Jemenkrieg-Mosaik 219 - Yemen War Mosaic 219

25.10.2016 – Indian Express (** B K)

Silence, surgery in progress

There are great advantages of redefining military action as surgery — for one, it mobilises the rhetoric of health.

What is the function of “surgical” in surgical strike? Because, as every true-blooded patriot knows, a surgical strike is, of course, good, but it is also fundamentally different from, say, a “cross-border raid”, let alone “infiltration”. Those are things that the baddies do. We, on the other hand, do surgical strikes.

Part of the appeal of a “surgical strike” — the phrase derives, of course, from US military jargon, where it serves similar, but not identical purposes — is that it implies “precision”. After all, a surgeon is not a butcher slashing about with a cleaver — actually, even a butcher is not a butcher! — but “surgeons” use “smart” instruments, scalpel-like, and if once in a while they encounter a wedding party, or, with macabre economy as recently in Yemen, a funeral, well, the damage is unintentional — and always deeply, sincerely, regretted — but it is, after all, merely “collateral damage”.

In fact, our flattery-by-imitation of US military machismo goes further. So the surgical strikes are directed at “launch pads”, whence come not rockets or missiles but — alas, this is, after all, South Asia — desperate “militants”, barely scraping a meagre living and almost certainly, remembering Manto, destined for a dog’s death, caught in the crossfire between two great military machines. But the great advantage of redefining military action as surgery is that it puts the implicit and necessary and entirely intentional violence beyond the pale of moral consideration. After all, one can hardly accuse a surgeon of causing injury, shedding blood. Too bad for the poor collaterals, as thousands have discovered in the theatres where the armies of the good strike, but always surgically. Look at Iraq, at Libya, Syria, Yemen — surgery has made great advances.

Another advantage of designating a military operation as “surgical” is that it mobilises the rhetoric of health — surgery restores the organism to a state of health. However, it is also a claim about the prior state — diseased, non-optimal — and also about the status after the “surgical” intervention – by Alok Rai

http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/india-pakistan-terror-kashmir-unrest-surgical-strikes-3093889/

25.10.2016 – New Statesman (** B K)

The conflict in Yemen is a Civil War by numbers

Amid the battles, a generation starves.

The conflict is tearing Yemeni society apart.

Since the war began in March 2015 I have travelled more than 2,500 miles across Yemen, criss-crossing the front lines in and out of territories controlled by Houthi rebels, or by their opponents, the Saudi-backed resistance forces, or through vast stretches of land held by al-Qaeda. On those journeys, what struck me most was the deepening resentment expressed by so many people towards their fellow Yemenis.

The object of that loathing can change in the space of a few hundred metres. The soundtrack to this hatred emanates from smartphones resting on rusting oil drums, protruding from the breast pockets of military fatigues, or lying on chairs under makeshift awnings where flags denote the beginning of the dead ground of no-man’s-land. The rabble-rousing propaganda songs preach to the watchful gunmen about a feeble and irreligious enemy backed by foreign powers. Down the road, an almost identical scene awaits, only the flag is different and the song, though echoing the same sentiment, chants of an opponent altogether different from the one decried barely out of earshot in the dust behind you.

“We hate them. They hate us. We kill each other. Who wins?” mused a fellow passenger on one of my trips

This promotion of hatred, creating what are likely to be irreversible divisions, is necessary for the war’s belligerents in order to incite tens of thousands to fight. It is essential to perpetuate the cycle of revenge.

More than 25 years after the two states of North and South Yemen united, the gulf between them has never been wider. The political south, now controlled by forces aligned with the Saudi-led coalition, is logistically as well as politically severed from the north-western territories under the command of the Houthi rebels and Saleh loyalists. Caught in the middle is the city of Taiz, which is steadily being reduced to rubble after a year-long siege imposed by the Houthi-Saleh forces.

Revenge nourishes the violence, but it cannot feed those who are dying from malnutrition.

Among the other statistics are the missing millions needed by the state – the country’s largest employer. Workers haven’t been paid in months, amid fears of an economic collapse. This is apparently a deliberate tactic of fiscal strangulation by the Saudi-backed Yemeni government-in-exile. The recent relocation of the central bank from the Houthi-controlled capital, Sana’a, to the southern city of Aden is so far proving symbolic, given that the institution remains devoid of funds. The workforce on both sides of the conflict has taken to the streets to protest against salaries being overdue.

Vengeance continues to drive the violence in Yemen, which is being drawn ever closer to proxy conflicts being fought elsewhere in the Middle East. Yet the impact on Yemeni society and the consequences for the population’s health for generations to come are unlikely to appear to the outside world, not even as annotated numbers in the brief glimpses we get of this war. – by Iona Craig

http://www.newstatesman.com/culture/observations/2016/10/conflict-yemen-civil-war-numbers

Eingebetteter Medieninhalt

25.10.2016 – World Food Programme (** A H)

WFP Alarmed At Growing Rates Of Hunger And Malnutrition In War-Torn Yemen

The World Food Programme (WFP) is increasingly concerned about deteriorating food security and growing rates of child malnutrition in Yemen, particularly in hard-to-reach areas

A senior WFP team recently visited impoverished neighbourhoods and spoke to families and local authorities in Hajjah governorate in northeast Yemen and the Red Sea governorate of Hodeidah. They described a very dramatic situation as people struggle daily to secure their food needs.

The team visited hospitals, nutrition and health centres and saw many cases of malnourished children arriving from remote areas.

Muhannad Hadi, WFP Regional Director for the Middle East, North Africa, Central Asia and East Europe, said the conflict in Yemen was taking a devastating toll, particularly on the most vulnerable, especially women and children. “Hunger is increasing every day and people have exhausted all their survival strategies. Millions of people cannot survive without external assistance,” he said.

Even before the latest conflict, Yemen had one of the highest rates of malnutrition in the world. In some areas like Hodeidah governorate, Global Acute Malnutrition rates among children under five as high as 31 percent have been recorded– more than double the emergency threshold of 15 percent. Almost half of the children countrywide are irreversibly stunted.

The economic impact of the conflict is a catastrophe for Yemen, the poorest country in the Middle East. Millions of public sector employees no longer receive their salaries and struggle to make ends meet. Even before the conflict escalated and imports declined dramatically, Yemen imported some 90 percent of its food needs.

Insecurity makes access to some of Yemen’s malnutrition hotspots a challenge.

WFP has provided food for more than three million people every month since February 2016. However, in recent months, WFP split rations to reach six million people every month with a smaller quantity of food, as needs are increasing and resources are diminishing.

WFP aims to treat and help prevent malnutrition among some 700,000 children under five, pregnant women and nursing mothers.

“An entire generation could be crippled by hunger,” said WFP Country Director in Yemen Torben Due.

WFP requires over US$257 million to provide vital food assistance until March 2017. It takes four months from the time WFP receives funds until food can be shipped to the country and is in the hands of the families who need it.

http://www.wfp.org/news/news-release/wfp-alarmed-growing-rates-hunger-and-malnutrition-war-torn-yemen = http://reliefweb.int/report/yemen/wfp-alarmed-growing-rates-hunger-and-malnutrition-war-torn-yemen

Download video: https://de.hightail.com/e?phi_action=app/orchestrateDownload&batch_id=cUJYaUNCbEFkMnNYRHRVag

Download photos: https://it.hightail.com/e?phi_action=app/orchestrateDownload&batch_id=cUJYaUNITWNubVZFQmNUQw

25.10.2016 – Middle East Monitor (** A H)

Yemen’s Al-Hudaydah: A child’s worst nightmare

Al-Hudaydah’s war legacy continues today. Because of the current war, it is now suffering one of the most severe humanitarian crises in Yemen.

