Trump Wavers Twice in Three Days on Striking Yemen's Houthis

President Donald Trump reversed his position on potential U.S. strikes against Yemen's Houthi rebels twice within three days last week, according to the New York Times, as he weighed Saudi pressure against the risk of a new Middle East conflict. Trump initially opposed strikes, then ordered the Pentagon to prepare airstrikes after a Thursday phone call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who urged action against the Houthis' rapid advance. He reportedly abandoned the plan by Sunday, at least temporarily. The Houthis, who control much of Yemen and its Red Sea coastline, have launched attacks on Saudi Arabia and threatened international shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb strait. The White House declined to comment, citing a defense agreement with Riyadh.