. Even worse the US is an energy exporter so high energy costs dont impact across the total economy like it does in energy import nations like China. Places like Japan and Western Europe can buy or energy and adversaries can suffer since I think its safe to say China and the US have aa work at each other relationship status currently. We have something like 15% of the USN carrier fleet in theater, and have done nothing show the flag with it and keep the war from spreading out of Israel and Gaza. The world has seen for decades we are capable of crushing this swiftly. I think this is the US telling China they F'ed around, now they find out. Its a shot at EU too because they have kept out sourcing their defense to the US while they have free higher education, healthcare etc and then claim the US society is bad for not having that. Let EU sort out an escort mission for EU ports. It will be good for them to toughen up to avoid future Libya situations where they instantly ran low on munitions and parts.
If world trade takes a hit it will affect the US. Supply chains will again get all knotted up, prices will increase and eventually Americans will pay more at the store and the gas pump. Things like container ships are a global commodity and Americans also use them. Prices going up and availability going down will also affect the US. Not saying other countries shouldn't carry their share of the burden too but this most certainly is America's problem. I think the main problem is that the US Navy is incapable of waging sustainable war against a guerilla army. Firing $2.4 million SM-2 missiles is no way to shoot down Iranian flying lawnmowers.
@@wombatillo the argument guys like Zeihan seem to indicate we can afford it better than everyone else. Let the pressure build up on China till they call their partners in Iran to have them stop the Houthis because it’s destroying their energy market. Let shipping companies that paid dirt cheap rates to naval powers such as Liberia and Panama pay to reflag to nations that have a navy to protect their ships.
Good post. Reasonable points and understandable, particularly concerning us Europeans. From the aesthetic point of view, I'm not sure that inaction sets a great precedent, unless this will be sorted behind the scenes very quickly. If the US doesn't uphold the tradition of it's leadership of FON (while not technically signed up to it all), someone else will fill the void, just like the USN did, just before, or after WW2, whenever you want to put the date.
@@wombatillo then they should register and paid the protection fee to the US or other power that had actual navy that can take care of them. or even better had the entire world solve this issue. you can't expect US to be burdened on something that didn't really benefit them. If anything US will act way later when to maximize profit
Everyone wants to go to war when they're not the ones actually fighting in the war. "Thank you for your service" doesn't register when an 81 is falling towards you.
Pentagon confirms: Vessel attacked off coast of India was hit by a drone fired from Iran: The tanker was described as having Israel links due to the fact that it was leased from a company that is indirectly owned by an Israel firm.
** Japanese Firm with one Israeli-American board member. If that's all it takes to be targeted then the "we only attack ships that support Israel" is a joke of a claim.
This is a major development, if Iran itself is directly engaging in this sort of behavior. Maybe the US military is moving slowly to avoid provoking more mayhem while keeping open the option of laying on the hurt. I'm curious what the Iranians have to say about this strike on a vessel relatively far from the area.
@@beaglemusiclabs Speculation. Old grievances. Nuclear scientist assassinations and bombings in Iran. Although more strategic strikes in northern Lebanon increasing. Who knows. But Putin, Iran and China more aggressive and coordinating to assist Putin’s war effort in Ukraine
France, Italy, and Spain have all pulled out of the US led mission. The French Ship is only protecting French flagged ships as they are actually escorting French flagged vessels.
Do you think this is a negative development? I keep asking why the burden constantly placed on the U.S. especially when it doesn't directly involve U.S. flagged ships? The shipping companies are attempting to influence military action by claiming the risk is too high. If the goods on european or chinese owned ships are truly of necessity, that risk tolerance should change and any military support should come from the nations where ships or owned.... Unless they're prepared to pay the U.S. fully for all military operational costs incurred....
No, the French are protecting French owned ships, whatever the flag is, and they proposed to protect any European owned/flagged ship as well. Sources: -Gcaptain -What’s going on with shipping
@@christopho3255 European owned/ other countries flagged ships do transport US Defence material such as weapons and vehicles… Source: -What’s going on with shipping
@@brunol-p_g8800 Indeed. This consideration still doesn't change the overall dynamics at play. As it is DoD prime contractors are price gouging U.S. taxpayers with immensely expensive weapons systems because there is no incentive to develop cost effective platforms i.e. Approximately 18 $2.5 million SM-x missiles were launched from USS Carney to intercept 14 drones launched from houthi controlled areas in Yemen that cost $20,000 maybe (source Ward Carroll). This disproportionate cost is already being used to promote targeted strikes and even ground force ops in Yemen by U.S. military forces as were seeing ftom many commentators. I simply think the developing global shipping security concerns and freedom of navigation in general requires more multilateral support, funding and action into the future.
The US Allies are wary of being too close to the US policy in the Middle East. Specifically Spain and Italy have declined to join Operation Prosperity Guardian. Reportedly France has decided to work with the US as long as they do not have to take orders from US Commanders.
Italy and Spain left because nothing was happening. Biden indecision drove them away. France stayed but only if they could run ops themselves as they wish.
Well, the affected traffic has far more influence in European trade than North America. I'm a bit surprised there's only two ships on station from European states. Although I probably shouldn't be because their navy budgets dwindled for decades.
Many European nations already have a sizeable 5th column inside their borders ... Belgium refuses to send a frigate, though one (we only have 2) is available for ops
@@rickjames18 F931 Louise Marie is available and even has a planned "cruise" to the area in 2024. Many EU nations are hiding behind one another, preaching a "common action" while doing nothing.
The inept corrupt TIN CAN USN refuses to have a Naval Maritime Defense Force (NMDF) to arm merchant container ships and tankers; moreover, Mahan said the USN must have 300x armored cruisers (NOT UNDER 10, 000x ton TIN CANs that can't take direct hits) to insure global maritime trade.
This is why I find this video harmful as anything but entertainment. His other stuff? Sure, he generally does great work - but he's let his feelings and values override the restraint necessary to provide balanced commentary, giving people the wrong impression. "Smart Navy man is angry, so I should be angry, too!" He's acting as judge and jury with none of the pertinent information he'd need to do anything but speculate. He's comitting the cardinal sin of underestimating the enemy - which is surprising because the US often OVERestimates its enemies in the past 40 years. He's laboring under the assumption that we enjoy the ability to hit the Houthis with the kind of impunity we had in striking Syria in the 2010's. We may, but we also may not and it's surprising that he's willing to gamble when what's at stake is the lives of young sailors. But again, he might not even realize it's a gamble at all, he assumes impunity.
@@fuzzydunlop7928 Great points. It's not like it's easy to just whip up a plan to take on the Houthis. There are legal ramifications as well. And going to war isn't going to immediately solve the shipping issue, it will probably make it far worse.
