Attacks by Houthi militants on shipping in the Red Sea, a crucial global trade route, once seemed like a dangerous sideshow to the war in Gaza. But as the attacks have continued, the sideshow has turned into a full-blown crisis.

Vivian Nereim, the Gulf bureau chief for The Times, explains what cause is served by the Houthis’ campaign.

Guest: Vivian Nereim, the Gulf bureau chief for The New York Times.

Background reading: 

• Undeterred by strikes by American and British forces, the Houthisships-red-sea.html"> targeted more ships in the Red Sea.
• Washington is grappling withstrikes-houthis-yemen.html"> how to stop a battle-hardened foe from disrupting shipping lanes critical for global trade.

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