Vice President Joe Biden welcomed the newly elected President of Yemen to the White House in 2012 when the US praised my homeland for its ‘historic and peaceful transfer of power’. Yemenis have endorsed a roadmap for inclusive, accountable democracy.
It was ambitious, but we were determined and we knew that our partner in US President Abdrabuh Mansour Hadi was leading a national dialogue involving political parties, tribal envoys, regional representatives, labor leaders, women and youth. We drafted a constitution and planned for new elections.
Our Yemenis have learned the hard way that the price of a collapsing democratic transition. In 2014, Iran-backed Houthi-armed factions seized power and plunged Yemen into a civil war. The Houthi’s attacked civilian targets, including schools, mosques, airports and parades. They launched drones and ballistic missiles to neighboring countries and coordinated with U.S.-designated terrorist groups, such as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Hezbollah. Last week, we learned that they are still hindering international efforts to save the FSO safer oil tanker and prevent an environmental disaster.
Unfortunately, much of Congress’ attention – especially among Democrats – has not focused on the Houthis, but on the Arab countries seeking to restore Yemen’s legitimate government in line with several UN resolutions.
We welcome President Biden’s desire to expedite a negotiated settlement, even after announcing the cessation of US aid for the coalition’s ‘offensive’ operations.