You are watching the Roman Empire collapse in real time. Our cities are overrun by migrant hordes, our trade routes cannot be protected, and our children are exploited and seen as second class citizens in their own towns. And to top it all off, no one wants to join the military to maintain this status quo, so we have politicians proposing foederati as replacements. Its only going to get worse from here.
AA- first off, Merry Christmas to you and yours. As for "Crisis", I really don't know if I agree with you on this. In fact, as I watched your video, I felt it was projecting a very cetain "tone" aimed at senior leadership (both appointed, and elected). Over and over, the words "I don't know" were repeated, and, the fact of the matter is, and should be (at least until we DO know). Is there an infight between secef and CNO? -"I don't know". Okay, lets wait until we do know. Does the POTUS know about this fift in leadership "I don't know" - Okay, lets wait until we do know. It is NOT a matter of national importance to destroy the Houthis. They are not even a gnat on a hot Michigan day. Does it matter the French have taken action, when we have not? Not in my mind. Frankly, I am sort of surprised they stayed lock step with us this long. France has always marched to their own drum anyhow. I am not the least bit embarassed by their action as compared to ours in any way or form. Frankly, it does not change the view of anyone in the world anyways (as they say, haters gonna hate). Eventually, the Houthis are going to do something that WILL eleicit a response. Let someone else handle it for a change. We've had enough wars and overseas involvements for a while. Send the Germans after them. They can round them up in short order....
We had at least 10 armed Navy personnel surrender to a couple of Iranians in a POS boat armed with an AK and wearing flip flops. This was after the Royal Navy surrender incident. As a matter of fact a Navy Admiral had just put out that The US Navy would not surrender like the Brits did...whomp whomp. Guess who was in Command of that theater at the time...none other than Lloyd I like group selfies Austin. This behavior only emboldens our enemies. If we won't retaliate against direct attacks, imagine what the ChiComms are thinking? I'll tell ya what they are thinking...they are thinking they are going to move up that reunification timeline.
I think it was the updated 2023 entry about the Earth in the Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy. From "Harmless," to "Mostly Harmless," and now, "We're F****d!"
Really glad to hear you mention Sal’s channel, Aaron. Seems like a great guy. I guess y’all cool guys roll in a pack 😎 Thanks for your insight. Your perspective on these matters is always valuable.
"Inaction by Consensus" I think is what they call it. Everyone needs to agree or else they don't do anything. It isn't indecision in DC. This is the White House intentionally sitting on their hands until he gets the okay from the State Department that countries X, Y, and Z agree to join in on doing the obvious right thing. Which does kind of make sense in a way. So far the only locals that are on board is Bahrain. Not even Egypt who has a lot to lose here. The current admin is extremely gun shy in being seen as acting unilaterally in any fashion. Everything is done as part of a bigger international thing. So we sit and we wait. Yay. International politics.
"Inaction by Consensus" This is the EU. I mean, collectively as a bloc they can't help Ukraine coz Hungary says no. They'll have to change to a 2/3 or 3/4 majority soon - their response to anything currently is glacial.
It’s a joke that Egypt and Saudi Arabia aren’t leading this. Egypt makes $10 billion per year on the Suez Canal so they should be helping fund any mission.
@@MusicalMemeology Maybe Egypt, with a population of 100+ million pissed off Muslims, tacitly considers punishing Israel worth more than the $10 billion of lost Suez revenue? Maybe Saudi Arabia feels similarly? That some things are more important than just money?
Or perhaps the current administration isn't really keen on continuing the decades-long mistake of the US constantly invading and/or attacking Middle Eastern countries who then want retribution... It's like y'all still think 9/11 happened completely out of the blue. 🤦🏻♂️
It seems like we need to make attacks in country, which is a little different than pirates. Is there a mass drone attack scenario we are concerned with? Is there something we don’t want to be baited into?
These are the kinds of questions I'm curious about as well. Also, if other Iranian proxies or even their own forces start striking targets elsewhere, do we Americans have the political will to respond to that and even continue escalating, especially given how bloody the war in Gaza continues to be? I'm angry watching Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, the IRGC, & etc. continue to wreak havoc across the Middle East, but it seems every fight in that region is, shall we say, complicated. It seems also rare to find local partners with similar values to our own, which makes working together for peace often about as contentious as fighting wars.
@@beaglemusiclabs We lost a lot of good will in the region after we invaded Iraq on extremely weak pretenses and set in motion events that cost over half a million lives. That's a big part of why the locals don't have "similar values to our own".
With all due respect, I think yiuve totally missed the point. Yes, I have the benefit of hindsight now that the attacks on the Houthis have started, but I did have an inkling before the fact too. This is strategic brilliance: wait until it looks like there have been many warnings, then strike ina genius cloak and dagger move while the ICJ case is hot! I haven't seen a better deflection than that in a long time.
I just updated the Royal Navy Astute-class Sub Brief on www.patreon.com/subbrief and in the UA-cam Members only area. Enjoy!
Aaron. I thought you were smart. What do you have between your ears? Hay? If the U.S. attack the Houthi, it would not take long before the SA oilfields would be targeted by them. What will that entail? Massive oil starvation on the western hemisphere, not to mention China. What would you do then? You must think a little longer than the end of your nose.
maybe the US isnt dealing with those european ships because they go the the euro cucks who put 1% gdp in the miltary and make fun of the US .. just a thought . that doesnt even cover the benefit the chinese and russians get from getting their ships through. we paying for them too?
Was that a pinky and the brain reference? The same thing we do ever night pinky, take over the world.
@@erroneous6947 .. Oh boy. Yet another genius. You must press the correct button. Instead of answering me, you are answering Aaron. Try to be relevant.
I have a feeling this will pop off after xmas.
I need you, Sal, HI Sutton, and Ward Carroll to form a powerhouse information channel so I can watch you all in one place.
You can. UA-cam.....
Yes, Yes, and Yes! Subscribed to all three and Ward just posted a video with Sal,
might wanna check out Willy QAM aswell.
😂 exactly
Ward Carrol is a fucking joke lol.
I’ll take mean tweets and world peace any day. Thanks
Thank you for the update.
Dankeschön und Frohe Weihnachten 🎄
Gospođa Liza Franšet je vojni oficir za respekt i vrlo dobro razume da ova flota šta god da uradi , neće uspeti u planiranoj akciji:::::
Yes let me know when can hear more from you. THANK
😊
This video needs to be seen by every American
If only Trump was still in office....this wouldn't be happening.
Would be Totally different.
You can add Sen. Tuberville in there too
Inaction? No my friend it's a check mate. Time for concessions
you also have the added problems that tuberville caused by holding up dozens of promotions.
THE KEY is not to play by knee jerk reaction and expand the war.....by TURNING THE SAND TO GLASS. KNOW real fear by the actions of self control/politics.
My take ~ SecDef and SecNav are in “analysis paralysis” . Common pitfall of senior leaders without true operational experience.
