Transcript:
Yemen Today News: Joining me from Washington, D.C., is Dr. Michael Rubin, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and a former Pentagon official. Thank you for your time, Dr. Rubin.
Dr. Michael Rubin: Thank you.
Yemen Today News: First of all, you’ve previously suggested that the U.S. should step in to help the Yemeni people rid themselves of the Houthi nightmare. Do you think yesterday’s strikes represent the first sign of that help?
Dr. Michael Rubin: I hope they do. I hope the United States remains consistent. The Houthis receive their weaponry through three main channels: via international airports, through the Port of Hudaydah, and by smuggling from Oman. It’s crucial to address all three.
What made yesterday’s airstrikes significant, however, is that the United States demonstrated resolve by targeting the Houthis where they sleep—their leadership. Only when Houthi leaders face personal consequences for their actions can we hope to defeat this threat. There’s no reason why ordinary Yemenis should die while Houthi leaders remain unscathed. It’s time they pay the ultimate price.
Yemen Today News: But how do we assess the real impact of these strikes? And how can we ensure they harm the Houthis and not civilians?
Dr. Michael Rubin: That’s always a challenge with military action, and that’s precisely why the Houthis embed themselves in civilian areas. My only advice to Yemenis, including the family members of Houthi leaders, is this: If your husband or father is a Houthi leader, stay at least 100 to 200 meters away from them. Living in the same house or acting as a human shield will not keep you safe.
Yemen Today News: How do you think the Houthis will react to these strikes?
Dr. Michael Rubin: The Houthis will respond with bluster—they always do. But they must understand that the era of Joe Biden’s restraint is over. The United States will not continue tolerating attacks in the hope of diplomacy.
The reality is that the Houthis initiated this war. They are not the recognized government of Yemen. My advice to them would be to join Bashar al-Assad in Moscow or perhaps relocate to Tehran, but they should stop terrorizing the Yemeni people. The true government of Yemen is in Aden, and it’s time the Houthis acknowledge that.
Yemen Today News: Dr. Rubin, thank you so much for your time.
Dr. Michael Rubin: Thank you.
