The Wire

Yemen sits at the horn of Africa below Saudi Arabia at the gates of the Red Sea. This puts it slap bang in the middle of the worlds busiest shipping lane. Houthi rebels (who are shia adherants) have taken most of Yemen from the south Sunni tribes. Neighbouring states, including Saudi Arabia and Egypt (sunnis) are preparing to wrest back control by force. This puts the US and allied nations in a difficult position as today talks are being held with Iran in Lausanne over their nuclear program. And of course shia Iran backs the Houthis.

Tom Switzer
Dr Matthew Gray