Didn't Congress repeal one of the authorizations for war from the President or modify the War Powers Act within the last year? That might make kicking things off without congressional approval more difficult and since Congress has elected to spend the next 2 plus weeks at home there's nobody minding the legislative house. Also, as noted by a comment below, maybe we should let diplomacy work. I know we have the world's most capable military, but let's not look at everything as a nail. It limits our freedom of action and reduces our options significantly.
This is a huge. I feel like kicking this off is going to cause a domino effect of sorts. Also, I won't play the 2-party game anymore... Neither Biden nor Trump are for the American people.
The whole of DC is not for the American People. If they were, everything would look orders of magnitude different than it does.
You're wrong. Biden and Trump couldn't be more different. Trump cares about America, Imo.
XD You think Trump actually cares? Why is the Patriot Act still here? Why are the FISA courts still around? The drug war is on full swing with Trump which gives China more power. You are brainwashed sir, you don't know who to believe. None of us do for sure. We can only take our best guess at who's heart is in it. Trump loves the Democrats actually, without them who could he point fingers towards to keep people playing the game?@@bbeen40
@@bbeen40ur insane
I appreciate your videos and Merry Christmas!
Aaron, I watch you and Sal every day.
Looks like the same problems that were present during the withdrawal of Afghanistan have not been solved and are still ongoing
Those problems being the ineptitude of the previous administration being the burden of the current?
Shocking of the Pentagon not to keep you in the loop re: upcoming offensive action...
You said it all…anyone in DC listening?
dude, chill with the clickbait. youre turning into one of THOSE youtubers ...
Hmmmm Houthi rebels shooting at commercial shipping. Sounds an awful lot like Barbary Wars 2.0 (1.0 being the reason the USN was made back in the years after we won our independence from the UK
Your embarrassed, imagine how Aussies feel about our government. We.ll send 11 people, not even canoes for 'em. Shame , Australia, shame.
bu....bu...but Orange man bad! Orange man can't possibly...*insert blue haired screeching* (this is sarcasm)
Best outro quote ever
I think that the U.S. navy is being careful because the navy is a very big stick, and the situation is politically and diplomacy wise very delicate. They are trying to not cause a wider conflict. Caution is not weakness, but in fact allowing ships to reroute instead of being more weapons into the situation. Also if it escalates you don’t want civilians involved anyways.
We are being cautious because we will lose if we step wrong....period.
I follow Sal,
his perspective is less important than Peter Zeihan in this instance.
What makes you think we need to protect a ship registered in Cayman Island or Bermuda, let Bermuda send destroyers to escort their ships! 🚢
The Houthis said they will attack Saudi oil if they are attacked.
No they said they attack saudi if saudi give platform or join the coalition to attack houthi.
They not attack saudi if saudi dont do anything
You are So On Point! Who the hell let These People Be InCharge? No one other than you is asking these questions. I Think that a "Modern Arc Light" campaign should be immediately instituted on the Hootie-tooties!! If these 3 people won't decide to Do Something, Then Hire People That WILL!!! They're gonna wait till American service crews are harmed, killed or until we lose a ship or one is damaged till they get off their butts and do their Job!
My final comment on your comment regarding the next President being a war time President; The U.S. Is Fucked...
It's been a pretty good run.
Thank You for your posts and Wishing You a Happy & Safe New Year
Globally speaking why should the US Navy at great cost to to the USA tax payers be the protectors of the world’s merchant shipping? Not a single American ship has been scratched as yet so there is no reason to become involved as such. Let the ship owners and companies put pressure on those that “should” be quietly telling the Houthis to pull their collective heads in and desist or else Islam will come after them swords in hand. Here I refer to Egypt, Saudi, UA and other Middle East countries which rely on the maritime traffic to top up their coffers.
The USN getting involved in this sissy fight would only detract for the principle reason that they are in situ ie the Israeli conflict and it should be very careful of getting sucked into side issues which clearly this is and instigated by Iran. No America should not be fighting other people’s battles. Saudi alone could decimate Yemen should it have the desire to do so but they and their rich Arab cousins prefer to eat popcorn and dates on the sidelines and let America handle all the dirty work. This is not “indecision” on the part of the White House but a logical political manoeuvre. US has many options in such matters and BTW I am a non US citizen and also not particularly a fan.
The real question that needs to be answered, why USA fights on behalf of Israel? Why the USA cover Israel crimes against Palestine people? Why the USA and its allies Saudi Arabia and UAE imposed air, sea and land siege against Yemen since 2015? In my view of point, Houthis have full right to protect people and break down the siege what matter the cost. The Yemeni people are deprived of accessing to the needed resources, foods and fuels, meanwhile all world shipping containers passing from their water? This is injustice and Yemeni people have nothing to lose. If the matter is about losing one’s life in order to break the siege and injustice on the Yemeni and Palestinian peoples, then this is what everyone wishes for.
@@mechaeladam6424
Because the U.S. wants a strong ally in the area. It's not for any moral or ethical reason. It's purely foreign policy meeting American Interests. It's a global poker game, where everyone's cheating. Morality is out the window, power is all that matters.
If the U.S. stops supporting Israel, their ability to have influence in the middle east is greatly diminished.
Edit to add: I did not, and will not advocate for these behaviors. You asked a question and that is the answer.
Our strategy is called "Assaulting The Enemy With a Dithering Defense".
Keep it up Aaron!
Your ending statement was sobering.
It probably wouldn’t be quick or easy to eliminate the houthis. After you’re done attacking them they will still be there along the shipping lane, and Iran would no doubt continue to supply them whatever they want. A war would deplete you (cost asymmetry) and is unlikely to lead to peace/stbility. I don’t disagree the navy could do some shipping lane protection, but if nobody in Europe cares enough to do the heavy lifting then why should the US? Your military is very strong, but can’t solve all problems. Also the casual racism and misogyny wasn’t welcome.
what misogyny got to do with this?!
I don't want to send my kid or anyone else's kid to fight and die in Yemen because shippers can't make a profit if they avoid the Red Sea. SubBrief: Why don't you go first and show us all how it's done.
CIC now stands for Coward in Charge?
You can put the FULL blame on the voters who elected this empty suit as president.
I think they (the political bosses) know what they want to do: nothing. They don’t want to get involved. No political advantage in doing so (from their perspective).
It will be worst than the Taliban embarrassment. Heres a option the U.S. could just leave and worry about its own region
Think outside the box
I think the goal is to hold back until the very end of the fiscal year of 2023. Currently the Republicans are blocking aid to Ukraine. Now, the Presidential Drawdown Authority can be enacted on that. But the effect would be that there is less budget available for other hot spots, like in this case the issues with the Houthis. Or the other way around, if the President needs to use the Presidential Drawdown Authority 2023 on the Houthis, then less aid can be given to Ukraine. However, if you just wait and hold on until to the very last hour of 2023 to divert funds of the Presidential Drawdown Authority to Ukraine. Then at midnight it is the start of the new fiscal year. And I assume the Presidential Drawdown Authority is fully replenished and available for 2024. Giving more financial options for the US and the President to pick and choose who to prosecute. And then most likely the go will be given to go after the Houthis.
