Are Houthi Attacks in the Red Sea a Threat to Global Trade?

A string of recent attacks by Houthi rebels in Yemen on commercial and naval vessels in the Red Sea is sparking concern over the U.S. Navy’s ability to protect global trade.

For Context: Since the start of Israel’s recent fighting against Hamas fighters in Gaza, the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have been attacking ships passing through the Red Sea.

“19th Century Backup Plan”: A writer in Bloomberg (Lean Left bias) dismissed fears that the attacks posed a threat to the global economy. The writer outlined the numerous shutdowns the canal has faced since opening in 1869. Each time, shipping has rerouted around Africa. The writer concluded, “The Suez should still be used, when it’s safe, as the time and cost savings are of great benefit. But knowing there’s a 19th century backup plan is enough assurance that the global economy won’t crash at the next sign of mayhem.”

Naval Deterioration: In the Wall Street Journal Opinion (Lean Right bias), a retired U.S. Navy captain attributed the attacks to a deterioration of the U.S. Navy. A declining fleet of ships in the Navy, plus a global perception that Americans are disinterested in fighting, “might explain Iran’s boldness in the face of U.S. naval patrols.” The retired captain called on Congress to increase the budget of the Navy, warning, “Failure to do so imperils global trade as well as America’s place in the world and the safety of its people.”