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Articles by Ryan Bailey
How Have the Houthis Become So Dangerous?
The recent attacks on Riyadh Airport demonstrate a key aspect of the Houthi threat: the ability to impose costs that far outweigh and outlast the attack itself. Repairing the damage and improving defenses are not enough to restore air traffic. Airlines, travelers, and investors are reassessing the risks associated with Saudi Arabia. The airport will regain operational readiness long before people regain confidence in its safety.
Yemen’s Return to War: Implications for Gulf Security
Yemen has entered its most dangerous phase of conflict since the 2022 truce. The Houthis’ September capture of Al-Makha and ongoing advances toward Taiz city have been met with counteroffensives from government-aligned forces, while a surge of Houthi missile and drone attacks against Saudi Arabia has underscored the regional stakes of this conflict. Across the region and the West, analysts and policymakers are struggling to keep pace with the magnitude of the fallout set in motion since September.
The Battle for Taiz and the Struggle for Yemen
Taiz has once again become a key battleground in Yemen’s conflict. The governorate is strategically located between Yemen’s central highlands and the Red Sea Coast, and is traversed by important routes west toward the Red Sea port city of Al-Makha and the Bab al-Mandab, and south toward areas controlled by the internationally recognized government. In early September, Houthi forces seized Al-Makha and the southern Red Sea Coast.
Yemen’s Aid Workers Keep the Country Afloat, They Urgently Need Protection
As Yemen enters a new chapter of conflict, with all the uncertainty and fear it brings, what I hear when I speak to family and friends is “we are waiting it out, we don’t know what will happen next.” It speaks of extreme vulnerability, a bare life. And for the more than 145,000 people displaced in September, daily life has been turned upside down.
Why the US Failed to Defeat Iran and What it Means for the Axis of Resistance
The United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran have reached an agreement to end the war.
The Iran War is a Defining Moment for the Future of the Houthis
The ongoing Iran War is reshaping the region in ways that exceed all prior projections, compelling all parties involved in the conflict, or affected by it, to reposition themselves and reconsider the assumptions that have long guided their decisions. What is unfolding is not simply a redrawing of the balance of power in the region. More fundamentally, Iran and its Axis of Resistance allies are being forced to confront long-deferred questions.
Sana’a, One of the World’s Oldest Treasures, Must Not Become the Next Casualty of the Iran War
As the war on Iran continues to wreak havoc in the region, Yemen has been conspicuously absent from the escalating conflict. All eyes are on the Houthis, who have so far been reluctant to join the war. Should the Houthis mobilize, or should Israel and the US attack Yemen unprovoked, the threat to Sana’a, Yemen’s crown jewel and one of the best-preserved living ancient cities in the world, should worry us all.
Why Haven't the Houthis Supported Iran Yet?
It took the Houthis less than three days to announce their military and political support for Gaza in the wake of the events of October 7, 2023. By October 19, they had fired their first missile toward Israel. Just one month later, they hijacked the Galaxy Leader ship and launched their campaign to disrupt shipping in the Red Sea.
VIEWPOINT: Community banks are best at ‘keeping it real’ - Boston Business Journal
How community banks "keep it real" in an era of mergers and giant banks, from Ryan Bailey, president and CEO at Cambridge Savings Bank (CSB) and Ivy Bank, CSB’s digital-only division.
Rial Surges Under Revitalized Central Bank
The Yemeni rial has seen a dramatic recovery since late July, appreciating by over 44 percent after months of hemorrhaging value. Its sudden rise is the result of a multi-pronged approach led by the government-run Central Bank of Yemen in Aden (CBY-Aden). Key measures have included curbing speculation and currency manipulation, institutionalizing import financing, and mandating the exclusive use of the rial in domestic transactions.
A New Prime Minister is Not the Answer
Download as PDF Ever since the internationally recognized government fled from Sana’a after the Houthi takeover in 2014, it has failed to develop a strategy to adapt to its new environment and the challenges it poses. Instead, it has continued to act as if nothing has happened, and only a few tweaks are required to keep going.
