Assignment task:
Can you shorten this to 500 words "The Yemeni conflict is a complex issue that has sparked various debates regarding international invention. In order to understand how the National Security Council approaches the war in Yemen we must understand how the bureaucratic model shapes foreign policy. When speaking about the various bureaucracies, McCormick states that "policy making is the result of the "pulling" and "hauling" among these competing institutions" (McCormick, page 340). When addressing international conflicts, each agency will share their own priorities and perspectives. The National Security Council will then gather all this information to pass along to the President. The National Security Council (NSC) will provide the President with a comprehensive briefing on the collected intelligence and pressing national security concerns. Based on this information, the United States will formulate its response.
Now that we know how the bureaucratic model works, I will discuss the approach of the NSC. The National Security Council (NSC) of the United States has concentrated on several critical areas concerning the Yemen War, reflecting broader U.S. foreign policy and national security interests. One of the primary focus areas is humanitarian concerns. The NSC has underscored the importance of addressing the severe humanitarian crisis in Yemen, which includes widespread famine, disease outbreaks, and the displacement of civilians. According to the UN, "by the end of 2024, more than 600,000 children in Government of Yemen-controlled areas are estimated to be acutely malnourished, and around 118,000 are projected to suffer from severe acute malnutrition" (Mishra, 2024). Efforts have been made to facilitate humanitarian aid and support international relief efforts. This has not been easy, due to the blocking and impeding of humanitarian aid. The State and the Defense have different views on this matter. Liked I stated above, advocates argue for intervention to help alleviate the humanitarian crisis. While on the other hand, some stress the importance of respecting Yemen's sovereignty and are worried that too much foreign intervention could make the conflict worse.
The NSC's approach is multifaceted, focusing on counterterrorism, diplomatic solutions, regional stability, and strategic alliances. It prioritizes counterterrorism operations to prevent groups like Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and ISIS from using Yemen as a base for attacks. The NSC also supports diplomatic efforts, including United Nations-led peace talks, to achieve a political solution and lasting peace. Additionally, it is concerned with regional stability, particularly countering Iran's influence, and is involved in discussions about arms sales and military support to Saudi Arabia and the UAE, balancing strategic alliances with human rights concerns. Encouraging ceasefires and de-escalation of hostilities is also a focus to create conditions conducive to peace talks.
The U.S. State Department, with its diplomatic focus, views the Yemen conflict through the lens of regional stability, humanitarian concerns, and U.S. foreign policy objectives. It is deeply concerned about the humanitarian crisis and advocates for increased humanitarian aid and support for peace negotiations. The State Department prioritizes efforts to broker peace and supports UN-led initiatives, engaging with international partners to facilitate dialogue. It also considers the conflict's impact on counterterrorism efforts U.S. alliances, particularly with Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
The Department of Defense, on the other hand, focuses on the security implications of the conflict, including the threat posed by terrorist groups and the strategic importance of the region. The DoD is concerned with maintaining and expanding counterterrorism operations against AQAP and ISIS, ensuring these groups do not gain strength. It may provide military support or arms sales to allies like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, including logistical support, intelligence sharing, and training. The DoD also assesses the impact of the conflict on U.S. military personnel and assets, ensuring their safety and readiness, and considers the broader strategic balance in the Middle East, including Iran's influence."