Designation Of Ansar Allah as a Foreign Terrorist Organization
January 22, 2025
Action Summary
- Purpose: Initiate a process to designate Ansar Allah (the Houthis) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization under the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1189).
- Background & Justification:
- Ansar Allah, supported by Iran’s IRGC-QF, has repeatedly attacked U.S. Navy warships since 2023.
- The group has targeted civilian infrastructure, including airports in Saudi Arabia, the UAE in January 2022, and has fired over 300 projectiles at Israel since October 2023.
- Over 100 attacks on commercial vessels in Bab al-Mandeb have resulted in civilian casualties and disruptions to global maritime trade, contributing to rising global inflation.
- Policy Directive: Cooperate with regional partners to:
- Eliminate Ansar Allah’s capabilities and operations.
- Deprive the group of resources to curb attacks on U.S. personnel, regional allies, and maritime shipping.
- Implementation Steps:
- Within 30 days, the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Director of National Intelligence and the Secretary of the Treasury, must submit a report to the President via the National Security Council regarding the designation.
- Within 15 days after the report submission, the Secretary of State will take appropriate action to designate Ansar Allah as a terrorist organization.
- Upon designation, USAID and the Secretary of State will jointly review U.S. partners in Yemen to identify and terminate relationships or contracts with entities linked to Ansar Allah or those undermining international counterterrorism efforts.
- General Provisions:
- Ensures no impairment of statutory authority granted to executive departments and agencies.
- Implementation will comply with applicable laws and budgetary appropriations.
- The order does not create any enforceable rights or benefits for any party against the United States or its agents.
Risks & Considerations
- The designation of Ansar Allah as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) could lead to increased geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East. This may affect international students and faculty from the region, potentially impacting Vanderbilt University’s diversity and inclusion efforts.
- There is a risk of heightened security concerns for American institutions abroad, including educational partnerships and research collaborations. Vanderbilt may need to reassess its international programs and partnerships in the Middle East to ensure the safety of its participants.
- The order could lead to disruptions in global maritime trade, which may indirectly affect the university’s supply chain and logistics, particularly for research materials and equipment sourced internationally.
- Vanderbilt’s programs focusing on international relations, political science, and Middle Eastern studies may need to adapt their curricula to address the evolving geopolitical landscape and its implications for global security and diplomacy.
Impacted Programs
- Vanderbilt’s International Student and Scholar Services may need to provide additional support and resources to students and scholars from the Middle East, ensuring their well-being and addressing any concerns related to the geopolitical situation.
- The Center for Latin American, Caribbean, and Latinx Studies might explore new research opportunities related to the impact of U.S. foreign policy on global trade and regional stability.
- Vanderbilt’s Law School could see increased interest in courses related to international law, terrorism, and national security, as students seek to understand the legal implications of such designations.
- The Office of Global Safety and Security may need to update its travel advisories and risk assessments for faculty and students traveling to or conducting research in the Middle East.
Financial Impact
- The potential disruption in global trade routes could lead to increased costs for imported goods and materials, affecting the university’s budget for research and operations.
- Vanderbilt may need to allocate additional resources to support international students and scholars affected by the geopolitical situation, potentially impacting financial aid and support services budgets.
- There could be opportunities for Vanderbilt to secure funding for research on international security, terrorism, and foreign policy, particularly through collaborations with government agencies and think tanks.
- The university might experience changes in its funding landscape if federal grants prioritize research and initiatives related to national security and counterterrorism efforts.
Relevance Score: 3 (The order presents moderate risks involving compliance or ethics, particularly in terms of international relations and security.)
Key Actions
- Vanderbilt’s International Relations Department should monitor developments related to the designation of Ansar Allah as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. Understanding the geopolitical implications and the impact on regional stability in the Middle East will be crucial for academic research and curriculum development.
- The Office of Federal Relations should assess potential impacts on international partnerships and collaborations, especially those involving Middle Eastern countries. This includes evaluating any risks to existing or future research projects and student exchange programs.
- Vanderbilt’s Business School should analyze the potential economic impacts of disruptions in global maritime trade due to the activities of Ansar Allah. This analysis can inform business strategy courses and provide insights into global supply chain management.
- The Center for Global Health should consider the humanitarian implications of the executive order, particularly in relation to USAID’s operations in Yemen. Engaging in research and advocacy on the health impacts of geopolitical conflicts can enhance Vanderbilt’s role in global health policy.
Opportunities
- The executive order presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Law School to explore legal and ethical issues surrounding the designation of foreign terrorist organizations. This can lead to the development of specialized courses or seminars on international law and human rights.
- Vanderbilt can leverage its expertise in international relations to host conferences or workshops on the implications of the executive order, fostering dialogue among policymakers, academics, and industry leaders.
- The focus on regional security and cooperation offers an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Political Science Department to engage in research on international security policies and their effectiveness in countering terrorism.
Relevance Score: 3 (The order requires some adjustments to Vanderbilt’s international programs and research focus due to geopolitical and economic implications.)
Timeline for Implementation
- Within 30 days from January 22, 2025: The Secretary of State must submit a report regarding the designation.
- Within 15 days after the report submission: The Secretary of State must take all appropriate actions for the designation.
Shortest timeline: 15 days.
Relevance Score: 5
Impacted Government Organizations
- Department of State: Tasked with reporting and taking action on the designation of Ansar Allah as a foreign terrorist organization, in consultation with other agencies.
- Director of National Intelligence (DNI): Consulted by the Secretary of State to provide intelligence input for the terrorist designation process.
- Department of the Treasury: Collaborates with the Secretary of State in the reporting process, ensuring financial implications and compliance are managed.
- National Security Council (NSC): Receives the report from the Secretary of State as part of the strategic national security decision-making process.
- United States Agency for International Development (USAID): Involved in reviewing and possibly terminating projects or contracts in Yemen linked to partners associated with Ansar Allah.
- Office of Management and Budget (OMB): Although not directly involved in the designation process, its functions relating to budgetary and administrative proposals are mentioned as remaining unaffected.
Relevance Score: 3 (Six government organizations are impacted by the directive.)
Responsible Officials
- Secretary of State – Responsible for submitting the report on the designation of Ansar Allah as a foreign terrorist organization, taking subsequent directive actions, and coordinating with other agencies.
- Director of National Intelligence – Consulted by the Secretary of State to provide critical intelligence input for the report.
- Secretary of the Treasury – Consulted by the Secretary of State to offer expert financial and resource assessments during report preparation.
- Administrator of USAID – Charged with reviewing USAID engagements in Yemen and terminating projects, grants, or contracts linked to Ansar Allah post-designation.
Relevance Score: 5 (Directives impact Cabinet-level and agency heads responsible for national security, foreign policy, and international aid engagements.)