The fact that it is situated on the Red Sea, adjacent to Eritrea, gives the port very high geostrategic value. Its waterway also leads directly northwards towards the Saudi border, which is just over 200km away.

Having a direct Houthi presence in Al-Hudaydah – especially when at that time the port was the second largest port in Yemen – was a great cause of concern for the Saudis.

The fact that Iranian vessels have been caught at the port withweapons that were suspected for the Houthis in the pastfed on Saudi’s reservations about the Houthi takeover of Al-Hudaydah. Therefore, when the Saudi-led coalition began their intervention in March 2015, Al-Hudaydah became subject to immense airstrikes that have completely shattered its civilian infrastructure. By August 2015, the Al-Hudaydah port was severely damaged and by October 2015, the port was officially closed.

According to UNICEF, almost 100,000 children are starving in Al-Hudaydah right now, compared to 23,000 children before the war began in March last year. On average, fishing has decreased in Al-Hudaydah by 75 per cent since the start of the war and food prices in Yemen have seen a median increase of 60 per cent, meaning it is just as hard to acquire food with subsistence means as it is to buy food.

The overall number of children starving in Yemen is estimated to be 370,000, meaning just under a third of the children that are starving in Yemen are living in Al-Hudaydah.

Over the summer, hospitals in Al-Hudaydah reported a spike in the number of deaths from heat related illnesses due to a heatwave in June. Because at the time there was no electricity for air conditioning and for fridges, those who were able to afford food weren’t able to store it. If it wasn’t starvation that killed someone, it was the heat.

“These children are [ten times more likely] to die…compared to their healthy peers if not treated [in] time,” Mohammed Al-Asaadi, a Yemeni journalist who is working as a communication and media specialist for UNICEF, told me. “We [UNICEF] have expanded our operations in Al-Hudaydah to cover all the 399 health facilities in all of Al-Hudaydah’s districts. We have also deployed mobile teams to provide basic health and nutrition services to children and mothers,” he explains.

it must not be forgotten that there are only two things that can permanently end the suffering of these children: justice and peace.

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20161022-yemens-al-hudaydah-a-childs-worst-nightmare/

Comment: Strange reasoning for the Saudi interference and bombing. Apart from that, a sound article anyway.

24.10.2016 – Living in Yemen on the Edge (** B H)

Yemen’s famine and the fishermen of Hodeida

Dozens of emaciated men, women and children are fighting for their lives in#Yemen’s hospital wards (when lucky to reach one and having the money to be cured) or forgotten on a family bed, as fears grow that the war and a sea-land-air blockade that has lasted for a year and a half are creating famine conditions in the Arabian peninsula’s poorest country.

A sea blockade on #Hudaida area enforced by the #Saudi-coalition backed by#US supporting the president in exile, Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi, stops shipments reaching the port and shores of Yemen. The crisis has worsened after Hadi ordered changes at the Central Bank relocating it to Aden. Aimed at squeezing the funds of Saleh/Houthi rebels, the move has already left Yemenis short of cash and made food shortages worse by depriving traders of the financial cover for their operations. In simple words: there is no way of importing both financially and logistically.

Specifically relating to Hodeida and #Tihama region, the vast majority of families depend on one source only: fishing. They are feeding their families from the sea. Now fishermen can not enter the sea in fear of being bombed by the Coalition.No The Red Sea has become one of the most dangerous places to sail and fish. It is of the 15th of October the news that the Saudis killed Eritrean fisherman off the Yemeni Coast, most likely mistaking them for Yemeni fishermen

Yemen’s clock it ticking towards a full scale catastrophe. Horror is unfolding with the silence of the world (with photos)

https://www.facebook.com/notes/living-in-yemen-on-the-edge/yemens-famine-and-the-fishermen-of-hodeida/1144226945630334 and more photos: https://www.facebook.com/LivingInYemenOnTheEdge/posts/1144735548912807

24.10.2016 – Bild (** A H)

Wer den Preis des Krieges bezahlt

Ein Schockfoto erinnert an den fast vergessenen Bürgerkrieg im Jemen. Dort droht laut UN jetzt 14 Millionen Menschen eine Hungerkatastrophe

Eingefallene Wangen, Beine, Arme, Finger aus Knochen und Haut: Saida Ahmad Baghili (18) wurde mit akuter Unterernährung ins Krankenhaus der jeminitischen Hafenstadt Hudaydah eingeliefert

Es gibt Fotos, die anklagender sind als jedes Kriegsverbrechertribunal! Das Bild, das ein fast bis auf die Knochen abgemagertes Mädchen namens Saida Ahmad Baghili im Krankenhaus der Hafenstadt Hudaydah im Jemen zeigt, gehört dazu.

Es wurde von einem Fotografen der Nachrichtenagentur Reuters aufgenommen. Über das Mädchen ist nicht mehr bekannt als ihr Alter: 18 Jahre.

Die Vereinten Nationen warnen jetzt vor einer drohenden Hungerkatastrophe. Millionen von Menschen sind ohne sauberes Trinkwasser und ausreichende medizinische Versorgung:

Rund 2,1 Millionen Menschen – unter ihnen 1,3 Millionen Kinder – sind akut unterernährt.

Von der Nahrungsmittelkrise sind 14,1 Millionen Jemeniten betroffen. Das sind 51 Prozent der Einwohner.

19,4 Millionen Menschen haben keinen oder nur eingeschränkten Zugang zu sauberem Wasser und sanitären Anlagen (mit Fotosm 18+)

http://www.bild.de/politik/ausland/jemen/wer-den-preis-des-kriegs-bezahlt-48433420.bild.html und im Film https://twitter.com/Fatikr/status/790944593672044544

and almost the same in English:

24.10.2016 – The Sun (** A H)

STARVATION IN YEMEN

Horrifying images show an 18-year-old girl starving to death in war-torn Yemen

Three million Yemenis are in need of urgent nutrition assistance

HORRIFYING images have emerged of a malnourished teenage girl in the city of Houdieda, Yemen.

18-year-old Saida Ahmad Baghili, is currently receiving treatment for severe acute malnutrition at al-Thawra Hospital in the Red Sea port city.

According to the World Food Programme, more than half of Yemen’s population – 28 million peple – are short of food, with the country on the brink of famine according to the United Nations.

Meanwhile as of August, at least 370,000 children were suffering from severe acute malnutrition, like Saida – and 3 million Yemenis need urgent nutrition assistance.

Last month, a leaked report showed MPs are urging Britain tosuspend its lucrative arms sales to Saudi Arabiaover war crimes allegations directed towards the Arab nation – by Sarah Kamouni (with graphic photos)

https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/2039325/horrifying-images-show-an-18-year-old-girl-starving-to-death-in-war-torn-yemen/ and see film https://twitter.com/Fatikr/status/790944593672044544

25.10.2016 – Reuters (** A H)

A picture and its story: Severe malnutrition in Yemen

The emaciated frame of 18-year-old Saida Ahmad Baghili lies on a hospital bed in the red sea port city of Hodaida, her suffering stark evidence of the malnutrition spread by Yemen's 19-month civil war.