12:18 LOL
"Which one will you choose to lead us into a war..." *None of the above*
The US is no longer the "World's Police Force". We should convoy US assets but that type focus would be tricky? It's certainly not our responsibility to protect China shipping is it?
This kind of Gung! Ho! analysis is unsophisticated and unhelpful. It is easy to start a war but not so easy to stop one. Sure, the US can beat up the Houtis; but, doing so would play into the hands of Iran and risks having the Israeli-Hamas conflict escalate into a full-blown regional war. From a technical perspective, Aaron's videos are interesting and informative; but, the arts of strategic policy analysis and statecraft should be left to those with a deeper understanding of global geopolitics and the history of conflict between nation states.
Our options are all bad ones. Heavy disruption of international shipping without decisive action by the US makes us look ineffective.
The Houthie weapons are cheap and effective, with easy to move launch sites. Be prepared for a lot more of this in the future.
Politically we have friendly nations in the area that will find it more and more difficult to be seen as connected to a county bombing "poor little" Yemen over any extended period of time. The news feeds would be horrific.
Marines running around the deserts and mountains will not fare any better and for the same reasons.
Just play air defense? Calculate the cost of our AA missiles compared to the Houthie drones and see whose purse will empty first. Forget not that playing defense we are starting at the top of our game, the Houthie, starting out will get more and more sophisticated in the attack.
It is at a time like this that a nation needs a leader who is a mature statesman.
The US and allies definitely should at least protect the waterways. I can understand being thoughtful when handling army action on land, but at sea and coastlines it should be clear what to do: blast away anything that has acted against friendly vessels. Being passive is not a good quality in any military.
Babylon is falling with its colonial rule and we're watching it fall ...we need to go watch old Rocky movies to charge our battery, even if they are out of date.
Yeah, this assessment closely follows my own. This could work if decisions were made lower on the chain. With the decisions made at the top and then not made, the kids at the bottom can get get killed.
The Navy has the authority to send their ships just about anywhere. Each ship has the inherent right to self-defense. Anytime you involve other nations or private companies, there's going to be a lot of paperwork involved. 5th Fleet/CENTCOM has to produce a detailed plan, submit it to Congressional Armed Forces Committee and Pentagon for approval, as well as, have the JAG develop a revised ROE. The plan also has to get approved by the other Coalition Nations and the Private Shipping Companies.
These ships probably need a communications suite in order to coordinate and rendezvous with US Warships, which means you need US Sailors or Marines on board each of these ships. Coordinating escorts through chokepoints isn't something done over unclassified email and MARBAND. Which also means that they need to get on board somehow with their equipment. Helicopters and small boats are high risk evolutions depending on the sea state. But large commercial vessels don't like to pull into port because that costs a lot of money.
I don't have any insight on French/European Ops, if they're just shadowing ships or trying to coordinate over MARBAND, which I can say would make things extremely difficult. MARBAND isn't as regulated over in the Middle East as it in US Territory. Plenty of bored fishermen making cat noises or reading books over it.
You speak of things you know nothing about. There’s absolutely nothing to prevent the admiral from ordering a retaliatory strike on anyone shooting at or near our ships. However at this point he may have received orders not to shoot back without approval from cinccentcom. If I ever received such an order I’d resign my commission on the spot. The flag officers have sold out to their political master and betrayed the oath they took. Please don’t be so naive. Open your eyes man. The secdef can’t even tell you what a woman is. He’s allowing Drag Storytime on military installations for the children of military personnel. This is what the Biden administration has done to the military. It’s not a communication problem it’s that they have different priorities than safeguarding the interests of America.
I just got out of the Navy in 2022 and this type of inept leaders in the US mil are an infestation. I've never seen an organization favor yes men, box checkers, and professional power point producers as the US mil. It truly has lost the art of warfare in it's bloated, over corporatized state. The mass exedus of sailors and releclutance for new people to join is a direct result of the failure of leadership over the last two decades.
Well said bud and spot on. They are slowly ruining the most incredible, powerful, military machine to ever exist. Its sad and dangerous at thr same time
@@billmurray1431 slowly ruining?? Buddy it's already ruined, we are done for.
ok, but riddle me this. It is easy to sit back and say pew pew everyone and everything. From a geopolitical lens, what has Yemen done to the United States to warrant basically declaring war on them? Every country in the world can transit freight throughout the purview of the Yemeni coastline. It is only Israel, Yemen has declared an embargo on. Why exactly should we put our blood and treasure on the line for? What do I tell my wife as to why our kid might die for? What exactly are my Tax dollars paying for? I thought the pro Trump crowd (including myself) wanted to keep us out of wars.
Done purposely to diminish our military, you figure out the reason.
I’ve always had a strong urge to join, I’ve seen friends go in as boys and come out as men. A friend of mine who was in the Marines even said that exact same thing. I guess it’s the structure of our military which has been the main reason I won’t join understanding the toll of bad leadership.
Arron, it is evident that your understanding of geopolitics is lacking. The Houtis are not a sovereign nation, nor is what they are doing happening in a vacuum. Obviously this is a complicated situation, exasperated by the war in Israel, the Iranian government pulling strings, the Ukraine war and what Turkey is doing, or not, as the case may be, the stakes at play with Egypt, and on and on...... I can appreciate your impatience and I agree that there should have been a more robust plan in place, but I imagine that plan did not take into account Israel being at war with Iranian proxies. Be patient brother, when it comes to geopolitics cooler heads must prevail or the worlds situation could get a whole lot worse real fast!
USA: two fleets
France: one frigate ‘hold my beer’
At the moment it is only one frigate, but they could deploy other naval assets from the Indian Ocean and from Toulon in Southern France, and aerial assets from their Djibouti base.
Saychells sending a Pedalo lol. I bet the Houties are scared. lol.
@@derekferguson385They're not scared at all. The houthis can sink any vessel that threatens them...
@@brunol-p_g8800sounds like cope
@@gmw3083 But can they sink airstrikes?
Man these "flags of convenience" aren't terribly convenient when you need actual protection.
While we should act at some point, the US needs to get more buy-in from other invested parties, both governmental and private sector. We are not rubes, we do not billions on a Defense Budget to give it out freely. Registering you ship as Panamanian affords you all the benefits that entails, principally lower operating costs and low taxes. It however DOES NOT include an obligation of the USN to protect your shipping routes. Private entities can either register their ships in the US, or pony up an appropriate amount of money/incentives if they want judicious application of firepower in another middle east nation.
Exactly why aren’t the shipping companies paying for it? There should be fees if they want protection.
So make the us navy into a mercenary organization.
