As Yemen's Houthi rebels escalate attacks on merchant ships navigating the Red Sea, concerns are rising over the disruption to global trade, prompting calls for Central Asian countries to enhance their information presence in foreign media, as per Eldaniz Gusseinov, a foreign policy analyst from Central Asia. The attacks have led to significant delays and increased shipping costs, forcing some vessels to take a longer route around Africa, making the stability of land routes through Central Asia more crucial than ever.
Gusseinov claims that the prolonged conflict in the region has prompted freight carriers to seek alternative routes, with a notable increase in requests to ship cargo from China to Europe via rail through Russia. However, a lack of confidence or awareness about the viability of land routes through Central Asia may be hindering the region from capitalizing on this situation.
Experts argue that a long-term information policy is essential to promote Central Asia as a region of stability and security. The problem of sea attacks cannot be swiftly resolved, and as Western countries and regional allies deploy patrols in the Red Sea, doubts linger about their effectiveness. Military experts suggest that a more substantial military operation may be necessary to reduce Houthi attacks, a scenario that could strain relations with Iran.
In response to the escalating attacks, a naval task force named Operation Prosperity Guardian, comprising the UK, France, other NATO countries, and regional allies was formed. However, the impact of these efforts remains uncertain, and concerns persist about the potential for increased shipping costs and oil prices if the situation worsens.
The attacks have already disrupted international shipping, leading major companies such as Maersk, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, and MSC to suspend or cease operations in the affected area. Rerouting ships through the Cape of Good Hope adds an average of 10 days to travel time, adversely affecting international trade and escalating shipping costs.
The Red Sea, particularly the Bab al-Mandab Strait, is a critical waterway for global trade, with nearly one-third of the world's container ships passing through daily. The Suez Canal, located in the northern part of the Red Sea, is a vital energy transit point, handling approximately 9 mn barrels of oil daily.
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