Trump 2.0’s approach to domestic reform, trade and alliances has been reckless. The president’s tariffs disrupted global markets; his handling of Ukraine and Russia emboldened adversaries; and his treatment of allies left many questioning America’s commitment to global leadership.

But in the Middle East, President Trump has made some right moves, understanding something former President Joe Biden seemed to miss: Peace through strength is sometimes the only viable path, and doubly so in that region.

So this is a rare chance to commend the Trump administration for its decision to launch (on the Ides of March, no less) significant military operations against Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi rebels.

The campaign included extensive air and naval strikes targeted Houthi military assets, including radars, air defenses and missile and drone systems. This aimed to restore security in the Red Sea, disrupted by Houthi attacks on merchant and military vessels, and to send a warning to Iran that its golden era of troublemaking-by-proxy is over.

The Houthi-run health ministry reported that the initial strikes resulted in at least 31 fatalities and 101 injuries, predominantly among women and children. Subsequent operations have increased the death toll to at least 53, with 98 others wounded. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized the campaign's objective to halt Houthi attacks on shipping and reaffirmed a commitment to an "unrelenting" military effort until these assaults cease. We cannot know if civilians indeed were hurt — that would be a tragedy, but societies in such countries must eventually be made to understand that being run by madness will bring........

© The Hill