S. Korea considering support measures for safe passage in Red Sea
Korea HeraldDEC 29 2023
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The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
The US is straddling a thin line between protecting its economic interests and Israel on one side and not provoking a regional war with Iran on the other. While Iran likely doesn't want to go to war with the West, it is certainly benefiting from the recent galvanization of its proxies, Hezbollah and the Houthis. If Iran allows them to push too far, however, it will lead to the US completely annihilating both groups in a wider conflict. The US must stick to protecting assets at sea while being prepared to ramp up its tactics if need be.
Establishment-critical narrative
All of this is a result of Israel's war on Gaza since Oct. 7. The Houthis and other Iran-allied groups have taken up arms in defense of the Palestinians, and their targets include anyone currently aiding Israel's bombardment, namely the US and UK. No country, including those in the Middle East, wants to see the Red Sea trading route jeopardized — so if the West wants to free up what accounts for 12% of global shipping, it's the West that needs to call an end to Israel's attacks on Gaza.