In a concerning turn of events, protests erupted in the streets of Tehran, Iran, with protesters burning the American flag. Chanting slogans against the United States and declaring an attack on Yemen as a prelude to war, these demonstrations coincide with President Biden's recent statement that he has delivered a message to Iran regarding the military strikes in Yemen. These strikes targeted Houthi militia positions, who are backed by Iran. As tensions escalate, there are growing fears that the situation could devolve into a wider conflict.
The initial missile fired by the Houthi militia from Yemen towards a ship in the Red Sea did not hit any vessels, nor US assets. This was seen as a symbolic show of their capabilities. However, the Pentagon expects that the Houthi response will be more substantial and may specifically target US assets in the region. The airstrikes carried out by the US Navy, with support from the UK's Royal Air Force and other allies, aimed to disrupt the Houthis' ability to target international shipping in the Red Sea, a critical waterway for global trade.
Nearly 30 sites were targeted, including facilities for ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones, as well as radar sites and command and control centers. These strikes were meant to degrade the Houthis' ability to launch attacks, which have already disrupted international shipping multiple times. However, given the large-scale protests in Yemen and Tehran, it is clear that the Houthis continue to enjoy support from a significant portion of the population.
While the US-led strikes were aimed at deterring future Houthi attacks, it is unclear if this initial round will be effective. The National Security Council is currently assessing the impacts of the strikes and is prepared for the possibility of further action. Additionally, President Biden has indicated that he is considering putting the Houthis back on the list of terror groups, from which they were previously removed. This decision aims to create additional leverage to negotiate a ceasefire in Yemen, which continues to be a humanitarian catastrophe.
As tensions rise on the international stage, there is another growing concern at the US southern border. In December alone, there were 225,000 illegal border crossings, comprising a more diverse range of nationalities, including Chinese and Russian individuals. This shift in composition raises national security concerns, demanding attention from the US government. Nevertheless, it is essential to address both the southern border issues and maintain a position of global leadership, demonstrating the ability to handle multiple challenges simultaneously.
The situation in the Middle East remains highly volatile, and the international community anxiously watches for any further escalations. Efforts are being made to prevent a wider conflict and find diplomatic solutions to the various crises in the region.
