Barely a month after his presidency and Joe Biden’s foreign policy is already looking like a joke.
On Sunday, 48 hours after the removal of the Yemeni Houthi rebels from a State Department terrorist blacklist and the order to end US support for Saudi-led military efforts against the Houthis, the Biden administration turned turned around and asked the Iran-backed group to stop committing acts. terrorism against civilians and the cessation of military operations.
The State Department sees it as a master plan to end the war. It prompted the Saudis to endorse the idea of a negotiated settlement, then called on the Houthis to stop inflicting suffering – which would be a big step indeed.
But there’s no indication whatsoever of a penalty if they don’t (maybe blacklist it back?) – and they now certainly think they’re closer than ever to victory. After all, Biden will not return to the Saudis.
It’s more than naive.