Hopefully you don’t understand how international shipping works and the impact on the global economy, and food security it has - yes that includes America.
The incentive is that the world keeps ticking if that strait is open. If it’s closed we’re all screwed. Protection of global trade and international shipping and international law is what is paramount. Not who pays what to fly which flag.
We can end flags of convivence by listing the flags we will protect and telling insurers all the rest are on their own. NATO, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand would be default group, with the rest of the world having to ask for protection in exchange for...???
@@jager6863 bringing us food and computer chips? See how that works out
I’m no sailor nor privy to any information that isn’t public. That said - I thought the Navy mission changed a long time ago away from escorts unless the ships were flagged US. Most these ships are Chinese or Indian or Indonesian. Where are those navies? I’m sure we would protect our own, but we don’t really ship through those lanes so we? I think our navy is there to protect Israel and our own bases, and our US flagged shipping, but not third parties. That doesn’t seem to be our mission any longer.
I gotta agree with you. For the record Cosco ships are transiting through with no fear.
Thats because china and the nation of is|am owns bidumb and the Pentagon.
There are not so many ships with western flags, because it is far cheaper to register them in other Countries. So it is entirely possible to have US cargo on, say, a Liberian or Djibouti flagged ship. But you're right, main routes to the US aren't through that area.
You're trying to apply logic to this situation. There was logic with the original intent to protect cargo ships so that supplies could get through to Israel. However, the mus|ims ignore the Navy ships and attacked cargo ships destined for Israel anyway. The weak leadership in the White House and the Pentagon gave our warship commanders rules of engagement that allowed them to shoot down missiles but doesn't allow them to attack the launch sites. The mus|ims can see the weakness and our exploiting it.
Why Are you so sure the US navy should intervene? Any American ships attacked yet? Aare you so hot on the trigger ;-)
Sounds like the "creative inaction" I saw first hand in the federal government civilian sector. No one wants to do anything because it might turn out wrong so they delay, do nothing, and hope the situation changes or goes away.
There are 2 kinds of problems, big and small.
Big ones, you can't do anything about, so why bother?
Small ones will solve themselves, so also why bother?
@@thegalli And if you do something but it doesn't go well it's your name on the pyre.
Why the USMIL needs to be a PROFESSION instead of the immoral, inept BUREAUCRACY that it is.
Saudis Arabia bombed the hell out of Yemen for years and it did next to nothing. The US has nothing to gain by attacking the Houthis
I think it’s pretty clear that strategically starting a war in Yemen at this time is not a tenable idea. They’re real dig into those mountains and we know that trying to assault that country would kick off something real spicy.
Yep also with gen Z not wanting to join the military the usa won’t have enough personnel to hold up a potential prolonged war if one starts
also this navies are not as invincible as they were 10 or 20 years ago. sea drones and anti ship missals have made it impossible for the NAVY to operate with impunity. ask Russia, gorilla warfare in the high seas is not something this ships are built for. also Russia, iran and China will be jumping on the opportunity to send some of this weapons just to dgread US standing in the world. granted Russia cant send much in the way of weapons atm but given Ukraine doesn't have any navy..stand to reason Russia will be capable to be sending some anit ship missals and sea drones just to get back at the US. you can go after the houthis without dealing with the backers aka iran...russia and so on. China would also love nothing more than the US getting suck back in the middle east. the US is full of ego so if the huties sink even one of its ship's it will be all out war. the world feels like its on fire and there is no appetite for more war in the US and Europe. no way EU will follow the US back in to the middle east after the last debacle. there is a lot at play here that what this guy is saying
Who is talking about starting a war? Also, the Houthis attacked ships, they have already opened fire. So retaliatory strikes till these attacks stop are perfectly sensible and proportionate.
The dumbest thing is to have someone shoot at you and do nothing.
@@termitreter6545 you are right "The dumbest thing is to have someone shoot at you and do nothing" the houthis are thinking exactly the same thing. they didn't fire on US war ships, they fired at Israel and the US intercepted their drones. so its the US that fired first. second you can retaliate but without escalating into significant bombardment you wont deter the Houthis. if you escalate then it will be perfectly fine for them to directly target US war ships... and that wont bode well for the US war ships... given there will be sea drone and Iran..Russia and possible Chinese made anti ship missal's supplied to the Huties. would be perfect scenario for Iran to test out their missal systems. not everything has a military solution and not everything is a nail. perhaps let the ships go through cap town until this war dies down.
@@termitreter6545the USA has no legitimate military options for the Houthis. We are like an impotent old man. 😂
I don't have any qualifications but I think their dealing with a very multifaceted problem and want to avoid escalation. This is obviously affecting shipping but I don't think the Houthis are so dangerous that we need to strike immediately. H I Sutton said in his most recent video that the Houthis told the ship to stop and then they fired at a more or less stationary target.
Exactly. The US is trying to prevent an all out war in the middle east. Like you said, keep other actors at bay.
If a ship flies a flag of convenience, then they can wait for the country they’re flagged in to send their own fleet.
Literally every ship fly a flag of convenience. Small island countries fly the US flag for USN protection, US ships fly another country’s flag for lesser taxes and lesser salaries to the employees, etc..
@joelborden: So you'll not complain then when the shortages come to a supermarket near you then? Remember the lesson from Evergiven? Modern trade is so interconnected, Singapore sneezes, Brazil gets a cold! It will take a few weeks, but shortages are a comin!
No need, we (Britain) are taking matters into our own hands.
@@PercyPruneMHDOIFandBarsJust allow food and medicine into the Gaza strip and you won't have to worry about using Yemeni waters.
LIBERIA TO THE RESCUE. Goooo Bahamas!
Navy vet here. You assume we are able to do much more than we actually can. We are not geared for this. What happens when they sink something?
What is the basis of your assertion "we are not geared for this"? also, what do you mean by "this"? Not being critical I just want to understand your meaning.
The Houthis have the ability to reach out and touch these ships. This is not the 2000's anymore. The enemy has missles and drones well capable getting through ship defenses.
So what I'm saying is we are 'Geared' for wars of 10 or 20 years ago. Add to that how far we are projecting U.S power , costs..ect...ect
This is a losing proposition
@@raulquinones6192 The political fallout from losing a ship would make the political fallout from inaction seem miniscule by comparison, maybe you have a point and we shouldn't automatically assume we have the same kind of impunity that was enjoyed when striking Syria in the 2010's.
@@raulquinones6192 Disagree this threat can be easily taken care of. I think is more a question of political willingness. If the threat is substantial enough it comes down to what are people willing to do?
@@raulquinones6192 Agreed. Ukraine has shown navy warfare isn't what it used to be. As the ruZZians, why's their powerful fleet in hiding?
Have we considered that maybe Russia, China and Iran want us to be fighting in yemen?
