The MERIP Podcast

The MERIP Podcast Episode Eight: Helen Lackner

This episode of the MERIP podcast features an interview with longtime MERIP contributor and noted journalist Helen Lackner on the state of Yemen's Houthi movement. The conversation with MERIP Executive Director James Ryan follows up on her essay, "Yemen's Ansar Allah" that was published

James Ryan • 1 min read

MER Article

Yemen’s Ansar Allah

On the Houthi movement's roots, governance and resistance.

Helen Lackner • 11 min read

MER Article

The Houthis’ ‘Sovereign Solidarity’ with Palestine

Since October 7, Yemen has made an unexpected return from the margins of global attention. The Houthi movement’s seemingly ad hoc seizure of shipping vessels in the Red Sea, which began in early November in response to Israel’s bombardment of Gaza, quickly became a concerted campaign to disrupt

Stacey Philbrick Yadav • 5 min read

Current Analysis

The Houthis’ ‘Sovereign Solidarity’ with Palestine

Situating the Red Sea campaign in Yemen’s past and present.

Stacey Philbrick Yadav • 5 min read

MER Article

Dispatch from Taiz—Yemen’s Passage to Peace

The "peripheral" city is central to peace in Yemen.

Mohammed al-Qadhi • 7 min read

MER Article

Revolution, War and Transformations in Yemeni Studies

Almost twenty years ago, Sheila Carapico made the case for the development of Arabian Peninsula studies as an alternative to the growing field of Gulf studies. A wider regional approach, she argued, would better highlight the numerous connections and flows between Yemen and the six monarchies of the

Laurent Bonnefoy • 13 min read

Current Analysis

Yemeni Freedom and Mobility Dreams

Yemenis forced to leave their war-torn home not only flee to neighboring countries, they also head south across the Indian Ocean to the European Union's furthest outpost: the French-administered island of Mayotte. Bogumila Hall tells the stories of migrants who make grueling journeys south and north

Bogumila Hall • 12 min read

Current Analysis

Benefiting from the Misery of Others

Asher Orkaby examines the politics and unforeseen consequences of international aid in response to war and suffering in Yemen. He finds that much of the humanitarian aid actually exacerbates the war by fostering a lucrative wartime economy, disincentivizing peaceful resolutions and prolonging nation

Asher Orkaby • 14 min read

MER Article

The Muslim Ban and Trump's War on Immigration

Within one week of taking office, President Donald Trump made good on his campaign promise to implement a “total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States.” Clothed in the language of national security, Executive Order 13769, issued on January 27, 2017, immediately prohibited the entry of immigrant and

Louise Cainkar • 18 min read

Current Analysis

The Muslim Ban and Trump's War on Immigration

Trump's war on immigration from the Middle East, enacted through multiple executive orders and proclamations since January 2017, is collectively known as the Muslim ban. Eventually approved by the Supreme Court, it hit the Yemeni community particularly hard with overwhelming costs and other hurdles

Louise Cainkar • 17 min read

The Battle for South Yemen

Despite the recent agreement brokered by Saudi Arabia, it may also be the case that the fight for the future of the country has begun between forces that want militarily either to occupy or liberate South Yemen.

Susanne Dahlgren • 12 min read

MER Article

Helen Lackner, Yemen in Crisis: The Road to War

Few people from the West know Yemen better than Helen Lackner. Her experience and insights make this book essential for understanding the multiple dimensions of Yemen’s crisis.

Joe Stork • 5 min read