Baghili arrived at the Al Thawra hospital on Saturday. She is bed-ridden and unable to eat, surviving on a diet of juice, milk and tea, medical staff and a relative said.

"The problem is malnutrition due to (her) financial situation and the current (war) situation at this time," Asma Al Bhaiji, a nurse at the hospital, told Reuters on Tuesday.

Baghili is from the small village of Shajn, about 100 km (60 miles) southwest of the city of Hodaida, and used to work with sheep before developing signs of malnutrition five years ago, according to her aunt, Saida Ali Baghili.

"She was fine. She was in good health. There was nothing wrong with her. And then she got sick," Ali Baghili told Reuters.

"She has been sick for five years. She can’t eat. She says her throat hurts."

After the war began, Baghili's condition deteriorated with her family lacking the money for treatment.

She lost more weight and in the last two months developed diarrhoea.

"Her father couldn’t (afford to) send her anywhere (for treatment) but some charitable people helped out,” Ali Baghili said, without elaborating who the donors were – byAbduljabbar Zeyad

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-health-idUSKCN12P2OZ?il=0

24.10.2016 – Yemen Today TV (* A H)

Film: Famine spreads at the Yemeni coast as the Saudis had raided the fishermen

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7txMTTbu9U

22.10.2016 – Ali Al Azari (* A H)

Photos of starving children

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1764154537189765&id=100007857070086 = https://www.facebook.com/judith.brown.794628/posts/10154843162568641 and more photos here https://www.facebook.com/SaudiArabia.war.crimes.against.Yemen/posts/1595674494061872

Comment by Judith Brown: Via Ali Al Hazari - who points out that if anyone said that UK and USA are helping to starve Yemeni children to death in 2016 they would not believe it, but this is what is happening.

https://www.facebook.com/judith.brown.794628/posts/10154843162568641

25.10.2016 – UN Children's Fund (** A H)

Yemen Cholera Outbreak Situation Report #2

On 6 October 2016, Yemen’s Ministry of Public Health and Population (MoPHP) officially confirmed a cholera outbreak in the country. The situation is particularly serious given the collapse of the health system – with 54 per cent of health facilities not functioning or partially functioning1 - poor sanitation services and practices, as well as the deteriorated nutrition situation, posing an additional health risk to the population, particularly children.

As of 23 October, 644 suspected cases had been reported. According to the MoPHP by 23 October the number of confirmed cases has risen to 31, of which five children are under 5 years, six are between 5 and 10 years, and four cases are children from 10 to 15 years.2 Cholera cases have been confirmed in Amanat Al Asimah (12), Aden (9), Lahj (1), Al Bayda (4), Sana’a (4) and Hajjah (1) governorates. According to preliminary reports from local authorities, 32 deaths related to Acute Watery Diarrhoea have been reported in Taizz (4), Al Hudaydah (8), Aden (8), Lahj (8), Al Bayda (2), and Sana’a governorate (2).

At least 7.6 million people are living in areas affected by acute watery diarrhoea (AWD) and cholera and a total of nine governorates have been assessed as high risk in terms of a cholera outbreak.

Given the poor sanitation conditions of many of the most vulnerable, including nearly one million internally displaced persons (IDPs) living in host communities in the affected governorates, there is a very real possibility that the disease will be spreading much further and faster unless a wide-reaching response is mounted. Health partners estimate that without a comprehensive multi-sector response, the incidence of acute watery diarrhoea/cholera is likely to rise rapidly, with up to 76,000 additional cases across 15 governorates. This would include an estimated 15,200 cases requiring admission for cholera treatment, putting additional strains on a collapsing health system.

http://reliefweb.int/report/yemen/yemen-cholera-outbreak-situation-report-2 and in full: http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/UNICEF%20Yemen%20Cholera%20Outbreak%20Situation%20Report%20%232%20-%2024%20October%202016%20.pdf

25.10.2016 – UNICEF (** A H)

The fight against cholera in Yemen

A cholera outbreak in Yemen has put an even greater strain on the country’s already fractured health system. UNICEF is on the ground in the hardest hit areas chlorinating water sources, distributing hygiene kits and teaching families about prevention.

SANA’A, Yemen, 25 October 2016 – For 35-year-old Um Arafat, things couldn’t get worse. After rushing her six-year-old son to the hospital for a suspected case of cholera, the mother of seven has now herself been diagnosed and admitted in a room next door. Frail and disoriented, she tries to recount what happened to her son. Her daughter stands by her side and completes her sentences whenever her mother is too exhausted to speak.

“My son, who is already very weak, got loose motions two weeks ago. He has also been getting loose motions earlier as well,” she says, pausing to gather her breath. Her son Arafat looks on, discomfort clearly evident in his pale eyes.

Across the hallway, another mother, Um Dhia, caresses her one-year-old. “My son suddenly started passing loose stool at four in the morning. Within no time, he became very pale, his eyes rolled up and I thought he was going to die. We rushed him to the hospital,” she says. “By god’s grace my son is recovering now. On the first day, I changed his nappies 20 times in a day. Today I have changed it only once so far,” the mother says, her eyes moist and her hands folded in gratitude.

A cholera outbreak across Yemen is the last thing the conflict-ridden country needed, but it was also expected given the collapse of the health system. More than 600 health facilities are not functioning, and many of those that are functioning are either poorly staffed or are running on minimum operating capacity.

“A child can die if he or she doesn’t get appropriate treatment against the disease on time,” says Dr. Najwa Al Dheeb, the health and nutrition officer for UNICEF in Sana’a. “We are providing hospitals and health facilities across the country with oral rehydration salts, intravenous fluids, diarrhoeal kits and essential trainings of staff so that children who are admitted for cholera can be treated immediately.”

Across town in the Sawan area of Sana’a, a group of young volunteers go from house to house distributing UNICEF’s hygiene kits and counselling families on how to prevent cholera infections. They are working with the Yemen Foundation for Development and Response (YFDR), a local NGO that is supporting UNICEF. The volunteers mark every house they visit to keep track of the people they have reached.

Containing cholera is top priority for the children’s agency. An escalated outbreak would put many children like six-year-old Arafat through the harrowing and painful stages of this illness, and some would not survive – By Rajat Madhok

http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/yemen_92955.html

25.10.2016 – WHO (** A H)

To date, 1090 suspected #cholera cases have been reported in #Yemen, mainly in #Taiz (268), #Aden (258), #Lahj (151) and #Hudaydah (141).

https://twitter.com/WHOYemen/status/790597955376013312

Comment: The figures are increasing daily…

24.10.2016 – Sputnik News (** B K)

Saudi Arabia Waging 'Clear Economic War on Yemen'

A Saudi-led coalition has resumed its airstrikes around the Yemeni capital Sanaa on Sunday, just hours after a 72-hour cease-fire expired. Professor Martha Mundy, a specialist in the anthropology of the Arab World told Radio Sputnik that besides the airstrikes, Saudi Arabia is waging "clear economic war" on the country.

