The Rise of Resistance: How Iran and Yemen Have Defied American Pressure
As the US continues to grapple with the challenges of maintaining its influence in the region, it is essential to examine the complex dynamics at play
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The English newspaper, The Telegraph, has published an article that highlights the tendency of America and its politicians to overstate their influence on other countries and their power to impose their terms on various issues and topics.
According to Daniel R. De Patris, a foreign relations expert and author of the article, the government of Sana'a's response to Operation Al Aqsa Storm and its subsequent emergence as a supporter of the Palestinian resistance is illustrative of this phenomenon. He notes that this pattern of interaction is reminiscent of the Islamic Republic of Iran's stance in the nuclear case, where it confronted the perceived arrogance of America.
De Patris argues that this tendency for America to exaggerate its influence on international issues is problematic and warrants caution. He thus calls on the American government to refrain from overstating its influence and instead adopt a more nuanced approach to its relations with other countries.
This article highlights the fact that Americans are taught from a young age to not only cherish their country, but also to portray it as a powerful force. As a result, American politicians and policymakers, regardless of their party affiliation, frequently emphasize the influence of the United States on the world stage. This phenomenon is evident in various settings, ranging from informal gatherings to formal speeches, both domestically and internationally, as well as in media and press conferences.
Madeleine Albright's assertion that the United States is "a nation that cannot be ignored" has had a lasting impact on Americans' perceptions of the world. Moreover, President Joe Biden's endorsement of this statement during his presidency reinforces the notion that America is a beacon of global significance. As he stated, "We are a nation that cannot be ignored" echoing Albright's sentiments.
It is difficult to dispute the validity of such assertions. The United States boasts a quarter of the world's gross domestic product (GDP), a significant economic indicator. Moreover, the US military is the second most powerful in the world, with a defense budget that surpasses that of nine other countries. Furthermore, the United States has a profound influence on international trade.
Notably, 58% of the world's foreign exchange reserves are held in US dollars, providing Washington with substantial leverage in global economic transactions. Additionally, the United States has considerable influence in international economic institutions, such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. Its regional and international agreements and alliances are unparalleled among major powers, reflecting its unparalleled global presence and influence.
A common misconception among US policymakers is that power is synonymous with unlimited influence. The architects of US foreign policy often assume that their country has absolute authority, capable of manipulating events and dictating the actions of both allies and adversaries. They imagine that Washington can effortlessly shape the world in a manner that caters to American interests and preferences.
This American-centric view permeates much of the world, despite being repeatedly rebuffed, particularly in the Middle East. An example is Yemen, where the Houthis and the government in Sana'a have launched attacks on Israeli, American, and British ships traversing the Red Sea since November.
The Houthis, backed by Iran, have conducted over 100 such attacks on Israeli commercial vessels and American and British naval ships, as well as those destined for Israel and attempting to traverse this vital waterway. The Houthis' rationale for these attacks, as they have repeatedly emphasized, is to support the Palestinian cause. Specifically, their leaders have been unwavering in their stance: "As long as Israel continues its war in Gaza, our attacks in the Red Sea will continue."
The US government, in collaboration with the UK, has attempted to alter the Houthis' strategic calculations by launching military strikes against their operational and military centers and bases. The two countries have conducted four rounds of comprehensive airstrikes against Houthi military facilities across Yemen, with the most recent one occurring in February.
In addition to targeting Houthi ground sites, US Air Force and Navy fighters have also repeatedly engaged and destroyed Houthi drones and missiles on a weekly basis. Despite these efforts, the Houthis have continued their missile and drone attacks, and the US military action has had no discernible impact on Houthi decision-making processes.
Iran is a prime example of this policy, and perhaps a more understandable one. During the presidency of Donald Trump, Iran became the number one enemy of the US government. At the behest of his Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, and John Bolton, then the US National Security Advisor, Trump withdrew from the nuclear deal and reimposed economic sanctions that had been lifted under the agreement. The goal of this strategy was to exert maximum pressure on Iran to cripple its economy, to force Ayatollah Khamenei, the supreme leader of the Islamic Revolution, to beg forgiveness and negotiate a new agreement with concessions tailored to American demands.
Iran's economy has undoubtedly suffered significantly, with crude oil exports plummeting from 1.8 million barrels per day in 2017 to approximately 445,000 barrels per day in 2020, a staggering 76% decline. However, this economic pressure has not had the desired effect on Tehran's political process or its nuclear policy. In fact, Iran's nuclear challenge has intensified.
Following the US withdrawal from the nuclear deal, Tehran has been able to operate freely without any restrictions, leading to the installation of more advanced centrifuges, increased enrichment levels, and reduced access for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). As a result, Iran is now closer than ever to developing a nuclear bomb.
It is not being suggested that the United States is not a powerful nation. However, the key point is that the US often tends to exaggerate its capabilities and overestimates its power, while underestimating the ability of other countries to resist its demands and dictate terms.
Additionally, American policymakers often display an overconfidence in their ability to overcome any challenges that may arise in this regard. In reality, the situation is far more complex than what policymakers imagine. It is essential to acknowledge and accept this reality, rather than relying on outdated assumptions and inflated perceptions of American power.
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