Abaad Studies and Research Center in Marib held a political symposium on " Threats to international navigation and militarization of the Red Sea".
Dr. Abdussalam Al-Muhannadi, Professor of Political Science at Sana'a University, talked about the geopolitical importance of the Red Sea and its strategic location.
In his paper entitled "Political repercussions of threats to navigation at the local, regional and international levels," Dr. Al -Muhannadi discussed the political importance of the Red Sea. He said "The location of the Red Sea in the midst of extremely sensitive areas (the Middle East, the Gulf region, the Horn of Africa and the Indian Ocean), makes it politically important as a focal point of international tension and conflict between the goals and interests of regional and international powers, which prompted the major powers to bolster their political and military influence in the Red Sea and to focus on controlling its entrances and exits."
He stressed that the Red Sea could be transformed from a vital passageway to a military area because of the military threats to international navigation. "This may lead to restoring direct colonialism under the justification of putting an end to threats. In addition, it may affect the forthcoming phase of the political process and the peace agreement to be signed in the forthcoming period, which translates onto a direct threat to Yemen's sovereignty, security and supposed stability," he added.
In the symposium, which was attended by Local Authority representative, Abd Rabbuh Hilais, Brigadier Abdel Rahman Al-Rabi'e presented a paper entitled "Security and Military Repercussions of threats to navigation at the local, regional and international levels."
Brigadier Al-Rabi'e stressed the military importance of the Red Sea. "The Red Sea is Yemen's window to the world. It may turn into an area of international conflict and fighting. This will affect the political, economic and security situation. About two sixth of global trade transits the Red Sea, including the flow of crude oil," he stated.
In his paper, Brigadier Al-Rabi'e pointed to the security risks associated with threats to international navigation, adding that those risks "will be extremely high for the countries overlooking the Red Sea."
Researcher in historical affairs, Antar Al-Thaifani, highlighted the interlocking Iranian-Israeli interests in the region during every chaotic state. He added that "the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea are part of the Iranian attempt to carve out an actual presence in the Red Sea. Iran is not looking for confrontation with Israel which it guards in Lebanon."
The paper dealt with the historical partnership between Iran and Israel in the region, such as Tel Aviv's support for Tehran in the war on Iraq.