Biden Administration Faces Backlash Over Houthi Policy While Trump Escalates Military Response

Biden Administration Faces Backlash Over Houthi Policy While Trump Escalates Military Response

The Biden administration’s perceived leniency towards the Houthis, an Iran-backed militant group, has ignited fresh criticism for enabling their disruptive activities in global commerce and aggravating instability in the Middle East. Experts from Saudi Arabia and the United States express concern over Biden’s strategies in the region.

In a significant address at the State Department soon after taking office, Biden announced an end to U.S. offensive support for the Saudi-led coalition combating the Houthis. His remarks in February 2021 were part of a broader commitment to promote a United Nations-led initiative aimed at enforcing a ceasefire and revitalizing peace negotiations in Yemen.

Shortly thereafter, the administration removed the Houthis from the U.S. list of designated terrorist organizations, a decision characterized by then-Secretary of State Antony Blinken as an acknowledgment of the dire humanitarian crisis in Yemen. However, this action has been interpreted by many as an unqualified concession.

Criticism from Geopolitical Experts

Salman Al-Ansari, a notable geopolitical analyst based in Saudi Arabia, voiced his discontent to Fox News Digital, claiming that Biden’s initial approach towards the Houthis, which included removing them from the terrorism list without any reciprocal action, has emboldened their increasing aggression. He stated that the Houthis, acting as an Iranian proxy, have plunged Yemen into chaos, destabilized regional security, and conducted attacks against global maritime traffic. Al-Ansari articulated that Trump’s military actions represent a necessary course correction, sending a firm message that acts of piracy and terrorism will no longer go unaddressed.

When discussing Trump’s military engagements targeting the Houthis, Al-Ansari emphasized their timeliness. He remarked that the Houthis have jeopardized global trade, launched assaults on U.S. forces, and exacerbated regional instability. Nevertheless, he expressed uncertainty about the extent to which the U.S. is prepared to escalate its military campaign against them. The strategic importance of the Red Sea and the Strait of Mandab cannot be overstated as they account for over 20 percent of global oil shipments and 13 percent of worldwide trade.

According to Al-Ansari, any failure to ensure security in these critical areas could lead to severe economic and security repercussions. He highlighted that while Saudi Arabia remains focused on achieving a political resolution, such an outcome is only feasible through sustained pressure on both the Houthis and Iran, their primary backer.

Houthi Ideology and Biden’s Policy Shift

The Houthi movement, officially known as Ansar Allah, advocates a slogan reflecting their hardline views, which famously includes anti-American and anti-Israel sentiments. One of the first international moves made by Biden was to remove the Houthis from the classification of foreign terrorist organizations, a designation that had been previously established by the Trump administration.

Additionally, the Biden administration urged Saudi Arabia to halt its aerial operations aimed at curbing Houthi terrorism directed at the nation and mitigating Houthi piracy on maritime routes. Al-Ansari pointed out that Saudi Arabia made efforts to convey the threat posed by the Houthis to the American government, yet the Biden administration failed to adequately recognize the severity of the situation.

He also noted the progress made by Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s legitimate government in liberating approximately 80 percent of Yemeni territory. If the U.S. intends to exert influence over the remaining 20 percent, he suggested that it must do so independently, as Riyadh’s focus has shifted toward diplomatic solutions rather than military escalation in the region.

Political Ramifications of Houthi Policy

Jonathan Schanzer, executive director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, underscored the partisanship introduced by Biden’s decision to de-list the Houthis as a terrorist organization. Schanzer explained that this shift has prompted an aggressive response from Trump, positioning the need to weaken the Houthis as a means to reinstate America’s commitment as a reliable ally to Saudi Arabia after a lapse in assurance during Biden’s tenure.

Schanzer acknowledged the various advantages of the U.S. airstrikes against the Houthis. He noted that these military actions send a strong message to Saudi Arabia regarding U.S. dedication to their regional security. Simultaneously, this strategy reinforces commitments to safeguarding free navigation in the Red Sea, benefitting European businesses by potentially lowering shipping costs.

Perhaps most significantly, Schanzer remarked that these strikes signify a deliberate effort to dismantle Iran’s regional influence, referred to as the ‘ring of fire’ strategy. With the Iranian regime appearing increasingly weakened, questions arise regarding possible future actions to neutralize their nuclear ambitions or even to undermine the regime itself.

The Iranian-backed Houthis have also initiated military actions against Israel, responding to the ongoing conflict involving Hamas in Gaza, highlighting their expansive regional ambitions. President Biden authorized military strikes against the Houthis for the first time in January 2024, a response attributed to unprecedented assaults by the group on vessels navigating through the Red Sea.

Following the initial military actions, the Biden administration revised its policy again, designating the Houthis as specially designated global terrorists, an effort aimed at curtailing their aggressive maneuvers against both U.S. and global maritime activities.

Fox News Digital made attempts to contact President Biden’s spokesperson for comments regarding the ongoing criticisms surrounding the administration’s policy towards the Houthis and their implications.

This article incorporates information from the Associated Press.