The United States, Saudis and Yemeni leaders have coordinated airstrikes on Al Qaeda targets in Yemen for years. But when another foe of Al Qaeda, Houthi militias, allied with Iran, swept the Yemeni government out of power, the Saudis organized a military operation against them with fellow Sunni Arab nations. The United States has backed its Saudi allies with logistical and intelligence support. But could that only make the region more unstable and cost more civilian lives?
Should the United States avoid getting involved — even indirectly — in regional military efforts to fight the Houthis in Yemen?
Responses:
The U.S. Needs to Learn When to Quit
Sharmine Narwani, Middle East analyst
Military Cooperation Is Key to Broader U.S. Role
Nabeel Khoury, former diplomat in Yemen
U.S. Should Help Diplomatically, Not Militarily
Trita Parsi, National Iranian American Council
Let the Saudis Lead With U.S. Support
Rachel Bronson, Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists
