US and UK carry out strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen for first time in months
Introduction
The ongoing civil war in Yemen, which began in 2014, has escalated into one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. In March 2015, a Saudi-led coalition intervened militarily to support the internationally recognized Yemeni government against the Iran-aligned Houthi rebels. The United States has provided significant support to the Saudi-led coalition, including intelligence sharing, logistical assistance, and arms sales. However, as the conflict drags on with no end in sight, the extent and nature of U.S. involvement has become increasingly controversial.
Recent developments in 2024 have further complicated the situation. The Houthis have launched attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea and fired missiles and drones towards Israel, framing their actions as retaliation for the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza.1
These events have raised concerns about regional stability and the potential for the Yemen war to escalate into a wider confrontation between Iran and its adversaries. Meanwhile, peace talks between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia remain precarious, and the humanitarian situation in Yemen continues to deteriorate.2
In this context, the question of whether the United States should continue to support the Saudi-led intervention in Yemen has taken on renewed urgency. Proponents argue that U.S. assistance is necessary to counter Iranian influence, combat terrorism, and protect key allies and shipping lanes. Critics contend that the intervention has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, caused widespread civilian casualties, and undermined U.S. moral standing, while failing to achieve its strategic objectives. This essay will examine the pros and cons of U.S. support for the Saudi-led military intervention in Yemen, drawing on recent evidence and analysis from a range of sources.
Pros of U.S. Support for the Saudi-Led Intervention
1. Countering Iranian Influence
One of the primary arguments in favor of U.S. support for the Saudi-led intervention is the need to counter Iranian influence in the region. Iran has provided political, financial, and military support to the Houthi rebels, who have taken control of much of northern Yemen and threatened Saudi Arabia's southern border.3 By backing the Saudi-led coalition, the United States aims to prevent Iran from gaining a foothold on the Arabian Peninsula and threatening key U.S. allies and interests.