US Leaves Yemen Worse Than It Found It
A US aircraft carrier in the Red Sea region // Photo credit: US Central Command X account At a May 6 press conference with the Canadian prime minister, US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire with the Houthis (Ansar Allah). Trump said the group had agreed to end attacks on the US Navy and maritime shipping transiting the Red Sea in exchange for an immediate halt to US airstrikes in Yemen. Each side claimed the other had backed down.
Strategic Hedging: Saudi Prince Khalid bin Salman’s Visit to Tehran
Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman meets with Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei during a visit to Tehran on April 17, 2025 // Photo from Khalid bin Salman's X account All eyes were on the Iranian capital, Tehran, where Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman arrived on April 17.
Rescuing Yemen’s Economy
A political crisis has wracked the interim capital of Aden as the internationally recognized government struggles to deal with the plummeting Yemeni rial. The currency now trades at over YR2,000 to the dollar, having lost over a third of its value since the year began. Riven by political infighting and lacking the vision or tools to arrest the slide, an acute economic collapse appears imminent if significant and sustained financial support does not arrive.
Week 9 Football - Hermann 21, Union 13
Scoring the go-ahead touchdown with 1:07 to play, Hermann (7-2, 4-2) likely secured a bye in the opening round of the Class 2 District 2 playoffs with a 21-13 victory Friday night over Union (2-7, 2-4). With the game tied at 13-13 in the fourth quarter, Hermann took the lead on a 34-yard touchdown pass from Allebach to senior receiver Nolan Mercier. kAm&?:@? ;F>A65 @? E@A 62C=J H:E9 2? gd\J2C5 <:4<@77 C6EFC? 7@C 2 E@F495@H? 3J p=@?K@ vC68@CJ E@ @A6?
Wildcats earn second win, defeat St. James
After some of the best athletes in Union history were recognized in a halftime ceremony, the football Wildcats (2-6, 2-3) picked up the pace to earn their second win of the season Friday. Union defeated St. James (3-5, 1-4), 28-12, breaking away from a 7-6 halftime advantage. kA 4=2DDlQAcQm%96 (:=542ED @FE82:?65 E96:C @AA@?6?E 3J `d_ J2C5D :? E96 7:?2= EH@ BF2CE6CD] |F49 @7 E92E 5:D4C6A2?4J 42>6 @? E96 8C@F?5[ H96C6 &?:@? CFD965 7@C `dh J2C5D 27E6C 92=7E:>6 H9:=6 9@=5:?8 $E] y2>6D E@ ;FDE D6G6?
Week 8 Football - Union 28, St. James 12
Make it a winning streak for the Union football Wildcats. Union (2-6, 2-3) used a strong rushing attack and a stout defensive line to defeat St. James (3-5, 1-4) Friday at home, 28-12. It was Union's second win in a row after six losses to start the campaign. kAmkDA2?mp7E6C 2? F?6G6? 7:CDE 92=7 E92E D2H 6249 E62> D4@C6 27E6C C64@G6C:?8 2 7F>3=6[ &?:@? AF==65 2H2J :? E96 D64@?5 92=7]k^DA2?mk^Am kAmkDA2?m%96 (:=542ED CFD965 7@C `dh J2C5D 27E6C 92=7E:>6 2?5 6IE6?565 E96:C =625 :? E96 E9:C5 BF2CE6C @?
Week 7 Football - Union 35, Owensville 28
Union (1-6, 1-3) won its first game of the year, defeating Four Rivers Conference foe Owensville (0-7, 0-4) 35-28, in a game of wild momentum swings throughout the second half. Owensville built a two-score lead late in the third quarter on a 32-yard pass from junior Adam Wilson to sophomore Chase Crosby. The Dutchmen converted multiple times on fourth down and third and long during the drive and seemed to have the game in hand.
Child Soldiers in Marib and Shabwa
The prevalence of child soldiers fighting in Yemen’s war has become common knowledge as Houthi (Ansar Allah) forces continue to publicly recruit and deploy children in military operations.[1] Other armed groups in Yemen also recruit minors, although on a smaller scale and in a less public manner.
Sullivan holds off Union in semifinal
If defense wins championships, Sullivan (8-2) could be in for a long run in the state playoffs after beating Union (4-7), 30-7, in the Class 4 District 2 semifinals Friday. Eagles’ defensive back Seth Valley intercepted Union passes on back-to-back drives late in the third quarter that broke open a close game and sent Sullivan to the district championship next Friday against Pacific (6-5). “It was something we talked about,” Sullivan Head Coach Eddie Haar said.
