Middle East11 min read
Why Nobody Can Conquer Yemen
Rome, the Ottomans, Egypt and a Saudi-led coalition all marched into Yemen. None held it for good. The mountains, the sea gate below them and the bargains that rule both explain why.
Topic
Bab el-Mandeb
Africa9 min read
Why Everyone Suddenly Wants Eritrea
Eritrea is one of the most closed countries on earth. Yet within weeks Washington lifted its sanctions, Ethiopia broke off relations and Egypt drew it into a new bloc. The reason is on the map: more than 1,000 km of Red Sea coast.
Africa8 min read
Why Israel Wants a Base in Somaliland
Somaliland's coast lies 260 km from Yemen, where the Houthis fire at Israel from 2,000 km away. Here is why Israel recognised Somaliland, what a base near Berbera could do, and why Somalia, Turkey and the Houthis object.
Global10 min read
The Chokepoints That Control World Trade
A few narrow passages carry a large share of the world's oil and goods. Here is what passes through each one, who controls it, and what has gone wrong since 2021.