Is escalating the conflict by bombing the Houthis the way to go?

I do find it interesting how some people seem to believe we can have constructive diplomatic talks with terrorists.

Lovely idea but never going to happen

I agree with what has been done though ask the question where are the French, Germans, Dutch and Italians?
All countries are being damaged by global shipping routes being blocked. A group of countries must surely appear better than the usual two who look like aggressors in some eyes after the debacle in Iraq. It must impact the Chinese economy their quickest way to European countries is through the Suez Canal.
I can remember the Suez crisis, my father had been in the Navy during WW2 and they had been on stand-by and his call-up papers came.
I also had a cousin who fought in the Navy in Suez when quite a lot of his friends lost their lives.

Whitewavemark2

It seems to me it is the very worse course to take.

Surely diplomacy is much more sensible?

WWM2, I agree about bombing not being the best idea, but have no idea what else would work. Perhaps you could help me out.
Diplomacy only works if you can get both groups to the table.

Indeed. Terrorists don’t respond to diplomacy.

The Houthis knew that by attacking ships in the Red Sea they would eventually have their bases destroyed.

No terrorist group can be allowed to attack innocent civilians.

The Houthis have been provoking a response for some weeks, the responds is going to make no difference to their determination, while they have the missiles they will continue just as Hamas has. Iran will keep them supplied with weapons for sure, the risk is that they will target a major ship with multiple missiles together and one will get through, then it will escalate massively.

The Houthis cannot be allowed to hold the west to ransom by excerting control of the Red Sea and forcing ships to take the much longer route around the Cape. It’s a major trade route. Remember Suez?

Visgir1

They did the right thing, you can not attack global shipping in International waters.
They had been warned and chose to ignore it, had to face the consequences.

I agree.

They did the right thing, you can not attack global shipping in International waters.
They had been warned and chose to ignore it, had to face the consequences.

I have for many years held a particular (not positive) view of America as a superpower, I am beginning to change my view I think. I have never been as grateful for the presence of America as a global force so to speak than I have been in the last few months.

Not everyone is willing to talk.