Shortly before the end of President Donald Trump’s office, the outgoing US administration is trying to limit the freedom of action of Trump’s successor Joe Biden with foreign policy decisions. Foreign Secretary Mike Pompeo announced yesterday evening (local time) in Washington that he wanted to classify the Houthi rebels ruling in Sanaa in the civil war country of Yemen as a terrorist organization.
He will inform the US Congress accordingly, said Pompeo. The Houthi rebels must be held accountable for their terrorist activities, including those carried out across borders. The move should also strengthen efforts towards a peaceful, sovereign and unified Yemen.
Warning of worsening famine
Pompeo described the Houthi rebels as a „deadly Iran-backed militia“ in the Gulf region. Experts recently warned that this would make the emergency supply of the starving population impossible or at least drastically difficult.
Civil war has been raging in Yemen since 2014. The Shiite Houthis have taken control of large parts of the country, including the capital Sanaa. They are fighting against the troops of the internationally recognized government, which is militarily supported by neighboring Saudi Arabia, among others.
Most of the population is dependent on humanitarian aid
The country on the Arabian Peninsula is one of the poorest in the world. The civil war has significantly increased the suffering of the people there. According to the UN, 24 million people – around 80 percent of the population – are dependent on humanitarian aid.
Unusual course setting before a change of power
In the final phase of its term in office, the US government already made several spectacular decisions in foreign policy. Pompeo announced that the US will lift restrictions on its dealings with Taiwanese government officials and this week will send an ambassador on a visit to Taiwan, which China regards as a breakaway province.
Washington surprisingly recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, and a government representative visited the area, which is disputed under international law. The US also imposed new sanctions on Iraqi militia leaders and Iranian industries and threatened Hong Kong with sanctions.
