When the United States launched “Operation Rough Rider” against the Houthis in mid-March, the group was targeting Israel but not U.S. ships. Around $1 billion later, the same is true today. While President Donald Trump declared victory against the Houthis in announcing his surprise ceasefire, the agreement merely restored the status quo that existed between the United States and the Houthis before the campaign.
Nevertheless, the Trump administration was right to take an offramp from what was quickly becoming an open-ended campaign with rising costs and escalation risks. However, with Houthi attacks on Israel continuing and criticism mounting, even among some of Trump’s allies, Washington could very well be drawn back in. The administration should reject pressure to “finish the job” and stand firm in its decision to walk away from the campaign.
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