Meanwhile, there is growing evidence which shows that Saudi Arabia is deliberately targeting impoverished Yemen’s farms and agricultural industry.
More and more academics share the opinion that the Saudis are trying to destroy Yemen's rural livelihood. They warn that more than half of the population of Yemen relies on agriculture, and the ongoing Saudi campaign is likely to prevent Yemeni farmers from returning to work for many months or years. Radio Sputnik discussed the issue with Dr Martha Mundy, an anthropologist and emeritus professor at the London School of Economics, who is currently working in Lebanon, but who worked in North Yemen from 1973 to 1977.

Her book Domestic Government: Kinship, Community and Politics in North Yemen (1995) is a contemporary classic. Dr Mundy is now working on the political economy of food in Yemen.
She told Radio Sputnik that even though it is the job of international organizations to work with the technical ministries in Sanaa to undertake a full damage assessment in the country, there is a specific unit funded by all the big players based in the World Bank. However they have not released any of their reports. Meanwhile the International Labor Organization (ILO) provided survey data of the labor force in three Yemeni provinces in the autumn of 2015: Sanaa, Aden and Hodeida, which shows that seven to eight months into the war the displacement affected mainly the rural population. Two thirds of those displaced came from rural areas and women accounted for 95 percent of those displaced.

The report goes on to say that agriculture has been the sector most affected by the crisis with the loss of almost 50 percent of its workers.
When asked if the Saudis have been deliberately targeting agriculture to destroy and eradicate the livelihood of the country or was it collateral damage, Dr Mundy responded that there are two answers to this question. "Before we get back to the bombing data one needs to bear in mind that the blockade that was imposed with very little real legal coverage from the UN Security Council resolution 2216 and which was basically run by the Saudis for almost one full year before the UN even got there, has cut off fuel supplies to agriculture and of course the food Yemen has been importing," she told Sputnik.

The country has been importing a large proportion of its grain and oil for consumption, she specified. Thus the country already has an embargo, a blockade in place.
"With regards to the bombing data, it depends on the area. Certainly the extraordinary level of strikes in Sadah province, in Hajjah province and to some extent in Hodeida and in Sanaa and Amran indicate that it is certainly not possible that this is all collateral damage," she said. The analysis of the bombing pattern shows that it was an absolutely deliberate strategy at least in the north of the country, the expert added. It is a deliberate strategy of the coalition, which goes far beyond just the Saudi involvement. There is a British, American and French involvement. The Emirates have also played a role. Dr Mundy also noted that there have been escalating attempts to bring down the Yemeni banking system and to force its Central Bank to be moved to the city of Aden. "There is a clear economic war there," she said, noting that the Saudis now have huge leverage on the country through the growing dependency of large parts of its population on food aid.

The food is coming in, she said, but the main provider of this food is Saudi Arabia. And the province of Sadah is completely excluded from any of the incoming food.

The Saudis do react to the media coverage of their economic war on Yemen, their airstrikes on the country's entire productive infrastructure and starvation. Even though it is very difficult to reach out with this data. However, social media has been important in bringing the truth to light, Dr Mundy finally said.

https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201610241046669821-saudis-yemen-economic-war/

Kommentar: Knüpft an einen Artikel von Robert Fisk im Independent an. Fisk argumentiert, Saudi Arabien würde im Krieg gegen die Houthis im Jemen gezielt Industrie- und Agrarinfrastruktur vernichten, um das Land künftig in enger Abhängigkeit halten zu können.

24.10.2016 – Middle East Eye (** A P)

Saudi uses role on UN Human Rights Council to cover up its abuses

The kingdom's continued membership is an affront to the council's mission of promoting and protecting human rights around the globe.

This week, Saudi Arabia will be re-elected to the UN Human Right Council (HRC) for the fourth time, after another non-competitive election at the UN General Assembly (UNGA).

While serving its third term on the council, Saudi Arabia blocked international inquiries into its human rights abuses, punished Saudi citizens who worked in collaboration with the HRC, andthreatenedto cut critical UN funding after being called out for violating children’s rights.

Given the kingdom’s unrelenting record of repression, Saudi Arabia's continued council membership is an affront to the HRC'smissionof promoting and protecting "all human rights around the globe".

It is no secret that Saudi Arabia’s values are at odds with the council's. Religious intolerance, gender inequality and a penchant for public executions are hardly the qualities that the UN had in mind for its council members.

Worse, instead of incentivising the kingdom to institute reforms to curtail abuses and foster greater accountability, Saudi Arabia’s membership on the council appears to be having the opposite effect.

The number of executions in the kingdom has spiked dramatically

Meanwhile, the country ignores visit requests from the HRC’s “special procedures” - independent human rights experts who undertake country visits.

In addition to resisting human rights investigations by UN experts, Saudi Arabia has sought to prevent its citizens from communicating with the council and other international organisations.

Under the country’scounter-terrorism law, contacting international organisations, such as the HRC, can be deemed a terrorist offence.

While Saudi Arabia’s attempts to prevent both UN official and its own citizens from addressing human rights abuses in the kingdom should disqualify the country from a seat at the council table, its actions in Yemen over the past 19 months are an even greater affront to the HRC’s mission.

Instead of working with the UN mechanisms to reform its military campaign and alleviate the resulting humanitarian crisis, Saudi Arabia is using its position on the council to cover its tracks and avoid responsibility. It has fought tooth and nail against international efforts to investigate the role of all combatants in Yemen’s devastation.

The defeat of an international inquiry is just the most recent example of the ways in which Saudi Arabia has thwarted the council’s efforts to address the crisis in Yemen.

It is time for member states to push back against Saudi threats and obstructions and demand greater accountability and transparency from their fellow council member. Otherwise, they risk becoming increasingly complicit in the very violations that the HRC was created to eradicate – by Leah Schulz

http://www.middleeasteye.net/columns/saudi-and-un-human-rights-council-where-membership-has-its-abuses-37959358

Comment by Judith Brown: This makes my blood boil. How can the world reward a country that is destroying its neighbour?

https://www.facebook.com/judith.brown.794628/posts/10154841143923641

Comment by Hussam Al-Sanabani: Farce. UN council only listen to Saudi and Saudi hotels mercenaries.Yemenis on the ground are not represented in UN meetings or conferences.

https://twitter.com/HussamSanabani/status/790668173678960641

14.–15.10.2016 – Arabian Rights Watch Association (** B H)

Film: ARWA | UN HRC33 | 22 SEPTEMBER 2016 | RIGHT TO FOOD VIOLATIONS IN YEMEN

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioqs0l3oaow&sns=fb

Comment by Judith Brown: With thanks to Marc Springer for sharing this.
This is the most shocking film I have seen about Yemen. I screamed with pain and wept as I watched it. I defy anyone to look at this without their heart turning over and over. The film is calm, unemotional, just a factual look at the destruction of food to the extent that this committee is considering it genocide. I knew all of this before but seeing it in this format is terrible, terrible, terrible.

https://www.facebook.com/judith.brown.794628/posts/10154843056533641

Film: ARWA | UN HRC33 | 26 SEPTEMBER 2016 | CULTURAL RIGHTS VIOLATIONS IN YEMEN

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8w5Wa6Mbvs

Film: ARWA | UN HRC33 | 20 SEPTEMBER 2016 | RIGHT TO HEALTH VIOLATIONS IN YEMEN

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yz1aarjOwF4

Film: ARWA | UN HRC33 | 20 SEPTEMBER 2016 | RIGHT TO EDUCATION VIOLATIONS IN YEMEN

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38zvbv0d_Lo

Film: ARWA | UN HRC33 | 20 SEPTEMBER 2016 | ABSENCE OF JUSTICE IN YEMEN

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGJMJMkIBNw

Film: ARWA | UN HRC33 | 20 SEPTEMBER 2016 | CHILD RIGHTS VIOLATIONS IN YEMEN

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIoijDOPx3M

Comment by Judith Brown: The right to food. The right to live. All being denied to Yemeni people.

https://www.facebook.com/judith.brown.794628/posts/10154843018788641

cp2 Allgemein / General

25.10.2016 – Al Monitor (* A K P)

Among the prominent military leaders killed [at the Sanaa air raid at a funeral, Oct. 8] was thecommander in the Sirwahdistrict of Marib province in northeast Yemen. Marib serves as the headquarters for the coalition and Yemeni forces’ military operations in the north of the country.