Redbird - Star Wine List
Redbird has a wine list approved by Star Wine List, and is therefore listed as a White Star. For more info on White Star, Red Star and our selection criteria, please read here.
Lily’s Bar - Star Wine List
Lily’s Bar has a wine list approved by Star Wine List, and is therefore listed as a White Star. For more info on White Star, Red Star and our selection criteria, please read here. Lily’s Bar Address 6141 Franklin Avenue, Los Angeles 90028 Opening Hours Mo: 18:00 - 00:00 Tu: 18:00 - 00:00 We: 18:00 - 00:00 Th: 18:00 - 02:00 Fr: 18:00 - 02:00 Sa: 18:00 - 02:00 Su: 18:00 - 00:00 ZH Zack Hall Wine Buyer Winebruh AF Andrew Flynn Bar Manager Did you know?
Fans reflect on a ‘life-changing’ party at Charlotte FC’s home opener
An MLS record attendance made for an unforgettable evening for the home debut of the latest franchise in Major League Soccer CHARLOTTE—It was a historic night, the likes of which Bank of America Stadium has never seen before. As Charlotte FC’s players made their way onto the field for the historic inaugural home match, the lights dropped, and 74,479 roared in unison.
“This is one of the biggest events in Carolina sports history”
Charlotte FC’s inaugural home match at Bank of America Stadium is a once-in-a-lifetime event that has been years in the making CHARLOTTE—On March 5, there will be a party at Bank of America Stadium like no other. Charlotte FC’s inaugural home match is set to be a momentous occasion for the Carolinas, played out to a packed house of fans who have been waiting to play their part in history. It’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for.
Head Fitness Coach Cristóbal Fuentes-Nieto on preparing for the demands of MLS | Charlotte FC
Fuentes-Nieto brings over a decade of elite-level expertise in player conditioning to Charlotte FC’s inaugural season CHARLOTTE—In its inaugural training camp, Charlotte FC roster has been put through its paces by Head Coach Miguel Ángel Ramírez and his highly experienced backroom staff.
Jaylin Lindsey: "The first home game is gonna give me goosebumps"
The Charlotte native feels confident about the mark his new team is about to make on the league CHARLOTTE—When inclement weather prevented Charlotte FC from traveling to Clemson for the first week of its inaugural training camp, it was a blessing in disguise for Jaylin Lindsey.
Ben Bender: “I try to think outside the box”
The MLS SuperDraft No.1 pick made an instant impact with a goal in Charlotte FC’s first-ever senior match CHARLOTTE—If Ben Bender’s career trajectory continues at its current rate, the corner flags at Bank of America Stadium are in great danger. The 20-year-old midfielder, selected first in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft, celebrates every goal he scores by performing some ninja-style acrobatics in the corner of the field .
Chris Hegardt: “Sometimes, we take for granted things we love to do”
How the Charlotte FC midfielder and Georgetown alum beat cancer on the path to pro soccer CHARLOTTE—An elite athlete must show strength, tenacity, and determination to reach their goals. Few, however, have conquered the kind of adversity that midfielder Chris Hegardt faced in childhood.
Thomas Schaling, Director of Scouting: “We want to create our own stars”
It has been a little over two years since Thomas Schaling was given the responsibility of recruiting for Charlotte FC’s inaugural roster. In that time, the Director of Scouting and his global scouting team have assembled a group of players from 15 different nations, whose qualities match the club’s sporting philosophy and Head Coach Miguel Ángel Ramírez’s game model.
Record and play: How Charlotte FC will benefit from video analysis
First-Team Video Analyst Luis Piedrahita will aid Charlotte FC’s technical staff using the latest technology CHARLOTTE—When Charlotte FC takes to the field for the first time at Bank of America Stadium on March 5, Head Coach Miguel Ángel Ramírez will be accompanied by his esteemed coaching staff on the sidelines.
