The Houthis: A Case Study on How Not to Do Deterrence

The strike on the Houthis in Yemen was too little, too late.

The U.S. and U.K. led strikes on the Houthis in Yemen Thursday are an example of what happens when deterrence fails. I understand that may sound counter-intuitive, but allow me to explain. 

There are two primary components to effective deterrence. First, your opponent needs to believe that you will respond with the necessary force should they threaten yo…