Iran Moves To Attack From Yemen

An-Nahar, Lebanon, December 20

The attacks carried out by the Houthi rebels in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait can no longer be seen as ones solely affecting Israeli interests. These attacks have escalated to pose a threat to the security of sea routes, waterways, and global trade. The implications extend beyond Israel’s national security, reaching dozens of nations involved in ship ownership, cargo transportation, and shipping. This is a complex issue that cannot be overstated. Consequently, this issue has become an international matter. The Houthi militias’ control over strategic arteries like Bab el-Mandeb, which ultimately leads to the Suez Canal in the north, is an extremely dangerous situation. This part of the world holds great significance for the global economy, accounting for 14% of international trade and 7% of oil supplies. Allowing the Houthis, with their unilateral decision-making or under Iranian influence, to disrupt the flow of international trade routes poses a severe problem. This problem persists regardless of the cessation of the Gaza war. The Houthis, who are unreliable and reckless, cannot be trusted to act responsibly in such a sensitive area. It should be noted that when the Arab coalition, led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with active participation from the United Arab Emirates, sought to liberate Yemen from the Houthis and Iranian influence, there was general Western, especially American and British, resistance. Furthermore, President Joe Biden’s administration swiftly removed the Houthis from the US terrorism watchlist, hampered the Arab coalition’s military efforts in Yemen, and exerted political pressure on Saudi Arabia to thwart the coalition’s campaign to restore legitimacy in Yemen. In reality, it is Washington’s policy in Yemen that enabled the Houthi militia to gain control over vast territories and prevented the fall of the port of Al-Hudaydah, possibly inhibiting coalition forces from reaching the outskirts of Sanaa. Today, President Biden’s administration is beginning to realize the mistake that was made three years ago, which was in line with former President Barack Obama’s policies toward Iran. Those policies included unlocking billions of dollars for Iran and facilitating its expansion of influence in four Arab countries. Today, Iran is utilizing Yemeni territory as a launching pad for its attacks. The Houthis alone do not possess the capability to make decisions of the magnitude of targeting strategic sea routes. This is a decision that can only be made by a regional power the size and caliber of Iran. It is difficult to accept the notion that the Houthis alone were audacious enough to make such a perilous decision. Therefore, closely monitoring the American response, along with that of its allies, to the Houthi operations against maritime navigation in the Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb, and the Gulf of Aden becomes crucial. How will the multinational naval force announced by US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin react? This poses a significant challenge for the United States. China is closely observing the developments in the region, as this will inform the credibility of the promises made by the US to protect Taiwan from Chinese military aggression. Additionally, the countries in the Gulf region and East Africa are keen on observing America’s stance in countering the Houthi militia and its sponsor, Iran. This is a critical moment for the United States and its perception around the region and the world. —Ali Hamada (translated by Asaf Zilberfarb)