In a recent interview, Arkansas Republican Senator Tom Cotton expressed his concerns regarding the ongoing attacks launched by Houthi rebels in Yemen. The senator emphasized that these attacks must come to an end and called for a decisive response from the United States and its allies.
Senator Cotton criticized the current approach, stating that merely demanding an end to the attacks will not suffice. He urged the use of American firepower, including air and naval strikes, to counter the threat posed by the Houthis. The senator lamented the fact that such strikes should have been initiated two months ago when the attacks first began.
Highlighting the importance of the Red Sea for global commerce, Senator Cotton stressed that the attacks on ships transiting through this vital waterway could severely impact the American economy. He argued that the longer these attacks are allowed to continue, the more likely it becomes that Americans will lose their lives and trade will be disrupted.
The senator drew parallels to past conflicts and highlighted the effectiveness of strong military action in deterring Iran's proxies. He recalled former President Ronald Reagan's response in the 1980s when he sank half of Iran's navy and destroyed their oil platforms, which led to a cessation of attacks on American naval ships and commercial shipping.
Senator Cotton expressed his concerns over President Biden's restrained approach, speculating that it may be influenced by a flawed Iran policy or concerns about the fragility of the truce between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis. He emphasized the need for the Biden administration to take decisive action and restore peace and stability to the region.
The senator also criticized the removal of the Houthis from the foreign terrorist list, highlighting this decision as an indictment of the current administration's Iran policy. He pointed out that the Houthis' possession of land attack cruise missiles was most likely facilitated by Iran.
As the interview concluded, the senator expressed his hope that the issue would be discussed during the upcoming White House briefing, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
The ongoing attacks by Houthi rebels on ships transiting through the Red Sea have raised significant concerns among lawmakers like Senator Cotton. The call for a decisive response and the use of American military might to counter these attacks highlights the escalating tensions in the region and the potential risks to global trade and American lives. The senator's critique of the Biden administration's approach and its implications for the wider Middle East policy underscores the need for a strong and decisive stance against such threats.
