I just read a RealClearWorld critique of our policy vis-a-vis the Houthi rebels who are attacking Red Sea shipping. It notes that the additional costs associated with their attacks are much less than the cost of our military response. The author makes a valid point, that the U.S. should let them do what they will and ignore it.
I have another take on this, the Houthi acts cost us little. By dramatically cutting traffic through the Suez Canal they cost the Egyptian government plenty, and the nations of the EU quite a bit.
Our interest in Houthi acts is minor, Egypt’s interest when they cut Egyptian income from canal traffic is major. At the end of the day, the Suez Canal isn’t worth much if using it subjects ships to attack. Egypt will find dealing with them politically difficult, but that is an Egyptian problem.
Why shouldn’t Egypt and the EU deal with the Houthis? By negotiation if possible, or militarily if need be. The world tends to ignore one group of Arabs fighting another group of Arabs. I envision an Egyptian attack on Yemen funded by the EU.
Hat tip to Rudyard Kipling for the inspiration for this title.
