Precisely the opposite is true. The Houthis already escalated the regional conflict, by using the pretext of Israel’s war with Hamas to launch unprovoked attacks against commercial ships traversing the Red Sea. The United States and its coalition allies — Britain, Canada, Australia, the Netherlands and Bahrain — had little choice but to mount a strong response. And this coalition employed just the right amount of proportionate firepower. If the Biden administration could be faulted for anything, it is that the same effort taken sooner might have had greater effect.
The Houthis are one of several Iran-backed militias — others operate in Lebanon, Iraq and Syria — that have been attacking Israeli and U.S. targets as a way to support yet another Iran-backed militia, Hamas, in its war against Israel. The Houthis launched dozens of drone and missile attacks against commercial vessels in one of the world’s most vital shipping lanes. Remember, these are not warships — they are container vessels ferrying food, oil, natural gas, automotive supplies, toys, furniture and household appliances between Asia and Europe. Some 12 percent of global trade uses that route, and shipping companies have been forced to take a much longer passage around Africa’s southern tip — adding extra days and higher costs.
The Houthis’ leadership has made its strategic objective clear from the start; its goal was to draw the United States into a fight, ostensibly to show solidarity with Hamas. Having taken over Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, in 2014 and endured a civil war and a bloody Saudi Arabia-led bombing campaign, the Houthis survive — and thrive — on never-ending conflict. Actual governance is not their forte, as their official slogan indicates: “God is the Greatest, Death to America, Death to Israel, Curse Upon the Jews, Victory to Islam.”
Since the Houthis declared their intentions to target commercial shipping in November, the Biden administration has shown considerable patience and restraint — while correctly making tactical preparations. The U.S. Navy surged much of its 5th and 6th fleets to the eastern Mediterranean and the Gulf of Yemen after Oct. 7. The Biden administration proceeded with caution precisely to avoid getting involved in actual fighting. There was also concern about disrupting a tenuous cease-fire between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia.
It’s unknown what role Iran has played in this drama. Iran is the Houthis’ main weapons supplier, so it’s difficult to believe the militia would take such a dramatic step as targeting commercial shipping without the knowing acquiescence, if not outright encouragement, of Tehran (although Iran officially denies it).
Waiting might have helped this intervention meet several key standards for a successful, legitimate, use of force — unlike some previous ones. First, its goals enjoy international support, through the imprimatur of the 15-member U.N. Security Council, which voted 11-0 to condemn the attacks on shipping as impeding global commerce and freedom of navigation. Russia, China, Algeria and Mozambique abstained, meaning there were no dissenting votes.
Second, the United States acted with a coalition of nations, including, crucially, one ally from the region, Bahrain. Other nations have expressed support without joining in the strikes. The Houthi attacks on shipping are a global outrage demanding a global response. More countries need to say so openly.
Third, the military means used so far seem proportionate to the threat and limited in scope. They are proportionate because some 150 missiles and bombs were targeted on Houthi-controlled arms depots, radar facilities and launch sites for drones and missiles. These airstrikes should at least temporarily disrupt the Houthis’ capabilities, while leaving plenty more targets to hit if they continue their attacks — which is likely given their inflexible intentions. And they are limited to the military capability Houthis use to attack shipping; this was not about striking the Houthi leadership or trying to topple the regime, which the United States knows from experience can bring unforeseen consequences.
We have no illusion that these airstrikes mark an end to the conflict, and the Houthis…
Read More: Opinion | U.S. airstrikes on Houthis in Yemen defend global shipping