We’ll Never Beat the Houthis
Summary
John Mearsheimer argues against a US war with the Houthis, noting that previous attempts to defeat them failed and depleted critical munitions. He asserts the US lacks a winning strategy against either the Houthis or Iran, warning that escalating conflict would invite Iranian intervention and further damage to Saudi oil infrastructure.
Topics discussed
Introduction and the question from Ed Hod App 6465
Defining the current state of US-Iran and Houthi-Saudi conflicts
Review of the failed 2025 US campaign against the Houthis
Strategic threat assessment of the Houthis to US interests
Munitions shortages and the logic of avoiding Houthi conflict
Houthi capability to damage critical Saudi oil infrastructure
Risk of Iranian intervention if the US escalates against Houthis
Conclusion: The lack of a winning US strategy in the Middle East
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