US Push To Expand Anti-Houthi Coalition Miffs Allies: Analyzing the Complex Dynamics
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Hashim Sheikh
- . January 10, 2024
- . Update: January 10, 2024 6:03 pm
In recent weeks, the U.S. has been actively working to build an international coalition to safeguard navigation in the Red Sea against Yemeni Houthi militia attacks. This move, however, has not only intensified tensions with European allies but also raised concerns about the broader implications of such a coalition.
The U.S. Initiative and Spanish Response
The Pentagon’s efforts, led by U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Charles Brown, to form an anti-Houthi coalition have encountered resistance from key European partners, notably Spain. The U.S. is pushing Spain to join Operation Guardian Prosperity, an initiative aimed at countering Houthi threats in the Red Sea.
Diplomatic Pressures on Spain
Reports indicate that U.S. Navy Secretary Carlos del Toro went as far as setting a deadline for Spain to decide on joining the coalition, underlining the urgency perceived by Washington. However, Spain, thus far, has resisted aligning itself with the U.S.-led coalition and placing its military under the command of the Pentagon’s CENTCOM in the Red Sea.
Madrid’s Stance and Its Ramifications
Spain’s refusal to join the coalition has not gone unnoticed, causing diplomatic tensions between the two nations. Madrid’s decision seems to be rooted in a broader perspective, balancing its condemnation of Hamas’s attacks on Israel with vocal criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza. This nuanced approach has sparked a diplomatic crisis between Spain and Israel.
Unintended Consequences and Recognition from Houthi Side
Surprisingly, Spain’s stance has garnered appreciation from Houthi vice minister for foreign affairs Hussein Al-Ezzi, who commended Madrid for “distancing from American and British lies on the freedom of navigation.” This unexpected recognition further complicates the geopolitical landscape, highlighting the intricate web of alliances and rivalries in the region.
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Evaluating the Maritime Freedom Issue
While the protection of maritime freedom in the Red Sea is undoubtedly a legitimate concern, the Spanish government appears to be calculating the broader consequences of joining an anti-Houthi coalition. With nearly 12% of global trade passing through the Red Sea annually, disruptions in this vital route can have significant economic implications. However, the Houthis have linked their attacks to Israel’s actions in Gaza, introducing a complex layer to the situation.
Spain seems to be considering the potential consequences of engaging in what it perceives as a futile war against the Houthis. The history of the nine-year-long conflict involving Saudi Arabia and its allies against the Houthis demonstrates the challenges of achieving a decisive military victory. Additionally, the Houthis, backed by Iran, have developed sophisticated drone and missile capabilities, making any military intervention a complex and high-risk endeavor.
Broader Alliance Concerns
Spain’s reluctance is not isolated, as other U.S. allies, including France, have expressed reservations about joining the coalition. France, the EU’s most capable military state, opted not to join the joint statement led by the U.S. on January 3. Italy, although signing the statement, has not committed to fighting under U.S. command. This raises questions about the coherence and inclusivity of the coalition.
A Call for Strategic Reconsideration
As the U.S. endeavors to build a coalition against the Houthi threat, there are growing concerns about the strategic direction. Rather than causing division among allies, the Biden administration should leverage its influence to persuade Israel to agree to an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The potential pitfalls of engaging in a military operation against the Houthis should prompt a reassessment of the current approach.
In navigating the complex geopolitical terrain of the Red Sea, the U.S. push to expand the anti-Houthi coalition faces resistance from key allies, with Spain taking a particularly cautious stance. As global actors weigh the implications of military interventions, diplomatic efforts to address root causes and promote ceasefires should be prioritized over potentially divisive coalitions.