They want to start as many fires in as many places as possible! Then sit back watch, ridicule, bitch, complain and maneuver for their best interests while we run around trying to put out fires. Meanwhile they'll keep lighting more.
Exactly. It’s the big picture being missed by too many.
Instead we send the message that we want to avoid a fight and as a result we end up with a much bigger one. Some people don't miss the big picture, they choose not to see it.
My thoughts exactly. The US is wise to keep its powder dry.
All this is doing is showing is that usa has lots its stomach for a fight. Reinforcing the impression biding gave out as soon as he took power.
Bidens disastrous withdrawal from afghan gave the green light to iran, north korea, russia and china to start acting up again and they all did. Immediately. Thats what biden did.
And now his priorities on diversity instead of competency is causing more problems.
Explain how it makes sense for the U.S. to keep going out of its way to effectly appease the demands of private shipping companies and non U.S. flagged ships with free military support....
The narrative that the houthis are causing a shipping crisis is driven primarily by the risk tolerance of the massively powerful private shipping companies who have realized record windfall profits.
If europe truly needs the goods on these ships, wouldn't the risk tolerance have to change and require more substantial action by the nations said ships are in fact owned in?
Now the idea that the U.S. should strike the houthis requires a similar analysis. The shipping companies could petition their home governments to request support from U.S. military assets with pledging financial contributions or reflagging their ships to the U.S. Otherwise the wealthy nations of the world literally get free U.S. military support without having to incur any of the costs, danger, fatigue on sailors and wear and tear on military assets themselves.
Because we are allies? And the world looks to the US for security and leadership? Not anymore I guess.
None of said nations get free US military support. They literally spend billions every year in US bases around Europe, on top of loosing land to said US bases.
@christopho: Don't worry. Most people no longer trust the US, especially under sleepy joe. They aren't a reliable ally right now.
After the infamous pull-out, leaving long term allies high and dry, it's crystal clear that America is powerful and very badly led. Hopefully, the next administration will be better. Sadly, American politics has become so partisan it's rapidly freezing into immobility.
Personally, for once, I'd like to see the Royal Navy follow the French example, stop following USeless fleets around and actually get something done. It's unlikely to happen because the British prime(?) minister RishyWashy is just as weak as Biden but without the excuse of senility!
By the way, you do know a huge amount of US goods also transit Suez and the Med?
@@nathanryweck3137 Shouldn't Allies share in financial and materiel costs in a mutually beneficial alliance? I have no issue with any ship under imminent attack receiving military protection from any nation in good faith. The legal framework of open sea trade is fascinating and complicated.
The practice of consolato preserved evan as bilateral 'free' trade treaties were signed by more nations. The main reason mare clausum gave way to mare librum as coined by Hugo Groitus and the Dutch Republic was the decline of Spanish and Portuguese naval power and the rise of massively profitable international trade. This framework led to many treaties through the Paris Declaration Respecting Maritime Law of 1856 and UNCLOS of 1982. Freedom of navigation and trade is a very new concept and I would argue much more fragile than we all may think.
US do not want to start a war that it cannot finish. US president Bush (Jr) started a war on Taliban and said they will crush Taliban to a point where it will never come back to power. 20 years of futile exercise, numerous tomahawks, numerous aerial bombardment, numerous ground operations but net result against taliban remained zero. When you fight against resilient people then its really too hard to beat them as seen against Vietnamese and Taliban.
The issue is that the u.s. military would have had to fight more violently than the opposition, and that would require an unacceptable level of brutality by our troops.
Expecting people who historically allied on a family/tribe level, to suddenly come together and fight for their country as a whole, was a massive mistake and showed a gross and fundamental lack of understanding of how the people operated there before that time.
Expecting to crush the dominant stabilizing force in the region and reform generations of the local society was a huge fuckup.
It was a quagmire from the beginning to the end.
@@gang3576
Exactly. We did not make good dex.
@@gang3576Is the Taliban still actively supporting Al Qaeda or atracking US interests? Interestingly, the Talibans are attacking the Iranians and staying low-key relative to the War in Gaza.
Study geopolitics. 😩
@@gang3576Your kidding right. Afghanistan was destroyed by the Taliban the first time. It is being destroyed by by them now. Even a glance at the GDP numbers demonstrate that. They have no missile program because they lack the economy, the production capacity, and the intellectual background to build such things.
Don't worry too long about wars and the U.S. if tRump gets reelected. The U.S. will become a Totally Corrupt Isolationist country. Good Luck NATO. You'll All be on your own! Happy New Year?
That last line - very true.
It's pretty clear now that the only way to keep things from getting out of hand is to respond to aggressors immediately and decisively. Ukraine and the Red Sea should be more than enough to show the Western world this truth.
That’s exactly what they’ve done with Ukraine, Europe being the biggest contributor to both Ukraine’s military effort and Ukraine’s humanitarian effort.
Like Ike said, "speak softly and carry a big stick." He believed you shouldn't be drawn into conf l ict unless you're willing to crush the enemy.
Maybe just allow food and medicine into Gaza and you can use Yemeni waters.
The American led West is swirling the drain. Ukraine and Israel are the canaries in the coal mine. It's over. Face reality....
@@aymonfoxc1442 Teddy, not Ike, but yes all the same.
Remember Lloyd Austin said he was proud of how we pulled out of Afghanistan….
He’s always good to find excuses for disasters
Trump's decision.
Somehow it was labelled successful...Paying the Taliban to provide perimeter security, which they failed at spectacularly. Deciding to go to Kabul instead of the obvious choice of Bagram. Biden lying on TV saying no one would be left behind. Abandoning billions in military arms and equipment. Continued payments of billions to Iran. If this was successful, God help us when leadership has a failure.
Maybe Blinken can send the Houthis leader a stern letter ?
Everyone knows the houthis are not joking around, I think that’s the problem
none of this should be a surprise given who the commander and chief is. i say we are meeting expectations.
No doubt. Diversity & perversity are his strengths.
It's beginning to look like the Afghan retreat. Not yet a debacle, but it's coming ....
At least we do not have mean tweets anymore and decency is back in Congress and Whitehouse.
good joke
Yup
Aaron it would seem that world and politics along with primary goals have changed ALOT since you were there last time listening to ping pongs..... Yea, kinda sad.
Subbriefs soon? Or did you cover every single sub thats worth the mention? Cause i feel like i can learn more about subs from you, thanks for teaching me subs. Really obscure area and you shed light on it! Subs do be creepy and amazing!
I think it safe to say the US knows how to resolve this and has the assets in place to do so. Question is should we? The vast majority of the vessels are not US flagged ships so they arent paying for protection. Why should we protect foreign flagged ships not transporting goods ports in the Western Alliance?
