Talk to Yemen, Stop The Bombing

Statement from the Center for Political Innovation

Outside of the Western world, opposition to Israel’s crimes is nearly universal. In every corner of the world—Africa, Asia, and Latin America—people are outraged about Israel’s bombardment of Gaza. The Ansarullah movement in Yemen has positioned itself as the Palestinians' primary defenders. They have erected a picket line of sorts in the Red Sea, and with it, they are having a significant impact on the global economy.

The people of Yemen’s mountainous regions have lived there for over a thousand years, with deep family histories and roots. In their Shia Islamic faith, the highest honor is to be a martyr and “die for the oppressed.” Prior to his death, the founder of Ansarullah, Hussein Al-Houthi, told his followers that a time would come when Yemen would stand with the Palestinians in a way no one else would. To the millions who take inspiration from him, current events seem like a prophecy fulfilled.

Donald Trump needs to realize that bombing Yemen is not going to bring peace to the Red Sea. The idea that the Houthis will back down in the face of civilian casualties or destroyed infrastructure is pure delusion. They view the unfolding fight as an opportunity to demonstrate their faith in God and prove their valor and honor before the world.

We urge Donald Trump to follow the advice of Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and negotiate. Talk to the Yemeni people and their representatives, and discuss a means through which this crisis can be de-escalated and averted. That is the only realistic outcome of the current situation.

As patriotic Americans, we are praying for American servicemen and servicewomen, as well as their families. They should be here at home protecting our country, not doing Israel’s dirty work on the other side of the planet. We also pray for the Yemeni people, who have withstood so much and will only continue to endure.

You won’t be able to bomb your way out of this situation, Donald, regardless of what your advisors may have told you. You are a dealmaker and an expert negotiator. Use the skills the world admires you for to do what the American people elected you to do: end wars, don’t start them. Talk to the Houthis, and halt this bombing campaign that will only bring more hurt, pain, retaliation, and suffering into this world—making it all even harder to repair.