Massive Coalition Attack Launched Against Houthis in Yemen
In a significant development, the United States and the United Kingdom have joined forces to launch a massive coalition attack against the Houthis in Yemen. The Iran-backed rebel group has declared that they will not back down and are prepared to strike back. This announcement comes at a time when Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin is still hospitalized. Reports confirm that Austin and President Biden have had only two conversations in the past two days.
Senator Lindsey Graham, the ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and an Air Force veteran, recently visited Saudi Arabia and the region. He emphasizes that while the attack was strong and the most significant to date, it will not change the underlying problem in Yemen. Graham highlights that Iran remains indifferent to the casualties suffered by the Houthis and other groups allied with them. According to him, stability in the Middle East cannot be achieved until a decisive action is taken against Iran.
Graham points to the approach taken by former President Donald Trump, who targeted the head of the Iran Revolutionary Guard, Qasem Soleimani, and imposed sanctions on Iran. These actions, Graham argues, resulted in Iran becoming less aggressive. In contrast, President Biden has reversed many of these policies, creating a leadership vacuum and causing instability in the region.
Regarding the Red Sea, Graham conveys concerns raised by individuals in the shipping industry, who are hesitant to operate in the area due to the ongoing Houthi threat. While there are military ships in the Red Sea, Graham believes the Houthi capabilities to terrorize the region have not been sufficiently diminished. Nonetheless, he acknowledges the significance of the recent strike for those involved.
Graham criticizes the Biden administration for failing to effectively address the Iranian threat. He calls for a clear message to be sent to the Ayatollah that continued aggression against the US and Israel will have consequences. Graham clarifies that he is not advocating for invading Iran but suggests targeting their oil refineries. This, in his view, would deliver a strong message while minimizing risks associated with a military invasion.
In a separate statement, Graham also expresses concern over the chain of command at the Pentagon, citing Secretary of Defense Austin's failure to inform President Biden about his health issue promptly. He characterizes this as a breach and believes it reflects a broader problem of leadership and control within the Department of Defense.
In conclusion, while the coalition attack against the Houthis in Yemen was significant, it may not bring about the desired change without addressing the broader issue of Iran's influence. Senator Graham emphasizes the need for a strong stance against Iran and highlights the importance of decisive leadership to safeguard US interests and maintain stability in the Middle East.
