The Houthi Supreme Political Council has announced that “all American-British interests have become legitimate targets.”
Once again, most of America’s allies are absent in countering the Houthi attempts to disrupt international water routes in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Only Britain has joined the U.S. naval task, “Operation Prosperity Guardian,” as other NATO partners, such as France and Spain, are unwilling to risk their sailors and vessels against Houthi rockets and attack drones. Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE are also on the sidelines, leaving the burden on the United States.
Secretary of State Blinken emphasizes the importance of “freedom of navigation” and “freedom of shipping,” but critics argue that the U.S. is undertaking military action without considering domestic vulnerabilities.
The decision to bomb the Houthis, coupled with open-border policies, exposes the U.S. homeland to unnecessary risks reminiscent of the mismanaged border security preceding the 9/11 attacks.
The focus on overseas posture rather than homeland security raises concerns, especially considering groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. The Pentagon has raised the alert level for U.S. troops in the Middle East, while the State Department warns Americans to avoid the region.
At the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the emphasis on admitting foreign migrants with minimal vetting contrasts with previous administrations’ threat-level alerts in response to global events.
The current DHS National Terrorism Advisory System lacks advisories for the public despite encountering watchlisted terrorist suspects among illegal migrants.
While some dismiss the idea of the Houthis threatening the U.S. homeland, there are concerns that their strategy may involve drawing the U.S. into a broader conflict.
The lesson from the Yemeni civil war is that the Houthis, constituting around 30% of Yemen’s population, are formidable adversaries with ambitions beyond the Red Sea region.
Under President Biden, border security issues and potential threats from Houthi operatives are downplayed in hypothetical NSC discussions. The lack of control over the border, coupled with the admission of migrants, raises concerns about potential security vulnerabilities at home.
The imaginary NSC conversation highlights the disconnect between border security and national security priorities in the current administration.
The operational principle of controlling and vetting foreigners entering the country is compromised by the chaotic border situation. The increased Muslim population in the U.S. since 9/11 and potential security risks are also emphasized, along with the changing demographics through immigration.
In summary, the article critiques the U.S. approach to the Houthi threat, emphasizing concerns about homeland security, border control, and potential risks associated with the changing demographic landscape.
