The United States has recently conducted airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen in an effort to counter Iran-backed militants. Former State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus, in an interview, highlighted the failure of the Biden administration's Middle East policy. Ortagus pointed out that three years ago, under the Trump administration, Iran was effectively contained through maximum pressure and sanctions, with Qasem Soleimani, the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' Quds Force, eliminated. However, she argued that the Biden administration has squandered this leverage and failed to maintain maximum economic pressure on Iran.
Furthermore, Ortagus criticized the Biden administration's approach towards the conflict in Yemen. She highlighted that in February 2021, shortly after Biden took office, the US halted providing weapons to Saudi Arabia for their operations against the Houthis. She claimed that this decision allowed the Houthis to strengthen their capabilities over the past three years, leading to the current scenario where a terrorist group is launching ballistic missiles at US troops.
Ortagus also pointed out the inconsistency in the Biden administration's stance towards the Houthis. While President Biden himself acknowledged that he believes the Houthis to be terrorists, his administration delisted the group from the terrorism designation. Ortagus argued that this decision had consequences, as the Houthis resumed their attacks shortly after being delisted.
Regarding the recent US airstrikes, Ortagus emphasized the need for a comprehensive strategy rather than a limited response. She argued that the Biden administration must restore deterrence and expressed concern about the current state of global security under President Biden. Ortagus cited various conflicts and crises that have occurred during the Biden administration, including the fall of Kabul to the Taliban and the ongoing war in Ukraine. She questioned what further challenges the coming years may bring.
Turning to Taiwan, Ortagus commended the victory of the Democratic Progressive Party in the country's elections, as it signaled resistance to China's coercive interference. She emphasized the importance of preventing China from annexing Taiwan and supported the idea of imposing pre-invasion sanctions on China as a deterrent.
In light of these developments, Ortagus called for a range of diplomatic and military options to deter China from invading Taiwan. She warned of the potential consequences, including disruptions to shipping lanes and the erosion of democracy in the region.
The situation in Yemen and the tensions surrounding Taiwan will continue to be closely watched, as the US navigates its foreign policy in the region and addresses the challenges posed by Iran and China.
