Attacking the Houthis Won’t Solve the Red Sea Crisis

Attacking the Houthis Won’t Solve the Red Sea Crisis

The U.S. has once again found itself entangled in Yemen’s war—this time with airstrikes targeting the Houthis in response to their attacks on Red Sea shipping. While Washington argues that these strikes are necessary to protect global trade routes, history suggests that military intervention in Yemen is a losing strategy. If the U.S. truly wants to protect its interests and prevent further escalation, it should stop bombing and start talking.

The Houthis Aren’t Going Anywhere

The Houthis, officially known as Ansar Allah, have been a dominant force in Yemen for years. After overthrowing the internationally recognized government in 2014, they withstood a brutal Saudi-led military campaign backed by the U.S. They control a significant portion of Yemen, including the capital, Sana’a, and have shown resilience against both economic pressure and airstrikes.

Despite years of war, they remain stronger than ever. If nearly a decade of bombing hasn’t defeated them, why would more airstrikes work now?

Escalation Will Worsen the Crisis

Yemen is already suffering one of the world’s worst humanitarian disasters. Millions face hunger, disease, and displacement. U.S. strikes only add to this devastation, potentially fueling further attacks by the Houthis and dragging the U.S. into yet another prolonged conflict in the Middle East.

Worse, military action risks drawing in other regional players. Iran, which supports the Houthis, may feel compelled to retaliate, escalating tensions across the Middle East. The Houthis have also shown they can disrupt Red Sea trade routes—an area critical to global commerce. More strikes could push them to expand their attacks, worsening the crisis.

The Case for Diplomacy

The U.S. has a better option: diplomacy. Engaging with the Houthis does not mean endorsing them. It means recognizing that they are a key player in Yemen and that no peace deal can be reached without their involvement.

There’s already precedent for engagement. Saudi Arabia, after years of airstrikes and blockades, has shifted toward negotiations with the Houthis. Oman has acted as a mediator, and the U.N. has pushed for a lasting ceasefire. The U.S. should align with these efforts rather than undermine them with military action.

A Smarter Approach

Instead of airstrikes, the U.S. should:

1. Support U.N.-Led Peace Talks – Press for a renewed ceasefire and a political resolution to Yemen’s war.

2. Engage Through Diplomacy – Open indirect communication channels with the Houthis, as it has done with other non-state actors in the past.

3. Use Economic and Political Leverage – Offer incentives for de-escalation, such as easing some sanctions in exchange for halting attacks on shipping routes.

4. Encourage Regional De-escalation – Work with Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Oman to reduce tensions rather than inflame them.

Conclusion: The Cost of Ignoring Diplomacy

If the U.S. continues its military strikes, it risks deepening its involvement in Yemen’s war, worsening the humanitarian crisis, and fueling a broader regional conflict. The Houthis are not an easy adversary to defeat, and history has shown that military force alone will not bring stability.

A smarter, more sustainable path is diplomacy—not bombs. It’s time for Washington to recognize that the best way to secure its interests is by working toward peace, not war.