Title: Red Sea and Gulf of Aden - A Déjà Vu Situation, but Where's the Offensive?
Recent developments in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden have drawn striking parallels to events that unfolded in 1987-88. During that period, U.S. warships safeguarded Kuwaiti supertankers in the Persian Gulf amidst increasing threats from Iran. It's like watching a classic play with a new cast of characters, as history repeats itself in this ever-volatile region.
Retired U.S. Army Colonel Joe Buccino, a former CENTCOM spokesperson familiar with the area's dynamics, sheds light on the current situation. He highlights that the defensive actions taken so far, including the establishment of a Maritime Task Force and the downing of hostile drones, closely mirror past efforts. In contrast, in the late '80s, offensive measures were initiated, such as striking Iranian oil platforms and neutralizing a significant portion of the Iranian Navy in the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf.
Colonel Buccino joins the chorus of those questioning the lack of offensive actions against Houthi forces. He expresses his belief that converting the existing international maritime task force, focused on anti-piracy efforts, could have provided the much-needed protection by targeting Houthi radar systems and batteries in Yemen. However, such actions have been repeatedly considered by the administration but ultimately side-stepped, fearing potential escalation and jeopardizing the fragile ceasefire between the Houthis and Saudis.
The Houthi attacks have primarily centered around the lower part of the Red Sea, near the strait between Djibouti and Yemen, with a few incidents in the Gulf of Aden. The Houthis maintain control over 'white ports,' while the Yemeni government controls the 'red ports.' Given the small geographical area affected, significant questions arise as to why the United States has not neutralized the Houthi threat in that specific zone.
While concerned about widening the conflict and potentially jeopardizing the ceasefire, critics argue that safeguarding American interests should take precedence. The stakes continue to rise as the Houthis extend their attacks to include Israeli ships and any vessels entering Israeli waters.
Shifting gears, some enlisted military personnel have taken to TikTok, expressing their frustrations with the military system. They cite reasons such as inadequate pay and a sense of their freedom being suppressed. Colonel Buccino takes a firm stance, questioning this behavior on a Chinese-owned platform, suggesting it plays into the hands of our adversaries. He reminds these complainants to consider the benefits they receive, including guaranteed pay, healthcare, dental care, and the GI Bill.
Twitter Post On Retired Colonel criticizes defensive actions in Red Sea conflict
The current generation's disillusionment with military service may stem from a lack of a galvanizing element akin to the Cold War or the aftermath of 9/11. Additionally, the pervasiveness of social media platforms acts as a potential distraction, diverting attention from the sense of duty and purpose that once motivated service members.
As the situation in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden continues to escalate, the absence of any offensive actions raises concerns. With history as a guide, one cannot help but wonder if a bolder approach is necessary to protect American interests and maintain stability in the region.
