US needs to 'up its game' in Yemen, former envoy says

Former US envoy to Yemen, Tim Lenderking, has called for the United States to increase its diplomatic efforts in the conflict-ridden country. During a webinar hosted by the Middle East Institute, Lenderking emphasized that the US must provide more political and military support to halt the Houthis' expansion. The Houthis have recently taken control of Yemen's entire western coast, including vital ports and strategic islands, putting them in control of the Bab Al Mandeb strait.

Lenderking criticized the US approach to Yemen, stating that since President Donald Trump took office, the administration has been "decisively laissez-faire diplomatically." He urged the administration to change its course and take action to prevent the Houthi advance, which could give Iran an advantage in the ongoing conflict in the region.

The situation has been tense since 2014, when Houthi rebels ousted the internationally recognized Yemeni government. Since then, the country has been embroiled in conflict, with the Houthis launching attacks on international shipping. The US response under the Trump administration included a near-two-month bombing campaign against Houthi targets.

However, Middle East Institute associate fellow F Gregory Gause cautioned that while more US involvement would bolster Gulf allies, it would be challenging to completely defeat the Houthis through military means alone.

Gause highlighted the importance of Iran's role in the conflict, stating that the only way to exert leverage over the group was through Tehran. He suggested that if the US and Saudi Arabia provide support to Yemeni government forces, they might be able to stop the Houthi expansion. Lenderking called for the US to urge Gulf countries to develop a coordinated approach to Yemen politically and to demonstrate its engagement in the issue, stating that action is necessary to halt the Houthi advance.