Patrick Henningsen: Multiple Saudi Drones Down: Yemen's Air Defense Shift—WSJ on F-15 Shootdown

Dialogue Works · Sep 17, 2026 · 1h

This interview examines the strategic crisis facing Saudi Arabia as Yemeni forces successfully counter US-backed military operations. It highlights how the ongoing proxy war has exposed the fragility of Gulf state militaries, which rely heavily on foreign mercenaries. With Riyadh struggling to secure regional defense alliances, the US is reportedly using this vulnerability to pressure the Kingdom into normalizing ties with Israel. The discussion also explores broader geopolitical implications, including potential domino effects across the GCC, the shifting balance of power in West Asia, and…