Yemen explained: How the Houthis shook the U.S.-Saudi axis

Yemen explained: How the Houthis shook the U.S.-Saudi axis

Author: The Hindu August 12, 2026 Duration: 49:35
Yemen is no longer just the site of a devastating civil war. The Houthis have emerged as a powerful regional actor, capable of threatening Saudi Arabia, Israel and one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes. In this episode, we examine how the Houthis transformed from a domestic insurgency into a regional military force, how the Gaza war expanded their role, and why Yemen has now become a new front in the Iran war. We look at the Houthis’ relationship with Iran, the strategic importance of the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb, the renewed confrontation with Saudi Arabia, and what the escalation means for Yemen’s already catastrophic humanitarian crisis. Can Yemen still find a political settlement, or has the rise of the Houthis permanently changed the balance of power in West Asia? Expert: Stanly Johny, International Affairs Editor, The Hindu  Research, Editing and Production: Sharmada Venkatasubramanian  Camera: Shivaraj S Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Produced by The Hindu, Global Faultlines is for those who feel the daily headlines only scratch the surface. This international affairs podcast digs into the tectonic shifts happening beneath the day's events, seeking out the historical grievances, economic pressures, and ideological battles that truly explain why conflicts ignite and borders tense. Each episode is built not just on reporting, but on conversations with researchers, diplomats, and analysts who provide context often missing from the noise. You'll hear detailed examinations of power struggles in regions defining our century, from the South China Sea to the Sahel, unpacking how decisions in distant capitals ripple across the globe. The aim is to replace confusion with comprehension, offering a clearer picture of the forces sculpting our shared future. Tune in for a thoughtful, sustained look at the world’s most pressing divisions, where the analysis prioritizes depth and clarity over quick takes. This is a podcast dedicated to understanding the 'why' behind the 'what,' making sense of a complex geopolitical landscape one deep dive at a time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 28

Global Faultlines
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