The EI Podcast The Houthis’ forever war
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Apr 3, 2026 Elisabeth Kendall, leading academic on Yemen and jihadist movements and Mistress of Girton College, Cambridge, unpacks who the Houthis are and what drives them. Short takes cover their strategic timing, control of Bab al-Mandeb and Red Sea chokepoints, missile and drone tactics, Tehran ties without full proxy status, media savvy, and how Palestinian solidarity shapes their moves.
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Proof Of Concept From 2023–24 Strikes
- The 2023–24 Houthi strikes reduced Red Sea traffic by ~80% and raised insurance premiums, proving a successful harassment model.
- Kendall emphasizes asymmetric tactics need not be precise to severely disrupt trade and economies.
Aligned With Iran But Not A Simple Proxy
- The Houthis are closely aligned with Iran but retain agency; they are not a straightforward Iranian proxy like Hezbollah.
- Kendall points to IRGC support and shared slogans, yet warns Houthis weigh self-preservation against external pressure.
Zaydi Beliefs Shape Houthi Political Claims
- Zaydi (Fiver) Shiism differs from Twelver Shiism on leadership and messianism, shaping Houthi governance claims.
- Kendall notes Houthis claim descent from Hussein and view legitimate rule as active, often supplanting power-sharing prospects.