MLS 101: What is a No. 10? Soccer jersey numbers explained
By Ryan Bailey @RyanJayBailey What do shirt numbers in soccer tell us about a player’s position? The latest edition of MLS 101 explains the traditional numbering system in the beautiful game. Like most team sports, soccer players wear individual squad numbers on their jerseys to help officials and fans identify them. However, certain numbers are traditionally associated with specific positions on the field.
MLS 101: What is the U-22 Initiative?
A relatively new addition to MLS rules and regulations will allow Charlotte FC to add young talent to its inaugural roster. The latest edition of MLS 101 focuses on the U-22 Initiative. What is the U22 initiative? The U-22 Initiative was first introduced to Major League Soccer in April 2021, in order to encourage teams to use their rosters to develop young talent. It allows MLS clubs to sign up to three players, aged 22 and younger, at a reduced Salary Budget charge.
Lloyd Sam will bring passion and personality to Charlotte FC’s matchday broadcasts
CHARLOTTE—During a storied 19-year professional career, Sam Lloyd played in all four professional tiers England, and the top two in the United States. From the English Premier League to six seasons in Major League Soccer with the New York Red Bulls and DC United, the former Ghanaian international boasts an impressive resume.
The Start of the Party: Looking Back at Charlotte’s 2019 MLS Expansion Announcement
CHARLOTTE—The weather on the morning of December 17, 2019, may have been a little overcast, but the prospects of soccer in the Carolinas shone brightly. On that day, Charlotte celebrated a new chapter in its rich sporting history, with the announcement of its brand-new team. At the official announcement press conference at Uptown’s Mint Museum, David Tepper was joined on stage by Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber, Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, and World Cup-winning Tar Heel Heather O’Reilly.
MLS 101: The Expansion Draft
The 2021 Expansion Draft will play a key role in the construction of Charlotte FC’s inaugural roster. Here, we explain how it works… What is the Expansion Draft? Ahead of its inaugural season, an expansion team will participate in an Expansion Draft, in which it can pick five players from existing MLS teams. At the 2020 Expansion Draft, in December 2020, for example, Austin FC selected five players from the ‘unprotected’ rosters of other MLS rosters.
CLTFC Player Update: December 2021
In the buildup to Charlotte FC’s inaugural season, members of the inaugural roster are earning valuable game time with other clubs around the world. From national team debuts to playoff runs, we check in on the progress of our players over the past month… Jordy Alcivar (LDU Quito) Charlotte FC’s eighth signing has been preparing for the 2022 campaign with his boyhood club LDU Quito.
Eric Krakauer on becoming the voice of Charlotte FC
Charlotte FC’s first-ever play-by-play announcer for English language broadcasts will bring a wealth of experience and boundless passion for the game CHARLOTTE—Some of the biggest moments in soccer history were etched into legend with the help of the play-by-play commentary that accompanied them.
How Charlotte FC’s Academy is raising the level of play as it grows
Academy Manager Dan Lock provides an update on the program, which continues to build a pathway to professional soccer for the brightest talents in the Carolinas CHARLOTTE—As Charlotte FC’s first team squad gears up for its inaugural season, the Academy program is flourishing in its sophomore campaign. In 2021-22, the Academy introduced a full-time U14 team to complement the existing U15 and U17 full-time teams, and the part-time Discovery Program for U12 and U13 age groups.
MLS 101: Everything you need to know about eMLS
In 2022, Charlotte FC will be competing on the field and in the rapidly burgeoning world of eSports. The latest edition of MLS 101 focuses on eMLS, which pits the best eSports athletes in the country against one another What is eMLS? eMLS is Major League Soccer’s eSports competition, in which professional eSports athletes compete using the latest iteration of the EA SPORTS™ FIFA video game series. Essentially, it is the virtual version of MLS.
A recent history of Inaugural Home Matches in Major League Soccer
Charlotte FC will play its first-ever home game on March 5 against LA Galaxy at Bank of Americas Stadium. In looking back at the results of the 10 inaugural home match games of the last decade, one may see a pattern that generally favors the new franchise… Austin FC (2021) Result: Draw Austin FC played its first eight matches on the road, before debuting at the brand-new Q2 Stadium on June 19 against the San Jose Earthquakes.