The US does not import much energy or other critical things from the Red Sea. China does. For China this is critical for them. Worse for China they lack the force projection to solve this. Even worse the US is an energy exporter so high energy costs dont impact across the total economy like it does in energy import nations like China. Places like Japan and Western Europe can buy or energy and adversaries can suffer since I think its safe to say China and the US have aa work at each other relationship status currently.
We have something like 15% of the USN carrier fleet in theater, and have done nothing show the flag with it and keep the war from spreading out of Israel and Gaza. The world has seen for decades we are capable of crushing this swiftly. I think this is the US telling China they F'ed around, now they find out. Its a shot at EU too because they have kept out sourcing their defense to the US while they have free higher education, healthcare etc and then claim the US society is bad for not having that. Let EU sort out an escort mission for EU ports. It will be good for them to toughen up to avoid future Libya situations where they instantly ran low on munitions and parts.
If world trade takes a hit it will affect the US. Supply chains will again get all knotted up, prices will increase and eventually Americans will pay more at the store and the gas pump. Things like container ships are a global commodity and Americans also use them. Prices going up and availability going down will also affect the US. Not saying other countries shouldn't carry their share of the burden too but this most certainly is America's problem.
I think the main problem is that the US Navy is incapable of waging sustainable war against a guerilla army. Firing $2.4 million SM-2 missiles is no way to shoot down Iranian flying lawnmowers.
@@wombatillo the argument guys like Zeihan seem to indicate we can afford it better than everyone else. Let the pressure build up on China till they call their partners in Iran to have them stop the Houthis because it’s destroying their energy market. Let shipping companies that paid dirt cheap rates to naval powers such as Liberia and Panama pay to reflag to nations that have a navy to protect their ships.
Good post. Reasonable points and understandable, particularly concerning us Europeans.
From the aesthetic point of view, I'm not sure that inaction sets a great precedent, unless this will be sorted behind the scenes very quickly.
If the US doesn't uphold the tradition of it's leadership of FON (while not technically signed up to it all), someone else will fill the void, just like the USN did, just before, or after WW2, whenever you want to put the date.
@@wombatillo then they should register and paid the protection fee to the US or other power that had actual navy that can take care of them.
or even better had the entire world solve this issue.
you can't expect US to be burdened on something that didn't really benefit them.
If anything US will act way later when to maximize profit
@@jimb9063No one else can fill the void. It'll take a decade minimum for any country to build a navy needed.
Everyone wants to go to war when they're not the ones actually fighting in the war. "Thank you for your service" doesn't register when an 81 is falling towards you.
Pentagon confirms: Vessel attacked off coast of India was hit by a drone fired from Iran: The tanker was described as having Israel links due to the fact that it was leased from a company that is indirectly owned by an Israel firm.
** Japanese Firm with one Israeli-American board member. If that's all it takes to be targeted then the "we only attack ships that support Israel" is a joke of a claim.
@@dalel3608always has been
This is a major development, if Iran itself is directly engaging in this sort of behavior. Maybe the US military is moving slowly to avoid provoking more mayhem while keeping open the option of laying on the hurt. I'm curious what the Iranians have to say about this strike on a vessel relatively far from the area.
@@beaglemusiclabs Speculation. Old grievances. Nuclear scientist assassinations and bombings in Iran. Although more strategic strikes in northern Lebanon increasing. Who knows. But Putin, Iran and China more aggressive and coordinating to assist Putin’s war effort in Ukraine
France, Italy, and Spain have all pulled out of the US led mission. The French Ship is only protecting French flagged ships as they are actually escorting French flagged vessels.
Not surprised as they are hosting large populations of, ahem, "foreign guests" who have a commonality with those in Yemen.
Do you think this is a negative development? I keep asking why the burden constantly placed on the U.S. especially when it doesn't directly involve U.S. flagged ships?
The shipping companies are attempting to influence military action by claiming the risk is too high. If the goods on european or chinese owned ships are truly of necessity, that risk tolerance should change and any military support should come from the nations where ships or owned.... Unless they're prepared to pay the U.S. fully for all military operational costs incurred....
No, the French are protecting French owned ships, whatever the flag is, and they proposed to protect any European owned/flagged ship as well.
Sources:
-Gcaptain
-What’s going on with shipping
@@christopho3255 European owned/ other countries flagged ships do transport US Defence material such as weapons and vehicles…
Source:
-What’s going on with shipping
@@brunol-p_g8800 Indeed. This consideration still doesn't change the overall dynamics at play. As it is DoD prime contractors are price gouging U.S. taxpayers with immensely expensive weapons systems because there is no incentive to develop cost effective platforms i.e. Approximately 18 $2.5 million SM-x missiles were launched from USS Carney to intercept 14 drones launched from houthi controlled areas in Yemen that cost $20,000 maybe (source Ward Carroll). This disproportionate cost is already being used to promote targeted strikes and even ground force ops in Yemen by U.S. military forces as were seeing ftom many commentators. I simply think the developing global shipping security concerns and freedom of navigation in general requires more multilateral support, funding and action into the future.
The US Allies are wary of being too close to the US policy in the Middle East. Specifically Spain and Italy have declined to join Operation Prosperity Guardian. Reportedly France has decided to work with the US as long as they do not have to take orders from US Commanders.
Italy and Spain left because nothing was happening. Biden indecision drove them away. France stayed but only if they could run ops themselves as they wish.
Well, the affected traffic has far more influence in European trade than North America. I'm a bit surprised there's only two ships on station from European states. Although I probably shouldn't be because their navy budgets dwindled for decades.
Many European nations already have a sizeable 5th column inside their borders ...
Belgium refuses to send a frigate, though one (we only have 2) is available for ops
@@Wannes_ They may not have one available with only two in total. Not sure on the timeline or readiness
@@rickjames18 F931 Louise Marie is available and even has a planned "cruise" to the area in 2024.
Many EU nations are hiding behind one another, preaching a "common action" while doing nothing.
The inept corrupt TIN CAN USN refuses to have a Naval Maritime Defense Force (NMDF) to arm merchant container ships and tankers; moreover, Mahan said the USN must have 300x armored cruisers (NOT UNDER 10, 000x ton TIN CANs that can't take direct hits) to insure global maritime trade.
Look who is in command.
This is what happens when your country goes woke. Deut. 32:30
Not to make excuses, but it is entirely possible that there is more information we don't have. But otherwise this situation is not good.
Kinda shocked he just glanced over that with a one sentence “I dont know what conversations are happening in DC.”
This is why I find this video harmful as anything but entertainment. His other stuff? Sure, he generally does great work - but he's let his feelings and values override the restraint necessary to provide balanced commentary, giving people the wrong impression. "Smart Navy man is angry, so I should be angry, too!"
He's acting as judge and jury with none of the pertinent information he'd need to do anything but speculate.
He's comitting the cardinal sin of underestimating the enemy - which is surprising because the US often OVERestimates its enemies in the past 40 years.
