Donald Trump’s campaign promise to bring peace to the Middle East has been shattered by his recent decision to order airstrikes on Yemen, resulting in the loss of civilian lives, including children. The official reason for the airstrikes is to secure the freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, but the real motive is believed to be the interests of the Zionist lobby.
The Houthi rebels in Yemen had agreed to a ceasefire in January, halting their attacks on Israeli and US-flagged ships, as well as those carrying goods for Israel. However, Israel’s refusal to implement the second phase of the agreement, which included allowing humanitarian aid to reach Gaza, led the Houthi to resume their attacks.
The US-led Operation Prosperity Guardian, launched in December 2023, aimed to stop Houthi attacks on the Red Sea and ensure the freedom of navigation in the region. The operation involved over 20 countries, with some participating nations remaining anonymous. Despite the military action, the Houthi continued to attack ships in the region and the ceasefire, not the military operations, was the key to halting the attacks.
The US operation faced challenges, including the reluctance of some allies to publicly support the effort. Italy, India and France, for instance, decided to send their warships independently of the US coalition. The growing tensions between the US and its European partners make it unlikely that more European countries will join Trump’s campaign against Yemen.
The impact of the Houthi attacks on the global maritime trade has been significant, with the container traffic through the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait decreasing by 90% since October 2023. Many shipping companies now route their vessels around the Cape of Good Hope, increasing transit times by up to 40% and driving up freight rates and war insurance costs.
Donald Trump’s war in Yemen is now a reality and he will likely come to realize that no amount of airstrikes can deter the Houthi from launching counterattacks. The US can only achieve a limited military presence in the region and the only way to stop the Houthi is through a political solution. If the Houthi were to sink or heavily damage a US warship, Trump might consider expanding the airstrikes and potentially targeting Iran. This would seal the fate of his presidency, as the US would be drawn into a costly and dangerous conflict with Iran, with the potential for significant human and material losses.