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1/10 [NEW THREAD]: Yemen, Middle East, NatSec Watchers - Here is further analysis of Pompeo’s designation of the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization but within the context of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2021 (NDAA) which became law on Jan 1, 2021.
2/10 Note: This analysis does not include the consequences of FTO designation on the humanitarian situation in Yemen or the geopolitical implications in the region - all of which have been well-documented.
3/10 This analysis also does not examine the four corners of the actual designation itself, which I set out yesterday. Instead, today I review the FTO designation in light of the NDAA.
4/10 In summary, NDAA Section 1295 requires that the Secretary of State (in consultation with the Secretary of Defense and the Director of National Intelligence) submit a report on US policy in Yemen by May 3, 2021. @HadyAmr @SafiraLeaf
5/10 This report shall include: (i) description of diplomatic actions taken to help ease human suffering; (ii) an assessment of plans for reconstruction; (iii) a description of civilian harm. (iv) the estimated number of civilian casualties.
6/10 (v) a description of actions to support the efforts of the United Nations Special Envoy. (vi) An assessment of whether the Saudi-led coalition has used US sourced materials and services in contravention of the laws of armed conflict.
7/10 (vii) A description of external attacks perpetrated by the Houthis. (viii) An assessment of the Government of Yemen (ix) A description of support for the Houthis by Iran. (x) A description of the use of child soldiers. @DinaEsposito10
8/10 Bottom line: By May 3, Biden’s foreign policy team will be required by law to review its entire Yemen policy and submit its findings to Congress. The FTO designation comes into effect on Jan 19. @jakejsullivan
9/10 Given all of the challenges in America right now, Yemen is not a top priority. But, the NDAA now makes Yemen a priority precisely as a result of Pompeo’s designation.
10/10 The simplest course: Incoming Secretary of State @ABlinken (or the acting Sec'y) can pause the FTO designation on Jan 20 pending an interagency review and the report to Congress. This approach would delay the FTO implementation for 100 days and allow a considered strategy.
