Diplomacy is fine, but Republicans believe that it shouldn’t be the first goal. “We’re Americans,” said one, “If somebody hits us, there’s going to be a reckoning and we’re going to hit back.” This perspective is in response to the increase of Houthi attacks in the Red Sea’s Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, which has prompted some commercial carriers to avoid the route altogether. Prior to diplomatic solutions, these Republicans stress the need for a military response to the Houthi attacks.
Various stakeholders met with the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee to discuss the issue, with speakers supporting the idea of bolstering the Yemen government in order to reclaim control of the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait from the Houthis. While a military response is seen as necessary to address the immediate threats, others maintain that a strong diplomatic effort is needed to keep sea lanes open and peaceful. Allies must be involved in these efforts, as the impact of the problem is more far-reaching than simply being a maritime issue.
Billions of dollars have flowed into Yemen since the Biden administration removed the Houthis from the terrorist list, but the funds have only further enabled them to continue these attacks. In response, Republicans say there “needs to be retaliation” and “diplomacy is great, but you cannot project weakness.” Military leaders, who have suffered casualties as a result of Houthi-attacked, argue that US policy toward Yemen should be revised. Diplomatic policy with Yemen has continually failed in the past, leaders stress and the Houthis clearly do not care about the Palestinian cause, despite claiming so. American military interventions have only increased the strength of the Houthis, only furthering their cause. Commercial carriers also face increased costs and insurance due to the attacks, greatly impacting global trade. If the situation continues in the same manner, the situation may only continue to worsen, placing much more than just maritime travel and commerce at risk.