Bloomberg: The U.S. Shouldn’t Make Dire Situation in Yemen Worse
Editorial Board

“…The [potential designation of Yemen’s Houthi rebel movement as a foreign terrorist organization] threatens to do far more harm than good. If it goes forward, aid groups working in Houthi-controlled areas — which encompass 70% of the population as well as the capital and major ports — would have to suspend their activities or risk financial sanctions and prosecution. The move could also deter already limited commercial shipping, insurance, and trade with Yemen, hurting civilians throughout the country. Yemenis can ill afford any cutoff in aid: According to the United Nations, 1 in 6 are expected to be nearing famine by early next year, while virtually the entire country faces extreme food insecurity. … The U.N. is facing a massive funding gap in aid to Yemen; the new administration should look to restore U.S. funding that was suspended earlier this year, and press its Saudi and Gulf allies to step up their contributions as well. It is past time for the U.S. to stop backing the disastrous Saudi campaign in Yemen…” (12/8).