The United States’ Empty Toolbox in Yemen
With the Houthis making gains in their offensive on Marib, and anti-Houthi alliance fragmenting, the United States is out of options on Yemen.
Security topic in which the post is published
Yemen country in which the post is published
Videos content-type in which the post is published
Is Yemen the First Battleground in the Trump Administration’s Confrontation with Iran?
President Donald J. Trump’s administration and U.S. partners in the region – in particular, Saudi Arabia – see Yemen as an important arena in which to confront Iran’s destabilizing behavior, and to neutralize the threat it is seen as posing to Gulf Arab states.
President Donald J. Trump’s administration and U.S. partners in the region – in particular, Saudi Arabia – see Yemen as an important arena in which to confront Iran’s destabilizing behavior, and to neutralize the threat it is seen as posing to Gulf Arab states. But this confrontational approach carries the risk of triggering Iranian retaliation, or even an armed conflict involving Iran, the United States, and the United States’ regional partners. What role is the United States playing in the conflict in Yemen and is its support for the Saudi-led intervention likely to increase? Is Iran challenging the Trump administration’s resolve by testing ballistic missiles and applauding attacks by Houthi rebels on Saudi targets? Will the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action survive the increased tensions and do the parties involved have the space or the inclination to de-escalate current tensions?
AGSIW was pleased to host a discussion of these issues and other challenges facing the Trump administration and U.S. partners in the Gulf as they push back against growing Iranian influence in the region.
Panelists:
Fahad Nazer, International Affairs Fellow, National Council on U.S. Arab Relations
Peter Salisbury, Senior Research Fellow, Middle East and North Africa Programme, Chatham House
Sanam Vakil, Professorial Lecturer, Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies in Bologna, Italy
Stephen A. Seche, Executive Vice President, AGSIW (Moderator)
The Latest
Morocco's Islamists Voted Out, Another Blow to Region's Islamists
Gulf states like Saudi Arabia and the UAE see the decline of Islamist groups in North Africa as a win for regional stability and cooperation; but even if Islamist parties may be slowly fading from the picture, this by no means suggests they are disappearing.
Living Up to Its Reputation: A Critical Look at Crime in the UAE
The same conditions that have enabled steady economic growth in the UAE have also provided legislative loopholes and opportunities for criminal and illicit activities; but ensuring an attractive business environment is a fundamental priority to boost the country’s economic recovery.
Support Us
Through its careful examination of the forces shaping the evolution of Gulf societies and the new generation of emerging leaders, AGSIW facilitates a richer understanding of the role the countries in this key geostrategic region can be expected to play in the 21st century.
Learn More