The UK has a military base on Cyprus, which it is using for attacks on Houthi missile and drone launching facilities that it is using to threaten shipping. Now some Cypriots demand an end to this cooperation.

They make two arguments. One is the reductionism that labels the Houthis and their patron, Iran, as "good" because they act against Israel. The other is using cowardice as the basic premise — "What if Cyprus becomes a target?" They don't seem to notice the fundamental contradiction between these two arguments.

Gaza or no Gaza, it is unacceptable to allow Houthis to menace the whole world's economy when and as they see fit.

As a separate matter, governments including the US have a duty to make Israel stop the bombardment and siege of Gaza. But we didn't need the Houthis to teach us that.

We agree with then on that one point, but that doesn't change the fact that they are violent and repressive religious fanatics who would oppress us if they could.