Saudi Arabia's Strategic Mismanagement Fuels Yemen Conflict

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and his advisors have long sought regional stability as they work to transform their country.

However, this goal has proven elusive due in part to the actions of feckless and mercurial U.S. leaders, including President Donald Trump.

The latest escalation between Saudi Arabia and Ansar Allah (also known as the Houthis) on July 13 was a poor decision that made the country's problems worse.

The Saudi Air Force bombed the runway at Sanaa International Airport to prevent an Iranian Mahan Air flight carrying a Houthi delegation from landing, but this move had greater risks than rewards.

The Houthis responded by firing on Abha International Airport and oil facilities in Jazan, imposing a blockade of Saudi shipping in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and targeting Aramco facilities in Yanbu and the Saudi oil processing plant at Abqaiq.