The Legitimacy Trap: International Institutions and the Houthis' Hold on Yemen
The Houthis' survival in Yemen is often attributed to their battlefield victories and Iranian support. However, a third crucial factor contributes to their persistence: the weaponization of international engagement.
Engagement without accountability has consistently strengthened Houthi behavior, rather than moderating it. A recent example illustrates this pattern: on September 2, 2025, the ICRC chief of mission met with Houthi Foreign Ministry official Ismail al-Mutawakkil in Sanaa, four days after Israeli airstrikes killed Ahmed al-Rahawi and 12 other Houthi cabinet members.
The ICRC chief of mission offered condolences for the "crime committed by the Zionist entity," expressed "solidarity" with Yemen, and promised the ICRC's plans to provide assistance were unchanged, as reported by the Houthi outlet Saba.
This exchange exemplifies how international engagement can inadvertently legitimize the Houthis' actions, ultimately sustaining their hold on Yemen.
Author's summary: International institutions' engagement with the Houthis can perpetuate their power in Yemen.