This may have helped prevent the coalition from taking over Sirwah, which hadseemed likelyOct. 5. Taking control of Sirwah would have been amilitary achievementfor the Saudi-led coalition with the aim of besieging Sanaa from the east.

However, the coalition forces’ march toward Sanaa from that direction is no longer possible after the funeral attack. Yemeni forces backed by the Saudi-led coalition mpw have to go through theterritories between Sanaa and Marib of the Khawlan al-Tayyal tribe, which was not taking sides in the war because of split allegiances to the warring parties. However, following the funeral attack, the tribe would not allow the coalition forces through their lands, even if some of tribe's very influential members hold major commercialinterests in the Gulf.

These developments come as part of the military escalation at theborder front, where the coalition forces are making progress in thedirection of Saadaafter taking over al-Bokaa area Oct. 21.

the Saudi-led coalition has lost much of its international and regional reputation, reaping increased aversion from the Yemenis in the north, compounding the war’s expensive economic bill. Thus, any decisive military showdown seems now far-fetched. Similarly, the possibility of dividing Yemen — where theHouthis would controlthe north of the country — is not an option for Saudi Arabia as it is keen on arranging the political situation in such a way to be commensurate with its interest in the north of Yemen, adjacent to its southern border. – by Maysaa Shuja al-Deen

http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2016/10/yemen-war-us-attacks-houthis-saudi-arabia.html

25.10.2016 – Southfront (A K)

Map Update: Military Situation in Yemen on October 24, 2016

https://southfront.org/map-update-military-situation-in-yemen-on-october-24-2016/ = http://www.therussophile.org/map-update-military-situation-in-yemen-on-october-24-2016.html/

25.10.2016 – Sputnik News (A P)

Saudi-Yemen cartoon

https://sputniknews.com/cartoons/201610251046715616-saudi-arabia-yemen-economic-war/

24.10.2016 – Southfront (A K P)

Film and Map Update: Military Situation in Yemen on October 24, 2016

https://southfront.org/map-update-military-situation-in-yemen-on-october-24-2016/ = http://newzsentinel.com/map-update-military-situation-in-yemen-on-october-24-2016/

24.10.2016 – Bloomberg (* A H K)

A 14-Hour Trip in Yemen Shows Toll of Saudi Proxy War With Iran

Yemen's north-south links continue to fray after 18 months of war, and neither side looks capable of battlefield victory.

The reality is “no one knows how to address the problems in Yemen and no one is willing to commit the resources or attention,” said Graham Griffiths, an analyst at Control Risks in Dubai. “We’re unlikely to see stability brought to the country or a functioning central government re-established that controls all of Yemen’s territory. It will certainly remain a safe haven for groups like al-Qaeda and possibly the Islamic state.”

North V. South

The war pits a Saudi-backed government that controls most southern territories against pro-Iranian Shiite Houthi rebels who control the capital Sana’a in the north. The two regions were separate countries that only unified in 1990. A southern attempt to secede in 1994 was crushed by then-President Ali Abdullah Saleh, the main ally of the Houthis in the current conflict.

Few experiences illustrate the country’s deepening fractures than traveling between the north and south. Having friends who can vouch for you makes it easier to pass security checkpoints into either territory. Taking a woman along on a trip can help because it means you’re less likely to be searched or questioned.

Months after the conflict broke out in 2015, residents of Taiz, Yemen’s industrial hub and the main gateway to the south, had to use a boulder-strewn pass across mountains to take the 270-kilometer (168-mile) journey south to the coast after the roads to the city were blocked by the Houthis and allied forces to continue to impose a siege on the city.

That meant the journey took 14 hours on a path teeming with men, women and children. Some are trying to flee, others had been hired—for less than $2 a trip—as porters to bring food and medicine into the city. Donkeys hauled heavier loads and there were even camels loaded with weapons destined for pro-government fighters. Jeeps crawled up less steep sections´– by Mohammed Hatem

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-10-24/a-14-hour-trip-in-yemen-shows-toll-of-saudi-proxy-war-with-iran

Comment: This is NO Saudi-Iranian proxy war. And the Hadi government hardly controls anything in the south, even not the largest part of Aden.

24.10.2016 – PRI (* B K P)

Why broken ceasefires are actually good for peace

Thanks toresearch by professors Jason Quinn and Madhav Joshi,we know that a successful ceasefire is usually preceded by a failure — even lots of failures. The two scholars, and their colleagues at the University of Notre Dame's Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies within the Keough School of Global Affairs, analyzed data from nearly four decades of shooting wars. They were looking for the patterns in what they call chains of ceasefire agreements, when one ceasefire is followed by another … and another.

“Our thoughts were that a series of failures might create some kind of a negative cascade effect,” says Quinn, “where the parties kind of get down and say, 'Well, this didn't work in the past; it probably won't work this time.' But what we found was really the opposite.”

It turns out that ceasefire agreements fail at a rate of about 80 percent, which might be cause for discouragement. But not so fast.

Quinn says: "What we found was that the best predictor that any one ceasefire agreement will be successful — and by successful I mean: not followed by renewed conflict or violence — … is how many failed peace agreements came before.”

Only 20 percent of the time do ceasefires take hold from the start. Professor Joshi says these ceasefires succeed, out of the gate, “because they outline a roadmap for future negotiations and establish a mechanism not only to report violations, but to actually address those violations.”

Joshi puts last week’s broken ceasefires in the 80 percent group. “The ceasefire announcedby the Russians in Aleppoorby the Saudis in Yemenare in the camp of failed ceasefires, because they do not have an agreed upon roadmap,” he wrote in an email. “But, would they be able to work on that roadmap?” he asks. “They certainly could, but the empirical evidence from the Middle East and North African conflicts suggest that they have a poor record of ceasefire and peace agreement negotiations and implementation.”

In both the Syrian and Yemeni conflicts, just identifying all of the warring groups is problematic. While each war pits a recognized government against combined rebel forces, the integrity of the governments are in debate, and the range of concerns among the rebel groups puts them at odds with one another. Getting warring parties into the same room is not likely to happen either, at least not now.

But that’s part of the pattern, too.

“No one can negotiate for durable peace when fighting is ongoing,” Joshi adds. “But, we should be reacting to the contents of the ceasefire agreement so that we know whether the ceasefire is designed to be a momentary respite for the warring party and its patron, or involves a genuine commitment to finding peaceful solutions.”

