Biden Declares No War While Continuing Airstrikes in Yemen

In a speech on Wednesday night, President Joe Biden proclaimed himself "the first president this century to report to the American people that the United States is not at war anywhere in the world." This statement came shortly after the U.S. military announced airstrikes in Yemen, where U.S. Central Command reported the destruction of two Iranian-backed Houthi missiles. This marked a continuation of U.S. military involvement in Yemen, despite Biden's claims of ending "the longest war in American history" with the withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. Biden's administration has faced scrutiny over its military actions, particularly the airstrikes on Yemen's Houthi movement, which began in January. These strikes were the first direct U.S. attacks on the Houthis and the first airstrikes in Yemen in two years. Critics question whether these military actions signify a shift in U.S. foreign policy, as older conflicts in the region, including the ongoing threat from the Islamic State group, persist. Additionally, U.S. military operations extend beyond the Middle East, with ongoing airstrikes against the al-Shabab group in Somalia. U.S. Africa Command reported 15 airstrikes against al-Shabab in 2023 alone, highlighting a lesser-known aspect of American military engagement that continues to unfold without widespread public awareness. In his address, Biden also reaffirmed U.S. support for Ukraine and Israel, emphasizing the need to counter Russian aggression and maintain NATO's strength. However, critics argue that his administration's military commitments may contradict his assertion of a non-wartime status for the U.S., raising concerns about transparency and public understanding of ongoing military operations.