Col. Larry Wilkerson & Larry Johnson: Houthis Reache Taizz Outskirts, Saudi Attack Ends in Disaster
Summary
Colonel Wilkerson and Larry Johnson analyze the escalating conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis, highlighting recent attacks on Riyadh's airport and oil infrastructure. They argue that the Saudi military is incompetent and that the U.S. is strategically digging itself into a deeper hole by supporting a doomed offensive. The discussion also covers the political fragility of Gulf states, the potential for further regional escalation, and the broader economic damage caused by the war.
Topics discussed
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Introduction and confirmation of Riyadh airport attacks
Analysis of Houthi escalation and Saudi ceasefire rejection
US role in weakening Iran and Houthi retaliation
Metaphor of kicking the hornet's nest and Jeddah attack
French air defense systems and Djibouti logistics
Somaliland, Israel, and lack of US strategy
Houthi resilience and Saudi ground assault failures
Lack of combat controllers and US advisory failure
Map analysis: Al-Misraq and Taiz frontline movements
Friendly fire incidents and Saudi aerial incompetence
Dismal operational picture and political distractions
Strait of Hormuz shutdown and global economic impact
Militarily futile actions and Netanyahu's political motives
US public opinion and MAGA base shifting against war
Political fallout for Republicans and war opposition
Questioning Israel's combat power and fuel capacity
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Syrian highway vulnerability and IDF capability concerns
ISIS remnants and logistical challenges for Saudi defense
Saudi societal dissolution and US force projection limits
Incompetence of foreign forces and Houthi air superiority
Communication breakdowns and mobile launcher tracking issues
No outside savior: Saudi army vs Houthi numbers
Special operations anecdotes and danger close airstrikes
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Saudi military incompetence and reliance on mercenaries
Tyranny vs democracy: Nature of Gulf and Iranian states
Lack of political support and tribal dynamics in Saudi Arabia
Houthi objectives and the absence of Wahhabist activity
Wahhabis, Al Qaeda, and internal Saudi tribal opposition
US support for Saudi ruling family and inevitable failure
Houthi competence in humanitarian aid and cholera response
Pete Hegseth's role and denial of medical care to troops
Hegseth's religious rhetoric and military leadership criticism
UAE oil exports, Fujairah risks, and Netanyahu's diplomacy
Conclusion on UAE and final agreement between hosts
Brazilian politics: Lula, Bolsonaro, and election dynamics
Sign-off and well wishes for Lula
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