Will the “Guardian of Prosperity” mission succeed in stopping Houthi attacks?
- 4 months ago
The mission of "Prosperity Sentinel" faces questions regarding its efficacy in deterring Houthi attacks on passing ships in the southern Red Sea. Houthi attacks have led to the rerouting of ships, increasing time and costs. The mission involves shooting down Houthi missiles and drones, posing a financial challenge for the US Department of Defense. The multinational initiative, led by the Combined Maritime Forces, aims to enhance security in the Red Sea with the participation of several countries.
Richard Weitz from the Hudson Institute suggests that while it's crucial to confront Houthi threats, "Prosperity Guardian" may not be sufficient to encourage the return of commercial shipments to previous routes. The US response to Houthi threats has been perceived as weak, and there are concerns that the initiative might not radically eliminate the Houthi threat but could reduce it. Weitz highlights the potential for US actions to deter attacks but notes the Biden administration's cautious approach due to fears of regional escalation and disruption of peace efforts in Yemen.
Irina Tsukerman, an American expert in security and strategic affairs, emphasizes the defensive nature of "Prosperity Guardian." While the coalition can respond to distress calls and shoot down projectiles, it currently lacks a preemptive offensive purpose. Tsukerman notes that the coalition's defensive stance may not instill fear in the Houthis, and their attacks could continue. She suggests that the US may reconsider its priorities if the defensive responses prove insufficient or if Houthi activities escalate.
In summary, "Prosperity Sentinel" faces challenges in fully deterring Houthi attacks, and its impact on rerouting commercial shipments remains uncertain. The defensive nature of the initiative raises questions about its effectiveness in addressing the evolving threat posed by the Houthis in the Red Sea.
Richard Weitz from the Hudson Institute suggests that while it's crucial to confront Houthi threats, "Prosperity Guardian" may not be sufficient to encourage the return of commercial shipments to previous routes. The US response to Houthi threats has been perceived as weak, and there are concerns that the initiative might not radically eliminate the Houthi threat but could reduce it. Weitz highlights the potential for US actions to deter attacks but notes the Biden administration's cautious approach due to fears of regional escalation and disruption of peace efforts in Yemen.
Irina Tsukerman, an American expert in security and strategic affairs, emphasizes the defensive nature of "Prosperity Guardian." While the coalition can respond to distress calls and shoot down projectiles, it currently lacks a preemptive offensive purpose. Tsukerman notes that the coalition's defensive stance may not instill fear in the Houthis, and their attacks could continue. She suggests that the US may reconsider its priorities if the defensive responses prove insufficient or if Houthi activities escalate.
In summary, "Prosperity Sentinel" faces challenges in fully deterring Houthi attacks, and its impact on rerouting commercial shipments remains uncertain. The defensive nature of the initiative raises questions about its effectiveness in addressing the evolving threat posed by the Houthis in the Red Sea.