Shipping companies suspend Red Sea traffic after Yemen rebel attacks
GuardianJUL 2023
Report: Pentagon to Launch Task Force to Guard Red Sea
Image copyright: Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
The Middle East is on the edge, and the actions of the US and its allies are only exacerbating matters. While provocation of any kind must be avoided, responses must also be tempered. The region can't afford a widening of conflict beyond Gaza. De-escalation is the best course of action, and diplomatically nudging Iran towards defusing the situation is the only way out.
Pro-establishment narrative
Though there's indeed a risk that a forceful response may escalate regional tensions to the point that Iran and its other proxy groups could engage in the conflict, Houthi rebels have left the US and its allies with very few options to protect commercial shipping. Hopefully, this purely defensive task force and diplomacy will be enough to deter further attacks. Otherwise, a more offensive approach to the Houthis will be required.