End of U.S. Support for Saudi-led Offensive in Yemen - February 4, 2021

On February 4, 2021, President Joe Biden announced a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy regarding the conflict in Yemen. The United States formally declared the termination of its support for Saudi-led offensive operations in the Yemen war. This strategic move was part of a broader realignment towards prioritizing diplomatic solutions to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Yemen, which has been described as the world’s worst.

Background

Since 2015, Yemen has been embroiled in a severe civil conflict. The conflict began when Houthi rebels, supported indirectly by Iran, took control of the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, driving the internationally recognized government of President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi into exile. In response, a coalition led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates launched military operations to restore Hadi’s government.

The U.S. has previously provided logistical and intelligence support to the Saudi-led coalition, including arms sales and refueling of Saudi jets. However, this support has drawn criticism due to the high civilian toll and humanitarian disaster that have resulted from the protracted conflict.

Details of the Announcement

In a speech outlining his administration’s foreign policy priorities, President Biden stated that the U.S. would cease all support for “offensive operations” in Yemen, including relevant arms sales. This move represented a clear departure from past U.S. policies and aligned with Biden’s pledge during his campaign to end U.S. engagement in the civil war.

Focus on Diplomacy and Humanitarian Aid

The announcement emphasized a renewed commitment to aiding the humanitarian response and supporting diplomatic efforts:

• Appointment of a Special Envoy: To facilitate peace talks, President Biden appointed Timothy Lenderking as the U.S. Special Envoy to Yemen. Lenderking’s role included engaging with various stakeholders to encourage a ceasefire and advance peace negotiations.

• Humanitarian Assistance: Alongside diplomatic measures, the U.S. pledged to increase humanitarian aid to alleviate the suffering of Yemeni civilians, with a focus on addressing food shortages and medical needs exacerbated by the conflict.

Broader Historical Context and Significance

This policy shift underscored the Biden Administration’s broader intention to recalibrate U.S. involvement in the Middle East. By ending support for the offensive and championing a diplomatic solution, the U.S. sought to reassert a values-driven approach to foreign policy, focusing on human rights and peaceful resolutions. This move was anticipated to encourage other international actors to re-evaluate their roles and contributions to the Yemen conflict, potentially opening avenues for negotiations and reducing violence.

The decision also marked an attempt to redefine U.S.-Saudi relations, balancing strategic alliances with accountability and humanitarian considerations. However, the complex nature of the conflict implies that a peaceful resolution requires multifaceted efforts and commitments from all parties involved.