Washington Post: The Red Sea Reclaims Its Role in Global Trade as the Houthis Impose Their Equation
A U.S. newspaper confirms the failure of Western strikes to deter Sana’a, as shipping companies gradually return to navigation through Bab al-Mandab amid Houthi commitment to de-escalation conditioned on an end to the war on Gaza.
NYN | Reports and Analyses
The American newspaper The Washington Post revealed that recent developments in the Red Sea have reshaped the contours of global trade, after Ansar Allah (the Houthis)—previously viewed as a marginal force—demonstrated their ability to exert a direct impact on the international economy by imposing maritime control over one of the world’s most important strategic waterways.
Failure of Western Military Deterrence
The newspaper explained that the military operations carried out by the United States and several European countries, in addition to “Israel,” failed to achieve tangible results in deterring Ansar Allah or reducing their maritime influence, emphasizing that these strikes did not bring about any real change in the rules of engagement imposed by Sana’a in the Red Sea.
Gradual Recovery of Supply Chains
The Washington Post noted that supply chains transiting the Red Sea have begun to show marked improvement, driven by a partial return of confidence among global shipping companies, which have been reassured by Ansar Allah’s commitment to de-escalation in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, as long as “Israel” does not resume its war on the Gaza Strip.
Major Shipping Companies Test Navigation Routes
The newspaper indicated that major companies, including Maersk and CMA CGM, have tested or resumed some shipping routes through the Red Sea, a move reflecting a shift in risk assessments compared to previous months.
Conditional Hesitation Linked to Israeli Violations
At the same time, the report pointed out that a number of shipping companies remain hesitant to fully return due to repeated Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement. Nevertheless, they have expressed clear confidence in Ansar Allah’s full adherence to the agreement, as long as the aggression against Gaza is not resumed.
