A former top diplomat voices stern criticism amidst rising tensions.
Mike Pompeo, the former Secretary of State, has criticized President Joe Biden's administration for its delayed response in re-designating the Iran-backed Houthis as a terrorist group amid recent attacks that threatened U.S. military personnel and assets.
Pompeo's Stance on Biden's Policy
During an exclusive interview with DailyMail.com, Pompeo expressed his dissatisfaction with the Biden administration's approach towards the Iran-backed Houthis.
He condemned the delay in re-designating them as a terrorist group, three years after the label was removed.
Pompeo argued that this hesitation demonstrated an "unwillingness" by the administration to confront harsh realities, labeling it as a failure to "accept simple truths."
Shift in U.S. Policy Towards Houthis Under Biden
This critical stance comes against the backdrop of the Biden administration's foreign policy decisions concerning Yemen.
In 2021, Antony Blinken, the Secretary of State under President Biden, removed the terrorist designation from the Houthis.
This move was primarily aimed at easing the delivery of humanitarian aid to Yemen. However, Pompeo has labeled this justification as a "fraud," pointing out that exemptions for humanitarian assistance exist even under terrorist designations.
Recent Attacks and U.S. Response
The context of Pompeo's criticism is the recent series of attacks by Houthi forces, which have directly threatened U.S. military personnel and assets.
Earlier this week, Houthi forces struck a U.S.-owned shipping vessel with a missile in the Red Sea. Additionally, they launched an anti-ship cruise missile at a U.S. naval destroyer, as reported by U.S. Central Command.
In response, the U.S. conducted four strikes in Yemen targeting the missile capabilities of the Houthi rebels.
Pompeo's Perspective on National Security
Pompeo's concerns extend beyond the immediate actions of the Biden administration. He attributed the recent attacks on American troops and ships, as well as Hamas' deadly attack on Israelis, to what he perceives as a "failed set of policies" by the current administration.
Emphasizing the need for a realistic approach to foreign policy, Pompeo warned of the risks involved in failing to confront and acknowledge "evil" forces directly.
Pompeo is scheduled to speak at the Steamboat Institute's Foreign Policy Summit on Saturday. He plans to outline the foreign policy challenges facing the Biden administration and propose solutions. According to Pompeo, these challenges are "fixable," requiring American determination and courage.
Concerns Over National Security and Global Stability
The debate over the Houthi's designation and the Biden administration's foreign policy has resonated within Congress as well. Several conservative members have criticized Biden for not taking more decisive action against the Houthis.
House Intelligence Chairman Mike Turner expressed regret over the initial removal of the Houthis' terrorist designation. Additionally, other lawmakers like Texas Rep. Lance Gooden and New York Rep. Claudia Tenney have highlighted the delayed response in recognizing the Houthi rebels as terrorists.
Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin critiqued Biden's initial decision to remove the Houthi's terrorist designation as a "weak" attempt at appeasing Iran-backed forces.
Conclusion
The recent developments and Pompeo's criticisms highlight significant concerns regarding U.S. foreign policy, particularly in handling terrorist groups and maintaining national security.
- Pompeo has critiqued Biden's administration for their delayed response in re-designating the Houthis as terrorists.
- A significant shift in U.S. policy towards the Houthis has occurred under Biden's administration.
- Houthi forces have recently attacked U.S. assets, prompting a corresponding response from the U.S.
- Pompeo is scheduled to address the Steamboat Institute's Foreign Policy Summit soon.
- Congress and lawmakers have expressed various reactions and perspectives on these issues.
