What the hell are we doing? 

When I say “we”, I mean the country. The Government. What the hell are we doing getting involved in airstrikes against the Houthi militia in Yemen and the Red Sea? 

The Houthi militia that seized parts of Yemen and some of its Red Sea coastline in a revolution back in 2014.  

The Houthi militia that is supported by the Iranian government and has been attacking ships in the Red Sea in retaliation for Israel’s attacks on Gaza. 

What the hell are we doing getting involved in that? 

New Zealand is sending six defence personnel to help out behind the scenes with airstrikes led by the US and Britain on Houthi bases connected to the attacks on ships in the Red Sea.  

Which the Houthi militia are doing in retaliation for Israel’s attacks on Gaza. And they reckon that they’re only targeting ships associated with Israel, but vessels from other countries have been damaged as well.   

And when I saw Christopher Luxon, Winston Peters, and Judith Collins on the news last night, I got what they were saying about upholding maritime security in the Red Sea”. I thought ‘yeah, I get that’. 

Because 15% of global trade travels past Yemen.  

According to the Prime Minister, 10% of New Zealand’s exports and about 20% of the stuff we import travels through the Red Sea between here, the UK, Europe, and North Africa. 

So, 90% percent of our exports don’t. And 80% of our imports don’t.    

I’m not saying nothing needs to happen in the Red Sea. Because it’s clear to me —not from the lines trotted out by the Government yesterday, but by statements from outfits such as the World Bank— that something has to be done about the attacks. 

The World Bank is saying that what’s happening there could mean higher interest rates, lower growth, and persistent inflation. And, as we know, what happens to the global economy happens to our economy. 

And so, the US has been on the blower to Wellington and said, “are you in” or “are you in”. And we’ve said - “we’re in!” 

But if we are going to learn anything from history, then I think we are dreaming if we think this is going to be a “just pop-in for a few months to help our mates out” kind of thing. 

Because since the first joint airstrike on Houthi targets a fortnight ago, the US has carried out at least six of its own more limited strikes at smaller targets, and there’s been no let-up in the attacks on ships in the Red Sea. 

I was reading this morning that the Houthi believe they are doing God’s will coming to the Palestinians’ defence, which tells you doesn’t it that this is going to be long and drawn out. 

What’s more, the US and UK are now being pressured by the official government in Yemen —which is backed by the United Nations— to provide its forces with equipment, training, and intelligence to mount a ground offensive against Houthi strongholds. 

And just a few days ago when reporters asked US President Joe Biden if the airstrikes against the Houthi militia were working, he said they weren’t. But they were going to continue. 

And that is why I’m asking, “what the hell are we doing?” 

Because does the Government really know what it’s getting itself into? I don’t think it does. 

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