The Turkish Research Center published an article dealing with the implications of the recent Houthi raids on ships in the Red Sea, saying that these raids are one of the results of the Gaza war, which has increased tension in the region, which contributes to changing the balance of global power.
The article written by Riad Domaziti explained that the Houthi raids affect global trade and energy routes, as the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Suez Canal in the Red Sea play a vital role in the global energy market and the transportation sector, as 3 of the 7 most important oil transit points in the world are linked to this sea.
Transportation costs and transit times
He stated that the instability of security in the Red Sea will lead to an increase in transportation costs and transit times in global trade by approximately 43%.
He also said that it is possible that the Houthi activities in the Red Sea could lead to a broader scenario of increased armament and militarization in the region by countries such as China, Russia, the United Kingdom, France and Japan, which have an actual military presence in the Red Sea, thus further escalating global competition.
Indo-Middle East Corridor
One of the consequences of the Houthi raids in the Red Sea, the article says, is the strengthening of popular and official support for the Indian-Middle East Economic Corridor project, which includes Saudi Arabia and Israel and bypasses the Red Sea.
Regarding security in Yemen, the article expects that the Houthi raids will fuel the war there again and return it to its starting point because international powers will try to confront the Houthis’ targeting of global trade, as the United States will increase its logistical, intelligence, and military support for the anti-Houthi coalition.
At the same time, the writer did not rule out that Washington would support the Houthis as a “legitimate player” and open a path for direct or indirect negotiations with them to reduce tensions to maintain the balance of power, which also includes China.
During the past weeks, the Houthi group in Yemen announced control of more than one Israeli ship in the Red Sea, after warnings to the group that it would target all ships owned or managed by Israeli companies, or that fly the Israeli flag, in response to the Israeli aggression that the Gaza Strip has been exposed to for more than Two months ago.