While we can’t know what Russia, in Syria, or Saudi Arabia in Yemen aimed to accomplish with the ceasefires they facilitated last week, there will be consequences from the pauses in the fighting.

Joshi and Quinn and their colleagues will be watching. “We like to see their history of taking those early baby steps,” says Joshi. “Our research shows that they will get better and better over time. Most of the time, a new agreement tends to address weaknesses in the past ceasefire agreement.”

Millions of Syrians and Yemenis might take that to heart – by Stephen Snyder

http://www.pri.org/stories/2016-10-20/why-broken-ceasefires-are-not-all-bad

15.10.2016 – Zainab Rights (B K)

Film: At the White House

https://www.facebook.com/zainabrights/videos/1729169483766339/ = https://www.facebook.com/judith.brown.794628/posts/10154841186058641

Comment by Judith Brown: A moving plea from USA to stop the war on Yemen. Please world, listen to her.

cp3 Humanitäre Lage / Humanitarian situation

Siehe / See cp1

Eingebetteter Medieninhalt

25.10.2016 – Aktion gegen den Hunger (* A H)

JEMEN: DIE SITUATION IN ZAHLREICHEN DÖRFERN IST KRITISCH

Am Ende der Straße, die die Orte al-Hudaida und Hayis miteinander verbindet, führt ein Sandweg bis zu einer Häusergruppe. Auf dem Platz zwischen den Häusern stehen einige Bäume, ein Brunnen und ein riesiger Wassertank für 10.000 Liter Wasser. „Zweimal am Tag können die 120 Familien aus dem Dorf hier Wasser holen“, erklärt Ibrahim, Direktor der Schule und Mitglied des lokalen Rats, der für einen nachhaltigen Umgang mit den Wasserressourcen verantwortlich ist.

Neben dem Wassertank, den Aktion gegen den Hunger errichtet hat, steht das alte Wasserbecken. „Es gab zu viele Löcher im alten Becken. Wir haben Wasser verloren. Wir mussten lange warten, bis alle genug Wasser hatten. Vor allem gab es viele Fälle von Malaria und Durchfall in unserem Dorf. Seitdem wir den neuen Tank haben, gibt es diese Krankheiten kaum noch und alle haben Zugang zu ausreichend Wasser“, berichtet Ibrahim.

Die Schule, in der Ibrahim unterrichtet, ist noch in Betrieb. Doch viele andere Schulen wurden von den Huthis, einer der Bürgerkriegsparteien im Jemen, in Kasernen umgebaut. Aufgrund dessen wurden viele der Schulen von der Islamischen Koalition im Kampf gegen die Huthis bombardiert.

„Viele Menschen, die hier wohnen, sind Fischer. Doch nach Beginn des Krieges wurde alles kompliziert.“ Auf dem Weg zum Hafen wurden die Menschen oft angehalten. Sie konnten nicht mehr mit ihren Booten hinausfahren und verloren ihre Lebensgrundlage. Diejenigen, die das Meer erreichen, fahren nicht mehr weit hinaus, da Flugzeuge das Gebiet permanent überfliegen. „Wir hatten vor dem Krieg nicht viel, doch jetzt ist das Leben noch schwieriger geworden“, erklärt Ibrahim (mit Fotos und Spendenaufruf)

https://www.aktiongegendenhunger.de/blog/jemen-die-situation-zahlreichen-doerfern-ist-kritisch#

25.10.2016 – Yemen Today TV (A H)

Film: Starvation at the Mokha coast

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fp-AbKq8mK4

25.10.2016 – Doctors Without Borders (B H)

.@MSF: + 51,000 war wounded & violence victims were treated in #MSF hospitals in #Yemen since March 2015

https://twitter.com/msf_yemen/status/790995354711945216

25.10.2016 – WHO (A H)

WHO has sent IV fluids, diarrhoeal disease kits & oral rehydration solutions to Al-Jumhoori and Al-Mahabisha hospitals in #Hajjah, #Yemen.

https://twitter.com/whoyemen/status/790961493927927808

25.10.2016 – AFP (* B H)

FEATURE: Coalition blockade strands thousands amid Yemen war

Leaving Yemen is now an unattainable dream for Abdulsalam Khaled, who cannot travel — despite being awarded a scholarship to pursue his education in India — because of a Saudi-led coalition blockade.

Khaled is one of thousands of people inside and outside Yemen who have been blocked from entering or leaving the war-torn country.

Sana’a International Airport was shut when the coalition resumed airstrikes on Aug. 9 around the city after the last round of peace talks in Kuwait collapsed.

It reopened days later, but only for humanitarian flights, which have to notify the coalition in advance.

Before Aug. 9, the sole operator still serving Sana’a — national carrier Yemenia — ran only a few scheduled commercial flights to Amman, Cairo and Nairobi.

“There are thousands of cases — students, patients, passengers and many others cannot travel,” Sana’a airport chief Khaled al-Shayef said.

Many others have also been stranded outside the country, unable to return home.

Mazen al-Soufi, who directs air traffic at the facility, spoke of “huge damage” caused by the airport’s closure.

“More than 20,000 people stuck outside Yemen want to come home,” he said.

“Many people in critical medical condition die every day because of the siege of Sana’a International Airport,” he said.

Soufi confirmed that there are “students who have lost their seats in universities” because of the blockade.

UN humanitarian coordinator in Yemen Jamie McGoldrick has said that “one of the bigger problems we face” is that “Yemeni air flights still don’t come to Sana’a.”

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/world/archives/2016/10/26/2003657961 = http://www.themalaymailonline.com/world/article/coalition-controls-on-yemen-strand-thousands

Comment: Note the different headlines given to this article in Taiwan (“blockade”) and Malaysia (“control”). Taiwan relying on reality, Malaysia on Saudi propaganda (see cp15).

Comment by Beatrice De Filippis: Bombing the airport included? Bombing the ports? #War on #Yemen and a bundle of endless lies. Changing the narrative won't change facts

https://twitter.com/Bilquis66/status/791018285865271297

25.10.2016 – PRI (* A H)

Saudis’ US-backed war in Yemen could leave ‘an entire generation crippled by hunger’

People in Yemen are struggling to feed themselves every day, as a brutal war between Houthi rebels and Saudi-backed government forces drags on unabated.

anew report from the UN's World Food Programsays the problem is getting worse and is affecting women and children the most.

Yemen imports 90 percent of its food. A deep economic crisis caused by the war and a coalition blockade on imports has sent the price of food, fuel and other basics sky-high. Human Rights Watchsaidlast year the blockade "has had a severe impact on the situation and may amount to the war crime of starvation of civilians as a method of warfare."

“An entire generation could be crippled by hunger,” said the World Food Program's Yemen director, Torben Due – by Robert Hall

http://www.pri.org/stories/2016-10-25/saudis-us-backed-war-yemen-could-leave-entire-generation-crippled-hunger

25.10.2016 – Shapban (A H)

psychologist in #Yemen's capital: our hospital is flooded with cases & we cannot attend to them all

https://twitter.com/shapban/status/790953189168250880

25.10.2016 – Agency for Technical Cooperation and Development (* A H)

Providing water and food for Yemenis in Al Dhale’e governorate

ACTED provides essential water trucking and cash for food to needy displaced families in Al Dhale’e governorate.

