Brian Murphy, Washington Post: Saudi generals use Yemen war to showcase their new swagger
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia -- There’s no fog of war here. It’s more like a high-gloss, stage-crafted showcase of Saudi Arabia’s new military swagger.
Every evening since the Saudi-led airstrikes in Yemen began last week, the fortress-like grounds of the defense ministry in Riyadh has opened to journalists. They listen to a briefing on the latest battlefield events, see some black-and-white warplane video clips of missiles destroying suspected rebel buildings and convoys, and pose a few questions. All pretty standard fare for reporters covering any conflict.
But the Saudis have added their own sense of purpose and pride. The event has become something of a possible dress rehearsal for a country that could be quickly moving out of the background of American-directed security agreements and taking regional matters into its own hands.
WNU Editor: Saudi Arabia's generals and defense officials may feel good with what is happening right now, but on the ground the Houthis rebels are still advancing and taking territory .... Yemen Houthi fighters backed by tanks reach central Aden (Reuters). There is going to be a point when Saudi Arabia will have to commit ground troops to push back the Houthi rebels .... and when that day comes every analyst is saying the same thing .... a ground war will be extremely difficult and bloody in Yemen .... Analysis: Yemen ground operation carries risks, from hostile terrain to guerrilla warfare (Fox news/AP). My prediction .... when that happens expect the Saudi "swagger" to disappear.
Update: The U.S. is staying out of this fight, but they are letting their weapons play a big role .... The Pentagon Hangs Back in Yemen As American-Made Planes Pound Rebels (Joseph Trevithick, War Is Boring)
Wars are won with the will of the people. The U.S. invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq looked impressive but we all know the end result - Mission NOT accomplished. The Saudi's do not have the 'heart' or will. Their only hope is a civil war and a Sunni victory against the Houthis - highly unlikely. The first dozen Saudi deaths will bring home this message and protests the Kingdom doesn't want or need!
ReplyDelete"Wars are won with the will of the people."
ReplyDelete"The War is lost." - Dingy Harry Reid
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If there ever is a time to talk tough, it's after you've won.
ReplyDeleteJames .... I guess for Saudi Arabia this is a new beginning. In the past, it was always the U.S. who took front and center in these press conferences. Today .... the U.S. has receded to just being a spectator and a supplier of war material and logistics with some intel thrown in.
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