Saudi Arabia must be utterly stunned! Not only did the United States refuse to assist Saudi Arabia in countering the Houthi forces, but it promptly and proactively invited the Houthis to the negotiation table. On September 16, according to foreign media reports, just as the U.S. declined to send troops to strike against the Houthi forces on behalf of Saudi Arabia, foreign sources revealed that U.S. officials met with representatives of the Yemeni Houthi group over the weekend in Oman. In the days prior, the Houthis had seized the entire strategic Red Sea coastline from Saudi-backed forces.
The Houthis informed U.S. officials that they had no intention of attacking American vessels on the Red Sea. Meanwhile, U.S. officials stated they would avoid direct military confrontation with the Houthis. Logically speaking, Saudi Arabia has long purchased weapons from the United States and is considered a key ally. Yet the U.S. not only refrained from intervening but secretly brought the Houthis to the negotiating table behind Saudi Arabia’s back. Moreover, judging by the tone of their talks, both sides seemed to be getting along quite well.
The U.S. assured the Houthis that it would not launch attacks itself. In return, the Houthis pledged not to target American ships—leaving Saudi Arabia undoubtedly furious inside. From the U.S. perspective, the situation at the Strait of Hormuz remains unresolved; the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait cannot afford any further complications. If things deteriorate, the U.S. simply cannot withstand the resulting surge in oil prices. Clearly, the U.S. is prioritizing its own energy and shipping interests above all else.
But from Saudi Arabia’s standpoint, this situation must be deeply frustrating. The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia has personally called the U.S. twice, urgently requesting American military action against the Houthis. His long-standing ally, once so warmly embraced with heavy investment, now sits across the table from his enemy, while the Houthis continue to target Saudi vessels—and the U.S. stands idly by. It is evident that Saudi Arabia must feel an unprecedented sense of betrayal toward the United States. At the same time, however, the U.S.’s cold response actually reflects a significant decline in America’s control over the Middle East situation.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1876499888880650/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.