Families in Al Dhale’e governorate in central Yemen are some of the most vulnerable, having had to flee conflict from neighboring areas. As they try to find a safe place to restart life, these displaced households struggle to buy food and water for their familiies, leaving them malnourished and vulnerable to sickness. ACTED, in cooperation with ECHO, is working with 3,000 households in Al Dhale’e governorate, providing provide clean, safe water as well as cash to help families afford nutritious food.

So far, ACTED has installed 53 water tanks and distributed 2 jerry cans per family in preparation for three months of water trucking. In the process, ACTED also led trainings with each family on the importance of hygiene and nutrition, including a balanced diet, mother and infant feeding and proper feeding during pregnancy.

http://www.acted.org/fr/node/13545 = http://reliefweb.int/report/yemen/providing-water-and-food-yemenis-al-dhale-e-governorate

25.10.2016 – UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (* A H)

Yemen: Humanitarian Snapshot - A temporal overview of the conflict and its impact (as of 25 October 2016)

As the conflict in Yemen continues unabated, the trends show a devastating toll on civilians. Since March 2015, the number of people moving within the country in search of safety and livelihood has steadily increased to a staggering 3.2 million. At a time of widespread and worsening food insecurity, food imports remain in short supply, significantly driving up the price of commodities. Health facility based numbers on people killed and injured are now higher than at any other time in 2016. These numbers are believed to be much higher, however, since many injured do not seek help in a health facility and since many that die never make it to a facility. Also, since over half of health facilities, in 16 out of 22 governorates, are partially or totally not working, reporting capacity is functioning at sub optimal levels. The trends also reveal that those engaged in the conflict are not meeting their basic responsibilities, under international law, to respect, protect, and meet basic needs of the civilian population. Through a consistent presence, humanitarian partners have been able to steadily increase their reach to people in need across Yemen.
However, the response does not match the requirements, as less than half of the funding needed has been received.

http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/YEMEN_Hum.%20Snapshot_25102016.pdf

24.10.2016 – World Food Programme (* A H)

Map / Infographics: Yemen Emergency Dashboard

http://documents.wfp.org/stellent/groups/public/documents/ep/wfp288091.pdf = http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/wfp288091.pdf

25.10.2016 – AFP (* A H)

Film: Deadly cholera outbreak spreads in Yemen

Yemen's government announced that nine people had died of cholera in second city Aden as the infectious disease spread across the war-torn country.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vwo4jPAvcgY

25.10.2016 – TRT (* A H)

Film: The War In Yemen: Everyday is a struggle for survival

Everyday is a struggle for survival in Yemen. TRT World's Donald Cameron brings the latest from war-torn country.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4oBOIRTOHs

25.10.2016 – Al Araby (* A H)

Health organisations, government battle cholera outbreak in war-torn Yemen

More than 1,000 suspected cholera cases have been reported across war-torn Yemen, according to the World Health Organisation, which noted at least 3 deaths amid the escalating epidemic.

In Yemen’s third largest city of Taiz, 268 cases have been reported, while Aden has seen 258 cases, 151 in Lahj and 141 in Hodeidah, the WHO said.

The organisation – which has worked extensively in Yemen throughout the two-year conflict – announced it is stepping up its fight against cholera by partnering with Yemen’s Ministry of Health, as well as UNICEF Yemen, to take “necessary health measures to stop transmission & prevent the spread of cholera to other areas.”

The WHO said earlier that the scarcity of potable water has worsened the hygiene situation in Yemen, fuelling a marked increase in cases of severe diarrhoea, in particular among people displaced from their homes in the centre of the country.

UNICEF said health professionals in Sanaa had also reported several cases, as had medics in the besieged Taiz.

It said its team was working with doctors in Yemen to establish the cause of the outbreak and called on international donors to provide funding to work to improve the health situation there.

https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/society/2016/10/25/health-organisations-government-battle-cholera-outbreak-in-war-torn-yemen

25.10.2016 – Al Araby (A H)

Taiz sees urgent KSRelief medical aid as lifeline for city under siege KSRelief on Saturday distributed medical aid to Al-Rawdah, Al-Mothfar and Al-Ta’awun hospitals in the Yemeni province of Taiz, in coordination with the World Health Organization and a humanitarian relief coalition, supervised by the Higher Medical Committee in the province.
The aid consisted of medicines, medical supplies, surgical equipment, as well as IV treatment, antibiotics and medicines to treat fungi and parasites.
A medical management specialist from the coalition said the aid distribution is part of the urgent medical assistance program implemented in Taiz hospitals; it is an ongoing effort until all hospitals and health centers chosen by the Higher Medical Committee receive their share of medical supplies.
Acting director of Al-Mothfar hospital praised KSRelief’s humanitarian gesture, which is part of the center’s urgent assistance program for hospitals in Taiz, launched last week.
The program aims to distribute 12 tons of medicines and medical supplies to 12 hospitals and seven health centers in different districts of the province – by Mohammed Al-Sulami

http://www.arabnews.com/node/1002261/saudi-arabia

Comment by Judith Brown: Taiz is under seige but so is the rest of North Yemen, which is subject to a cruel embargo that us actually causing people to die. But it's always Taiz as if that is the only city starving - they are suffering a cruel ground war but the famine is worse in other parts of North Yemen.

https://www.facebook.com/judith.brown.794628/posts/10154842629883641

Comment: As Taiz is beleaguered by the Houthis, the whole North of Yemen is beleaguered and starved out by the Saudis – who by articles like this one make propaganda which should draw the attention off from their terrible role in Yemen.

24.10.2016 – ICRC (A H)

To improve people's access to water, we support the country's main water and sanitation corporations in #Taiz #Aden #Sanaa #Saada and more (photos)

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/790785285504299008

Comment by Judith Brown: Unfortunately the Saudi aerial bombardment continues and destroys ICRC's work over sand over again

https://www.facebook.com/judith.brown.794628/posts/10154844810248641

25.10.2016 – WAM (A H)

ERC begins operations of 5 new water wells in Yemen

The Emirates Red Crescent, ERC, yesterday began operations of 5 new water wells in Al Mukala province, after the completion of all civil works and connection of the wells with pumps, as part of its efforts to provide clean water to citizens and support the infrastructure in the Hadramaut coastal region.

The project is expected to benefit over 200,000 people, and is one of the ERC's vital projects to meet the growing water needs in the eastern regions of Al Mukalla at a total cost of YR217 million (US$855m).

http://www.wam.ae/en/news/emirates-international-aid/1395301758139.html

Comment by Judith Brown: Five new water wells but in Mukalla not where they desperately need water in the north and northwest.

https://www.facebook.com/judith.brown.794628/posts/10154842620013641

25.10.2016 – Judith Brown (* A B H)

Yemen famine and my 70th birthday

On Friday 28th October 2016, it is my 70th birthday. On that day, probably hundreds of Yemeni people, especially children, will die of starvation. This man made famine in Yemen is directly caused by a cruel embargo, which is stopping food from entering the west side of the country where most of the 25 million Yemenis live. The loading cranes at the port of Hodeida are unusable as they were bombed by hostile forces in 2015, and road and bridges that allow distribution of food have also been destroyed. Thousands of farms, warehouses including one run by Oxfam, grain silos, food factories, markets, water pumps, have been destroyed in a systematic manner over the last year. Also many lorries attempting to distribute food have also been bombed. Last week there was a 3 day truce in order to deliver humanitarian supplies – on the day before the truce began, the airports of Sanaa and Hodeida were yet again bombed, so that no aircraft carrying humanitarian supplies could land. Fishermen have been repeated bombed off the coast, making it far too dangerous for them to attempt to go to sea. Over 3.5 million people are displaced and living in makeshift tents caused by the aerial bombardment of their homes, aggravating problems caused by the lack of food and clean water.

