By Avi Kaner
Exactly five years ago, on January 19, 2019, the outgoing US administration designated the Iranian terror proxy, the Houthis, a Foreign Terror Organization. Sadly, just a month later, the incoming administration removed the terror designation. The reversal led to immediate empowerment of both the Houthis terror group and its Iranian regime puppet masters, with attacks against civilian and infrastructure targets. The attacks included massive assaults on Saudi Arabia’s civilian, energy and water installations, as well as an attack on the beautiful city of Abu Dhabi, UAE, home to 1.5 million people, with weaponized drones, ballistic and cruise missiles.
More recently, the Houthis terror group, following orders from the Iranian regime, has disrupted global trading routes through the Red Sea, attacking civilian ships and firing missiles at our allies.
The Houthis have brought death and destruction to the people of Yemen. Hundreds of thousands of innocent people have lost their lives, including child soldiers. Millions of landmines have been planted creating an uninhabitable country. Thankfully the UAE and Saudi Arabia have provided billions in humanitarian aid to the civilians in Yemen.
Two days ago, the Biden administration designated the Houthis a “Specially Designated Global Terrorist group,” to begin in 30 days. This designation falls short of the more powerful Foreign Terrorist Organization, but leaves that option open. While Centcom forces led by the US are pounding Houthis terror sites, they are leaving the door open to diplomacy with the 30 day waiting period and the lesser designation.
The Houthis can decide to live in peace, focusing on improving the lives in Yemen. Unfortunately that is unlikely since their orders come directly from Tehran. The Iranian regime’s constitution calls to export the revolution to all corners of the world, and it has already brought misery to many Arab cities through its proxies. As long as the battles are fought outside of Iranian territory, the mullahs will continue to fight with their expendable pawns. Ultimately, the focus must turn directly to the Iranian regime, to bring lasting peace and stability to the Middle East and beyond.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Avi Kaner is the Principal of Samawal Foundations. You can follow him on Twitter @AviKaner