In this episode of STRAT, retired Marine Intelligence Officer LtCol. Hal Kempfer dives deep into the renewed threat posed by the Houthis—officially known as Ansar Allah—in Yemen. Drawing on historical, political, and strategic insights, Hal explores the group's Zaydi origins, Iranian ties, and the devastating toll of Yemen’s ongoing civil war. With over 150,000 lives lost and one of the worst humanitarian crises in modern history, the Houthis continue to destabilize the region and disrupt critical global trade routes through the Red Sea. Their latest attacks—including the coordinated assaults that sank two merchant vessels—raise urgent concerns about maritime security, global shipping, and the strategic implications of potential military responses. Hal breaks down the cost-benefit calculus for regional actors, challenges of ground engagement, and internal leadership fractures within the Houthi movement. Tune in for an essential briefing on a threat that’s not going away.

Takeaways:

· The Houthis have escalated maritime violence, targeting over 100 merchant vessels.

· Their complex attacks now involve sea drones, anti-ship missiles, and coordinated assaults.

· The Red Sea corridor—vital for $1 trillion in trade—is under severe threat.

· Iran-backed and ideologically rooted in Zaydi Islam, the Houthis are a resilient force.

· Military intervention faces serious terrain, tribal, and logistical challenges.

· Leadership within the Houthi movement is contested, limiting decapitation strategy effectiveness.

· Airstrikes have failed to fully degrade Houthi operational capabilities.

· The global economic and security implications of continued Houthi attacks are profound and growing.

#STRATPodcast #HalKempfer #MutualBroadcastingSystem #StrategicRiskAssessment #Houthis #YemenWar #RedSeaSecurity #MaritimeThreats #IranProxy #GlobalTradeCrisis #BabElMandeb #MiddleEastConflicts #AnsarAllah #NavalWarfare #TerrorismAnalysis #MilitaryIntel #SecurityBriefing #ShippingRisks #ZaydiIslam #AirstrikeLimitations

Over the Fourth of July weekend, flash floods swept through Kerr County, Texas, killing 104 people—at least 28 of them children (to date), many attending summer camp. In this STRAT episode, retired Marine Intelligence Officer Hal Kempfer dissects the disaster through a strategic lens. From urgent failures in local preparedness to the long-ignored federal guidance that could have saved lives, he examines the chain of policy decisions and institutional apathy that left communities vulnerable. He also explores how California state officials once blocked a national emergency intelligence initiative—CPG-502—that might have prompted better preparedness in Texas. This tragedy, he argues, exposes deeper failures in how states manage risk, federal grants, and public safety priorities. It’s a sobering conversation on how bureaucracy, politics, and negligence converge—with deadly results.

Takeaways:

• Flash floods in Kerr County, Texas, killed 91, including 28 children (to date).
• Camp Mystic suffered devastating losses amid rapidly rising floodwaters.
• The Guadalupe River rose 26 feet in just 45 minutes.
• Local officials lacked basic audible flood warning systems.
• DHS’s CPG-502, a key preparedness guide, was ignored nationwide.
• California DOJ blocked emergency intel programs later copied by Texas.
• Political mismanagement of FEMA funds hampered preparedness investments.
• The failure to act years ago helped set the stage for disaster

#TexasFlood #EmergencyPreparedness #CPG502 #FusionCenters #FederalGrants #CampMystic #FloodResponse #HomelandSecurity #PublicSafety #DisasterMitigation #StrategicPolicy #StateAccountability #CrisisManagement #NationalSecurity #NaturalDisasters #KerrCounty #OODAloop #FlashFloods #STRATPodcast #HalKempfer #MutualBroadcastingSystem #StrategicRiskAnalysis

In this episode, we delve into the complexities of global conflict with Hal Kempfer, a retired Marine Intelligence Officer and strategic risk expert. Covering critical issues such as the ongoing war in Ukraine and the geopolitical shifts in Siberia, we explore North Korea's involvement in Russia's military efforts and the implications of a potential arms shipment suspension from the U.S. We also examine historical tensions between Russia and China, particularly concerning Siberian territories. With insights into battlefield strategies, troop movements, and the broader impact on international relations.

Takeaways:

• North Korea's troop deployment to support Russia in Ukraine.

• The ongoing summer offensive and heavy losses faced by Russia.

• Ukraine's impact on Russian territory with deep strikes.

• The suspension of U.S. arms shipments to Ukraine raises concerns.

• Historical context of the Amur Annexation and its relevance today.

• China’s strategic interests in Siberia and potential territorial claims.

• The implications of Russia's reliance on China amid military struggles.

• Responses needed from the U.S. and allies concerning regional security.

#GlobalConflict #WarInUkraine #NorthKorea #Russia #Geopolitics #ArmsShipments #China #Siberia #MilitaryStrategy #IntelligenceAnalysis #PublicSafety #InternationalRelations #HistoricalContext #AmurAnnexation #RiskAnalysis #MilitaryLosses #PoliticalTensions #DefenseStrategies #STRATPodcast #HalKempfer #MutualBroadcastingSystem #StrategicRiskAnalysis