The Overshadowed Question in the Trump Administration’s Yemen Strategy

The disclosure of military strategies by Trump administration officials in a private chat has led to calls for investigations, overshadowing a more critical inquiry: the rationale behind continued U.S. bombings in Yemen. This piece argues that successive administrations have failed to achieve positive results, exacerbating humanitarian crises. The article also highlights how the Houthis have used the ongoing conflict to increase their support while U.S. policies appear ineffective and repetitive.

Recent disclosures regarding the Trump administration’s top officials sharing classified military strategies concerning Yemen in a private group chat have prompted significant outrage in Washington. This reaction has led to calls for congressional inquiries and the resignation of key figures, including Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz. However, amid the uproar, a crucial question remains unaddressed: why is the Trump administration engaged in military operations in Yemen at all?

The historical context reveals a troubling trend, as five successive U.S. presidents have ordered military action against Yemen, the poorest nation in the Middle East. The policies of these administrations, which have persisted for more than twenty years, have primarily revolved around bombings, counter-terrorism efforts, and support for a long-term dictator. President Trump, who once claimed to represent a peace-centric agenda, seems to follow in the footsteps of his predecessors, disregarding the lessons learned from past interventions.

The conflict in Yemen has only intensified, with the United Nations estimating that 377,000 lives have been lost due to the war, many from indirect causes such as famine and health crises. Notably, the Houthis have strengthened their position after each military engagement, leading to troubling humanitarian outcomes. Critically, the violation of military confidentiality must not distract observers from the overarching consequences of two decades of U.S. military interventions in Yemen.

The Trump administration cites its recent military actions in Yemen as necessary to deter Houthi assaults on international maritime traffic. Following the Hamas attacks on Israel and subsequent military actions in Gaza, the Houthis have launched missiles aimed at vessels near the Bab el-Mandeb strait. Despite the Biden administration’s military response and subsequent strikes against Yemen, the Houthis persisted in their aggressions, showcasing the ineffectiveness of U.S. tactics.

Additionally, the Houthis have artfully used the Gaza conflict as a rallying point to bolster their support among the Arab populace, positioning themselves as defenders of the Palestinian cause. The U.S. approach has failed to stabilize shipping lanes and has instead provided a boost to the Houthis’ visibility and stature amidst a backdrop of regional unrest.

In summary, the recent revelations surrounding the Trump administration’s military strategies in Yemen unveil not only a breach of confidentiality but also underscore a deeper, troubling pattern of U.S. intervention that has produced widespread suffering for the Yemeni populace. The critiques against the administration regarding its military actions must be placed within the larger context of the historical failures in U.S. foreign policy toward Yemen. A more effective resolution would require reevaluating the underlying causes of the conflict and seeking diplomatic solutions rather than continuing on a path of military aggression.

Original Source: www.theguardian.com