The Campaign to Mainstream the Houthis

A surprise ceasefire with the U.S. comes amidst narrative laundering by Western political figures. [Published in Foreign Policy]

Screenshot from Iran-backed Houthi Maseera TV, March 2025

In my latest op-ed in Foreign Policy, "The Campaign to Mainstream the Houthis." I argue that the May 6 US-Houthi ceasefire crowned a remarkable PR victory for the Iran-backed militia. In a matter of months, they've laundered their image through "legitimate resistance" narratives, transforming them from maritime terrorists to a recognized political entity on the global stage.

This rebranding was deliberate and multi-layered. Russian media laid the groundwork, arguing that the US had created a problem for itself by confronting them. Then came March's Sanaa conference, drawing Western voices like former EU Parliament members into Sanaa during the airstrikes under the guise of "Palestinian solidarity." Meanwhile, the Houthis were making backdoor deals with Russia and China, offering safe passage through the Red Sea in exchange for diplomatic cover.

The irony? While Trump claimed they "capitulated," the Houthi leader called him "the criminal infidel Trump" and declared victory. This contrast goes to show that armed groups no longer need to win militarily when they can win the narrative battle.

My piece unpacks how authoritarian proxies can now launder their image internationally while continuing brutal repression at home. When our naval operations pause but their propaganda sails on, we're only addressing symptoms, not the disease.

You can read the full article in Foreign Policy here.