Is China Losing Patience With Iran Over Houthi Attacks?
A few days ago, I suggested there were only two ways to stop the Houthis from attacking ships in the Red Sea.
One solution to the problem entails convincing Benjamin Netanyahu to call a ceasefire in Gaza. If that happens, it won't likely be due to external pressure, but rather to domestic discord, although it's an election year in the US and some key constituents in Joe Biden's coalition are furious over the civilian death toll in the war.
Another solution involves issuing an ultimatum to Tehr
The last point is a very good point.
If the Iranians are admitting to what China is openly acknowledging, any ships suspected of carrying Iranian goods or entering or leaving Iranian ports could be considered part of the Houthi cause much as the Houthis consider all shipping to be related to Israel.
Would be good to include an analysis on the China-Europe railway express since the attacks began. It is clear this conflict contains some strategic upsides for China. Also the Houthi’s have already promised to leave Chinese vessels alone.
You keep your central thesis, as if Israel has any true value to Iran, other than provoking the US, to which they call “the big devil” (as opposed to Israel which is called “the small devil”). But Israel has no true value for Iran, except as a political stress against the so called “west”, in their bigger religious quest. BTW, I’ll appreciate if you don’t block me from further commenting your reply, this time. Thanks.
Just wanted to add: If you really want to understand Iran, you should chat with Iranians through social media, like I do. Amazing revelations.
As long as you are speaking with people who live there rather than disgruntled, bitter emigrees. That applies to any nationality be it Eastern Europeans, Cubans etc. A mistake US intelligence agencies made in years gone by.
If you are, indeed, speaking with onshore Iranians, have you seen any drop in their generally favorable view of the US?
Tanker hit and on fire, unclear how serious. Nowcast 1Q US GDP +3%. I think oil should respond to both the Middle East, the trend of positive US economic data, maybe even China stimulus hopes. Stubbornly holding on to positions.
Fire out of control, tanker crew evacuated. Will be interesting to see if oil traders yawn at this.