OPINION:
The Houthis may be a big fish in their small-pond civil war, but when they attack global shipping and the United States, they forget which pond they belong in (“Houthis launch sea drone to attack ships hours after U.S., allies issue final warning,” web, Jan. 4).
The trouble in the Red Sea has caused shipping to avoid that trade route. This will further increase consumer costs worldwide. The war in Yemen is now affecting a greater proportion of people. The Houthis’ small-pond conflict is now truly a big-pond issue.
There is often talk of “proportional” responses, but if I went on a safari and threw pebbles at an attacking lion and it killed me, who would blame the lion? It is time for America to be a lion.
One single night of intense bombing and the Houthis would back down. If a single strike fails, we could strike them again, further weakening their position in Yemen.
The Houthis must decide: attack Red Sea shipping or risk losing their civil war. It is also possible that Iran is pulling the strings. So let the Iranians pressure the Houthis to quit once they see the danger of their defeat. Iran is in no position to squander proxy forces.
The U.S. also needs to look to the future. After the recent killing of a Hamas leader in Beirut, there is a possibility that Hezbollah may escalate attacks on Israel. We must move now to secure the Red Sea by taking the Houthis off the board.
CHARLES DIXON
Arlington, Virginia
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