Andy Quy: “The goalkeeper is a massively important part of the team”
Charlotte FC’s Goalkeeper Coach discusses the goalkeeper’s role in Miguel Ángel Ramírez’s system and his experience in developing world-class shot stoppers CHARLOTTE—Ahead of the 2022 inaugural season, Coach Miguel Ángel Ramírez has added another assistant with a wealth of experience to his backroom staff: Goalkeeping Coach Andy Quy. Following a professional goalkeeping career that began in the Tottenham Hotspur youth system, Quy has coached at the top level in English soccer for over 15 years.
MLS 101: Discovery Lists and Discovery Players
MLS 101: Discovery Lists and Discovery Players Several of Charlotte FC’s signings have been subject to the Discovery Process. The latest edition of MLS 101 focuses on this unique—and potentially advantageous—part of the recruitment process What is a Discovery Player? Clubs may sign or scout players who are not yet under contract with MLS, and who are not subject to another assignment mechanism, such as the MLS SuperDraft, or the Allocation Process. These players are known as Discovery Players.
CLTFC Player Update: November 2021
By Ryan Bailey In the buildup to Charlotte FC’s inaugural season, members of the inaugural roster are earning valuable game time with other clubs around the world. From playoff success to crucial match-winning goals, we check in on the progress of our players over the past month… Riley McGree (Birmingham City) Charlotte FC’s second-ever signing is seeing his popularity increase significantly among Birmingham City fans, thanks to some game-changing performances in recent weeks.
5 things you need to know about MexTour at Bank of America Stadium
By Ryan Bailey The Mexican National Team will play Ecuador in Uptown Charlotte on Wednesday October 27, 2021 1. The MexTour is in its 18th edition The MexTour is the annual tour of the Mexican National Team across the United States. Since 2002, El Tri has staged friendly matches in preparation for competitions such as the World Cup and the Gold Cup. The games also serve as an important connection with El Tri’s fervent U.S. supporter base.
CLTFC Player Update: October 2021
By Ryan Bailey In the buildup to Charlotte FC’s inaugural season, members of the inaugural roster are earning valuable game time with other clubs around the world. Here is the latest instalment of our monthly check-in with their progress… Adam Armour (Charlotte Independence) Armour, who celebrated his 19th birthday at the end of September, continues to show his versatility on loan with the Charlotte Independence.
The Carolina Lightnin’, Charlotte’s first pro soccer team, celebrates 40th anniversary of Championship win
By Ryan Bailey On September 18, 2021, The Carolina Lightnin’ will celebrate the 40th anniversary of their incredible expansion-year championship victory. CHARLOTTE—There’s a movie script waiting to be written about Charlotte’s first-ever professional soccer team. The Carolina Lightnin’ debuted in 1981 and won a championship in its very first season. Few sports franchises can make such a claim.
CLTFC Player Update: September 2021
By Ryan Bailey In the buildup to Charlotte FC’s inaugural season, members of the inaugural roster are earning valuable game time with other clubs around the world.
MLS 101: Everything you need to know about the MLS All-Star Game
By Ryan Bailey Plenty of U.S. sports leagues stage an annual All-Star Game, but how does Major League Soccer’s showpiece event work? CLTFC’s latest MLS 101 explains it all… What exactly is the MLS All-Star Game? Major League Soccer’s All-Star Game is an exhibition match, in which a team featuring the league’s best players is assembled. It is a similar concept to the All-Star games of other North American leagues, such as the NFL, NBA and NHL.
Academy Staff Profile: U14 Head Coach Bryan Scales
By Ryan Bailey US Soccer A-licensed Coach Bryan Scales spent over a decade at the New England Revolution as Academy Director and Academy Coach. Under his leadership, seven Homegrown Players were signed to professional contracts, while over 80 players were provided paths to NCAA Division I scholarships. Scales is now coaching the U14 team in CLTFC’s burgeoning Academy Program. Hi Bryan! What is it about Charlotte FC that made it the right fit for the latest chapter of your career?
CLTFC Player Update: August 2021
By Ryan Bailey In the buildup to Charlotte FC’s inaugural season, members of the inaugural roster are earning valuable game time with other clubs around the world. Here, we catch up with their progress… Riley McGree (Birmingham City) It’s been a busy summer for Riley McGree, who made his full senior debut for the Australian National team in June and represented his country at the 2022 Olympic Games in July.
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