The Houthis have no answer for Yemen's problems

The Houthis have long sought to portray themselves as defenders of Yemeni sovereignty since their 2014 overthrow of the internationally recognized government in Sanaa. However, their actions seem to contradict this claim. In a recent week, the group launched attacks on Saudi Arabian airports, resulting in civilian casualties from various countries including Sudan, Egypt, Pakistan, Morocco, Algeria, Bangladesh, and the Philippines.

Additionally, Saudi citizens were among the injured. This indiscriminate violence against a neighboring state reveals the dangers the Houthis pose. Such attacks on airports and energy infrastructure do not benefit Yemenis and may further entangle their impoverished nation into regional conflicts. Despite their claims of representing Yemen, the Houthis' performance falls short.

According to recent data, 62-74% of Yemen's population lives below the poverty line, and in the city of Taiz, Houthi forces have imposed a siege that traps aid workers and endangers water supplies. Reports also indicate the presence of child soldiers among captured Houthi fighters. The rebels' governance capabilities in the areas they control are also subpar.

While Yemen's issues are legitimate, they should not be dismissed by accepting the Houthis' answers. The organization frequently escalates new fronts, extorts international shipping, and threatens regional neighbors. Most tragically, the Houthis subject Yemenis to additional conflict, which is not "resistance." An organization claiming to represent a nation should be judged by its actions for its people.

Eventually, Yemen will require a political settlement, and the country's divisions cannot be resolved through warfare. Peace should not involve rewarding territorial conquest or permitting rebels to establish parallel power structures. Yemen needs functional institutions, secure borders, open roads and ports, and a political system that genuinely represents its people.

This starkly contrasts with the Houthis' preference for permanent mobilization. While resistance is a popular rallying cry, it is not the answer to Yemen's myriad problems. The Houthis' ranks must recognize this sooner rather than later.