We need to deal with the Houthis’ puppet-master: Iran

Predictably, the US/UK military coalition that attacked Houthi forces twelve days ago has been in action again. ‘Predictably’ because the initial strike was always unlikely to dismantle the Houthis now extensive capacity to attack shipping in the Red Sea. But, more importantly, because it is currently in their interests to keep up the belligerence, as it is very much in the interests of their main backer: Iran. And not just Iran.

Those questioning the financial wisdom of using high-tech western missiles costing millions to defeat rudimentary rockets and drones costing thousands aren’t quite drawing the right equation. If a million-dollar missile saves a billion-dollar ship then it is worth it – and global commerce, the world’s economic life-force, requires the Suez Canal to be kept open. But that is to cost the tactical battle not the enduring strategic confrontation, where the picture is more alarming.

Those first strikes included eighty US Tomahawk cruise missiles costing around $1.5