Al-Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, December 13
Last week, the Royal Saudi Air Force intercepted a ballistic missile launched from Yemen—and there is no doubt that they came from Hizbullah and Iran. The Houthi rebels might have gained extensive experience in warfare, but they certainly have not yet mastered the ability to develop these weapons. Hizbullah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah was quick to deny his organization’s involvement, but no rational person can truly believe that such missiles, capable of reaching Europe, were built by a guerrilla group that can barely maintain control over its own territory. The linkage is clear: the Houthis are fighting against Saudi Arabia in Yemen while enjoying the support and backing of the mullahs in Tehran. Unfortunately, the United Nations has failed us on all matters pertaining to Yemen. Instead of enforcing a long-lasting ceasefire, the international community allowed the Houthis to assert their authority over the country. The grave humanitarian situation has been mostly overlooked. The UN Security Council succumbed to the extremists and empowered Iran. So far, this has been a big headache for Saudi Arabia. But with missiles now in the hands of the Houthis, the threat has become even bigger. The UN must step in now, before the consequences become too grave. – Mashri al-Zaidi