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Try again   (SPOTLIGHT)  Cover image:            SPOTLIGHT        © FRANCE 24  (/build/images/svg/sprite.68b43361c11f23b39049016b32e6ae31.svg#icon-play)        24:10      Issued on: 13/09/2026 - 20:46  Modified: 14/09/2026 - 12:42    (/build/images/svg/sprite.68b43361c11f23b39049016b32e6ae31.svg#icon-replay)   24:10 min  Share (/build/images/svg/sprite.68b43361c11f23b39049016b32e6ae31.svg#icon-share)              (http://www.france24.com/en/tv-shows/spotlight/) From the show (/build/images/svg/sprite.68b43361c11f23b39049016b32e6ae31.svg#icon-caret-down)   (Spotlight)   (/build/images/svg/sprite.68b43361c11f23b39049016b32e6ae31.svg#icon-clock)   Reading time 1 min Who are the Houthis, what are their objectives for Yemen, and could the Iranian-backed group hold a significant part of world trade to ransom in the Bab el Mandeb Strait? FRANCE 24’s Gavin Lee speaks with Professor Thomas Juneau, a specialist on the Houthis and Iran, explains the intricate dynamics of the group, its repressive nature and the level of the threat to world shipping.  Our guests   Thomas Juneau Assistant professor. 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