He's laboring under the assumption that we enjoy the ability to hit the Houthis with the kind of impunity we had in striking Syria in the 2010's. We may, but we also may not and it's surprising that he's willing to gamble when what's at stake is the lives of young sailors. But again, he might not even realize it's a gamble at all, he assumes impunity.
@@fuzzydunlop7928 Great points. It's not like it's easy to just whip up a plan to take on the Houthis. There are legal ramifications as well. And going to war isn't going to immediately solve the shipping issue, it will probably make it far worse.
Lol, the ending. I keep asking what am I missing about this inaction?
You're missing that this is exactly what Russia, China, and Iran want. The US is being very wise not to get tangled up in Yemen.
You are watching the Roman Empire collapse in real time. Our cities are overrun by migrant hordes, our trade routes cannot be protected, and our children are exploited and seen as second class citizens in their own towns.
And to top it all off, no one wants to join the military to maintain this status quo, so we have politicians proposing foederati as replacements.
Its only going to get worse from here.
You're right. The same ineptitude with Ukraine.
It's not ineptitude they've been beaten
WGOWS is an awesome channel if you’re an investor.
AA- first off, Merry Christmas to you and yours. As for "Crisis", I really don't know if I agree with you on this. In fact, as I watched your video, I felt it was projecting a very cetain "tone" aimed at senior leadership (both appointed, and elected). Over and over, the words "I don't know" were repeated, and, the fact of the matter is, and should be (at least until we DO know). Is there an infight between secef and CNO? -"I don't know". Okay, lets wait until we do know. Does the POTUS know about this fift in leadership "I don't know" - Okay, lets wait until we do know.
It is NOT a matter of national importance to destroy the Houthis. They are not even a gnat on a hot Michigan day.
Does it matter the French have taken action, when we have not? Not in my mind. Frankly, I am sort of surprised they stayed lock step with us this long. France has always marched to their own drum anyhow. I am not the least bit embarassed by their action as compared to ours in any way or form. Frankly, it does not change the view of anyone in the world anyways (as they say, haters gonna hate).
Eventually, the Houthis are going to do something that WILL eleicit a response. Let someone else handle it for a change. We've had enough wars and overseas involvements for a while. Send the Germans after them. They can round them up in short order....
Meanwhile "illegitimate Joe" keeps falling down walking up stairs, ans shaking invisible hands. Nah, perception ain't anything at all......
Never seen someone get so eager for WW3 to begin. How many Ratheon shares does he have?
We had at least 10 armed Navy personnel surrender to a couple of Iranians in a POS boat armed with an AK and wearing flip flops. This was after the Royal Navy surrender incident. As a matter of fact a Navy Admiral had just put out that The US Navy would not surrender like the Brits did...whomp whomp. Guess who was in Command of that theater at the time...none other than Lloyd I like group selfies Austin. This behavior only emboldens our enemies. If we won't retaliate against direct attacks, imagine what the ChiComms are thinking? I'll tell ya what they are thinking...they are thinking they are going to move up that reunification timeline.
Perhaps the first female should consult the first lady or even the first sea lord. He would probably say "ladies first"
May we quote your last line, because I think that it is pure WISDOM!
😆🤣
I think it was the updated 2023 entry about the Earth in the Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy.
From "Harmless," to "Mostly Harmless," and now, "We're F****d!"
@jimb9063 So long and thanks for all the fish!
@@lancekilkenny721 42
@@raylauderback5126 42 indeed.
Agree I always watch u and sal In sequence.
Really glad to hear you mention Sal’s channel, Aaron. Seems like a great guy. I guess y’all cool guys roll in a pack 😎
Thanks for your insight. Your perspective on these matters is always valuable.
Also yes, we’re definitely fucked.
Well put. Depressing but well said.
"Inaction by Consensus" I think is what they call it. Everyone needs to agree or else they don't do anything. It isn't indecision in DC. This is the White House intentionally sitting on their hands until he gets the okay from the State Department that countries X, Y, and Z agree to join in on doing the obvious right thing. Which does kind of make sense in a way. So far the only locals that are on board is Bahrain. Not even Egypt who has a lot to lose here. The current admin is extremely gun shy in being seen as acting unilaterally in any fashion. Everything is done as part of a bigger international thing. So we sit and we wait. Yay. International politics.
"Inaction by Consensus" This is the EU. I mean, collectively as a bloc they can't help Ukraine coz Hungary says no. They'll have to change to a 2/3 or 3/4 majority soon - their response to anything currently is glacial.
To start a war or send troops he needs approval from congress. It’s not only on the president. The president himself cannot declare war
It’s a joke that Egypt and Saudi Arabia aren’t leading this. Egypt makes $10 billion per year on the Suez Canal so they should be helping fund any mission.
@@MusicalMemeology Maybe Egypt, with a population of 100+ million pissed off Muslims, tacitly considers punishing Israel worth more than the $10 billion of lost Suez revenue? Maybe Saudi Arabia feels similarly? That some things are more important than just money?
Or perhaps the current administration isn't really keen on continuing the decades-long mistake of the US constantly invading and/or attacking Middle Eastern countries who then want retribution... It's like y'all still think 9/11 happened completely out of the blue. 🤦🏻♂️
The Zombie is afraid to start a nother battle before the vote
I think it's the opposite tbh, timing isn't right yet so he's eating ice cream....
It's like that "SCARED" meme from a decade ago, where a baseball player is sticking out hiding behind a wall.
It seems like we need to make attacks in country, which is a little different than pirates. Is there a mass drone attack scenario we are concerned with? Is there something we don’t want to be baited into?
These are the kinds of questions I'm curious about as well. Also, if other Iranian proxies or even their own forces start striking targets elsewhere, do we Americans have the political will to respond to that and even continue escalating, especially given how bloody the war in Gaza continues to be? I'm angry watching Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, the IRGC, & etc. continue to wreak havoc across the Middle East, but it seems every fight in that region is, shall we say, complicated. It seems also rare to find local partners with similar values to our own, which makes working together for peace often about as contentious as fighting wars.
@@beaglemusiclabs We lost a lot of good will in the region after we invaded Iraq on extremely weak pretenses and set in motion events that cost over half a million lives. That's a big part of why the locals don't have "similar values to our own".
How would you attack the houthis?? Landing ground forces into Yemen?? 😂 We don't have any legitimate chance or options.
You all wanted a female CNO who made her career in a soft administrative navy. This is what you get. She “empathizes” with all parties. Well done.
You summed it up pretty accurately there Chief!
With all due respect, I think yiuve totally missed the point. Yes, I have the benefit of hindsight now that the attacks on the Houthis have started, but I did have an inkling before the fact too. This is strategic brilliance: wait until it looks like there have been many warnings, then strike ina genius cloak and dagger move while the ICJ case is hot! I haven't seen a better deflection than that in a long time.
Great brief as always, heads up FS Languedoc is pronounced “long-a-doc”