Challenges of US Strikes on Houthis in Yemen: Expert Perspectives on Diplomacy and Strategy
US air strikes on Yemen’s Houthis are viewed as ineffective for defeating the rebels, necessitating a diplomatic resolution. Analysts emphasize collaboration with Yemeni allies and regional partners to develop a cohesive strategy. The complexity of the Houthi situation calls for a comprehensive approach that integrates military, political, and economic dimensions to ensure regional stability and counter Houthi influence.
Experts argue that US air strikes against Yemen’s Houthis are insufficient to defeat the group or deter their attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, emphasizing the necessity for a diplomatic approach. Since mid-March, these strikes have been in response to Houthi threats against international shipping and Israel. President Donald Trump stated intentions to “annihilate” the Houthis, whose responses indicate that the strikes will not restrict their operational capabilities.
Baraa Shiban, an expert in Yemen affairs, asserted that air strikes alone cannot defeat the Houthis, as they control significant territory which enables them to absorb damage. He advocated for collaboration with Yemeni allies who are positioned to benefit from defeating the Houthis. Shiban noted that the current situation allows the Houthis to retain control unless they begin to lose territory, which remains unlikely.
The Houthis’ military actions intensified in November 2023 during the Israel-Gaza conflict, expressing solidarity with Palestinians. Although the US and EU deployed naval assets in response, the attacks persisted until a ceasefire was reached in January between Israel and Hamas. Thomas Juneau, a Middle East analyst, emphasized the critical need for a diplomatic strategy in conjunction with military action to mitigate the Houthi threat in Yemen.
Juneau explained that while US strikes might inflict more damage than previous actions taken under President Biden, the mitigative effects may be limited due to the dispersed and fortified nature of Houthi military installations. The Houthis have displayed resilience in adapting to strikes throughout the prolonged civil war, complicating efforts to dismantle their operational capabilities.
Sanam Vakil from Chatham House noted that the Houthis have fortified their positions, making it challenging to target all military assets effectively. The ongoing conflict has paradoxically strengthened their resolve, as the group perceives they have nothing left to lose. Afrah Nasser highlighted that a broad, integrated strategy encompassing military, political, economic, and diplomatic elements is essential to address the complexities of the Yemeni situation.
Nasser emphasized that the US should align closely with a unified Yemeni government to confront Houthi influence, recognizing them as a distinct local entity with ambitions beyond being a mere proxy for Iran. The involvement of regional partners, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, is vital to develop a cohesive strategy focused on negotiating settlements and economic stabilization rather than solely relying on military means.
Former Yemeni diplomat Marwan Ali Noman stressed the importance of dismantling the channels through which Iran supports the Houthis. He advocated for efforts to restore full Yemeni governmental authority over the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, cautioning that targeting civilian infrastructure in air strikes would inadvertently bolster the Houthi narrative and potentially increase recruitment.
In conclusion, experts have reached a consensus that solely relying on US air strikes against the Houthis will not achieve desired strategic outcomes. A comprehensive diplomatic strategy, involving collaboration with Yemeni allies and regional partners, is essential to effectively counter Houthi influence and foster stability. Addressing the underlying complexities of Yemen’s conflict requires an integrated approach encompassing military, political, and economic aspects while reducing civilian casualties to avoid further legitimizing the Houthis’ narrative.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
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