In recent developments in Yemen, four separate strikes were carried out against Houthi rebels, shedding light on the escalating situation in the region. Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg, a former National Security Advisor under Vice President Mike Pence, shared his insights on the matter, emphasizing that the situation is spiraling out of control.
General Kellogg expressed his concerns about the lack of balance and control in dealing with the Houthi rebels, who he described as being sponsored by Iran. He noted that despite the minimal responses and strikes conducted against the rebels, these actions have not effectively deterred their activities. He pointed out that the recent designation of the Houthis as a specially designated terrorist group (SDGT) falls short of categorizing them as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO), thereby limiting the impact of the designation.
Furthermore, General Kellogg highlighted Iran's emboldened behavior in the region. He mentioned that with the perceived absence of counterbalancing measures from the United States, Iran has become more aggressive, evident in their recent strikes into Pakistan. He underlined the importance of providing diplomatic, economic, and military responses to curb Iran's influence and reign in the escalating situation.
The General highlighted the precarious state of control in the region, emphasizing that control means having the ability to influence actions. However, he stated that currently, the United States lacks the necessary leverage to exert any significant influence over the situation in Yemen. This lack of influence, he claimed, is a self-created predicament.
The remarks made by General Kellogg shed light on the complexity of the ongoing conflict in Yemen. The strikes against the Houthi rebels, while a response to their continued aggression, have not been successful in curbing their activities. Additionally, Iran's involvement and increasingly aggressive behavior in the region have further complicated the situation.
The need to establish a more balanced approach that can effectively counter both the Houthi rebels and Iran's influence in the region has become apparent. It is essential to take diplomatic, economic, and military measures to regain control and mitigate the escalating tensions. Without robust and coordinated action, the situation in Yemen will likely continue to deteriorate, posing a threat not only to Yemen but to the stability of the entire Persian Gulf region.
