Continuity of Yemeni Policy: Trump Mirrors Biden’s Approach in Airstrikes
President Trump has launched multiple air strikes in Yemen against the Houthi group, echoing policies of former President Biden. The attacks follow the Houthis’ announcement to resume a blockade of Israeli ships. Trump’s actions highlight a continuity of Democratic strategies regarding Yemen, which have resulted in severe humanitarian crises and significant civilian casualties.
President Donald Trump has initiated numerous air raids across Yemen, targeting the Houthi group, also referred to as Ansar Allah. The US military reports that the strikes resulted in the deaths of “multiple” leaders of the Houthis, with total casualties reaching as high as fifty-three, including women and children. This escalation appears to stem from the Houthis’ recent announcement to resume their blockade of Israeli shipping following tensions in Gaza.
The Houthis had previously suspended their blockade after a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. However, as Israel intensified its blockade against Gaza, the Houthis announced their intention to reinstate the ban on Israeli vessels in Yemeni waters. This action prompted President Trump to conduct bombings in Yemen, mirroring the strategies of former President Biden.
This reflects a continuation of Biden’s Yemen policy by Trump, albeit not the first instance of Trump aligning with Democratic approaches on Yemen. The Houthis’ rise to power dates back to 2014, when they seized control of Yemen, inciting the Saudi-led war in 2015 aimed at reinstituting their ally, Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi, to the presidency. The US, under President Obama, supported the Saudis’ military efforts while embroiled in the Iran Nuclear Deal negotiations, thereby switching allegiance from the Houthis.
The Saudi-led conflict has been marked by devastating airstrikes and a harsh blockade, contributing to widespread famine and disease amongst the Yemeni civilians. Obstructing food and medical supplies, the Saudi strategy aimed to incite public unrest against the Houthis. Unfortunately, as the conflict extended beyond its second year, the humanitarian crisis only escalated, leading to significant loss of life.
Upon taking office in 2017, President Trump sustained the same policy framework initiated under President Obama, effectively endorsing the Saudi campaign. This prolonged siege resulted in at least 377,000 deaths, with a staggering proportion of victims being children under the age of five. This grim legacy of continued Democratic policy highlighted a shameful aspect of Trump’s first term, with ongoing animosity towards the United States in the region.
Currently, President Trump appears to adopt similar policy decisions as his Democratic predecessors concerning Yemen, despite differing opinions among Republicans. The perception persists among some that Democrats exhibit weakness, while in reality, Biden’s foreign policy has often leaned toward recklessness. From mismanagement in Afghanistan to poor strategic decisions regarding Ukraine, Biden’s administration has faced criticism for its military interventions and their detrimental impact on global stability.
President Trump’s alignment with Democratic foreign policy on Yemen signals potential challenges ahead. The endorsement of aggressive military tactics without seeking diplomatic resolutions may lead to further complications, necessitating a reevaluation of strategies to avert escalating conflicts and chaos in the region.
In summation, President Trump’s recent military actions in Yemen signify a persistence in policies established by previous administrations, highlighting a troubling continuity of foreign interventionism. The humanitarian crisis exacerbated by the Saudi-led intervention has resulted in significant loss of life. As Trump adopts tactics reminiscent of his Democratic predecessors, the trajectory for US foreign policy in Yemen raises concerns about the implications for regional stability and American credibility.
Original Source: www.ocregister.com
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