This has caused a famine, particularly severe in the area of the Tihama, which borders the Red Sea, but a large part of the western area of Yemen is suffering badly. This has been worsened by the decision to move Yemen Central Bank out from Sanaa, the capital, a strategic decision made by Hadi, whom the world describes erroneously as a democratically elected president of Yemen.

Hadi was warned that moving the bank – that had been heroically paying salaries to all ‘sides’ in the conflict that was in itself delaying catastrophe in Yemen – would precipitate starvation of Yemeni people. Nonetheless Hadi moved the bank and salaries to those in the west of Yemen have now stopped. Bank notes that remain in circulation are tattered and becoming unusable.

Horrific pictures of starving men, women and children are now circulating on the Internet. Almost certainly tens of thousands of small children, maybe hundreds of thousands, have already died. These deaths are not included in war statistics and indeed are not being collected. Cholera is now sweeping Yemen as the water supply is drying up and deteriorating, causing further deaths. All of this with little attention from the world’s media. It is made worse by the deterioration of the health services in Yemen caused by aerial bombardment and embargo.

On my 70th birthday, I would like to raise money for the starving in Yemen (with photos)

I thank you, so sincerely, for reading my story. Please donate today to https://www.justgiving.com/account/your-pages/Judith-Brown13

https://yemen-news-today.org/2016/10/25/yemen-famine-and-my-70th-birthday/

25.10.2016 – MONA Relief (A H)

@monareliefye & @iom_yemen has hunched today a new Child Friendly Space at al-Nood center for the blind in Sanaa. #Yemen @monarelief (photos)

https://twitter.com/Fatikr/status/790859475880140805

24.10.2016 – Your Ability (A H)

During the distribution of food packages there is much in need of assistance Tehama Ba to food and health supplies (photos)

https://twitter.com/YourAbility_org/status/790673915530051585

24.10.2016 – MONA Relief (* A H)

@monareliefye's office in Hodeidah conducted a survey in all villages of al-Tuhitah area,where 1000s straving to death (images)

https://twitter.com/Fatikr/status/790638018851897344

24.10.2016 – MONA Relief (* A H)

.@monareliefye's office in Hodeidah to distribute school bags tomorrow to orphan students at Hodeidah schools (photos)

https://twitter.com/Fatikr/status/790671108970258433

@monareliefye's crew in Hodeidah distributes school bags to orphan students at Hodeidah schools.We are doing our best bc ur support (photos)

https://twitter.com/Fatikr/status/790938613152440321

23.10.2016 – Fuad Rajeh (B H)

Hodeida or Hudaydah is one of most densely populated cities in Yemen. In west. Poorest city-now dying from hunger. City of malnourished kids (photos)

https://twitter.com/fuadrajeh/status/790169924220125184

23.10.2016 – World Food Programme (A H)

Map: Yemen: Access Constraints as of 23 October 2016

http://www.logcluster.org/map/yemen-access-constraints-map-23-october-2016 = http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/yem_op_accessconstraints_a3l_20161023.pdf

22.10.2016 – ICRC (B H)

There are real people and real stories behind the statistics of Yemen's conflict (photo)

https://twitter.com/icrc_ye/status/789889082419732480

22.10.2016 – Mohammed Al-Asaadi (B H)

These displaced children fetch for whatever food in Hodeidah's garbage dump to live on. Over 15 million people in #Yemen are food insecure (photo)

https://twitter.com/alasaadim/status/789885857712963584

10.10.2016 – La Informacion (* B H)

Desgarrador testimonio desde Saná: "Mis hijos solo hablan de muerte y miedo"

[an article on life in#Sanaa, where children only speak of fear and death.]

LaInformacion.com habla con una familia yemení, que vive en la capital, uno de las zonas más castigadas por los bombardeos saudíes desde hace 19 meses.

“Yara solo habla de muerte y miedo. No es lo que deseas para tu hijo, de solo diez años”, con estas desgarradoras palabras describe Mohammed Almotawakerlel infierno en vida en el que se ha convertido Yemen, la tierra en la que nació y que no quiere abandonar, pese a la guerra.“No voy a abandonar mi país ni regalárselo a los saudíes”, dice, con rotundidad – PORSUSANA CAMPO

http://www.lainformacion.com/mundo/Sana-solo-habla-muerte-miedo_0_961404312.html

cp5 Nordjemen und Huthis / Northern Yemen and Houthis

25.10.2016 – Saba Net (A P)

President decrees to amend 1st article of granting general amnesty

President Saleh al-Sammad issued decree No. 39 for 2016 for amending the first article of the decree No. 16 for 2016 about organizing the implementation mechanism of granting general amnesty.

http://www.sabanews.net/en/news444730.htm

24.10.2016 – Press TV Iran (A P)

Yemeni NGOs call for genuine UN commitment to end war

Yemeni NGOs have held a press conference in Sana'a to demand action from the United Nations on the ongoing Saudi aggression. They say the world body's efforts have not been enough to end the killing of civilians and address the humanitarian crisis.

Our correspondent Mohamed al-Attab has this report.

http://presstv.com/Detail/2016/10/24/490539/Yemen-Saudi-Arabia-UN-

24.10.2016 – Reuters (A)

Yemeni graffiti artists hope images will highlight war horrors

Yemeni street artists are daubing the capital's walls with haunting images of war and starving children in an effort to highlight the impact conflict is having on the country's population.

The graffiti, including a malnourished child locked in a blood-red coffin, is turning heads in a country where more than two thirds of the population are in need of some form of humanitarian aid, according to the United Nations.

"We came up with this campaign because of the internal and external wars in Yemen, the economic crisis, all of these factors led to famine and poverty in Yemen," said participating artist, Thou Yazan Al Alawi.

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-street-art-idUSKCN12O22O and film by BOOM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ua72nOl2Oeo

24.10.2016 – Almasdar (A P)

Houthi gunmen assault protesting mothers of detainees north Yemen

Gunmen loyal to Houthi armed group and former president Ali Abdullah Saleh have assaulted on Monday a sit-in protesting mothers against the detention of their sons in prisons of Houthi-Saleh alliance in Yemen’s capital Sana’a. Said Al-Masdaronline reporter.

The protesting detainees’ mothers organized a sit-in before the office of UN commission in Sana’a which Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed is visiting.

The mothers demanded the imemediate release of their sons who have been detained by forces of Houthi-Saleh for almost two years in Sana’a.

The gunmen dispersed the protesting mothers by force, carried out vitriolic attacks on them and threatened to beat them up.

This attack came to prevent the protestors demanding UN to release those detained and abducted in prisons of Houthi-Saleh alliance.

http://almasdaronline.com/article/85717

24.10.2016 – Khaber Agency (A P)

Kidney failure patients in Yemen demonstrate in front of the United Nations

Carried dozens of patients and growers kidney, Monday, October 24 / October 2016, a protest in front of the UN building in the capital Sanaa, demanding to intervene and provide the support necessary for patients with renal failure in Yemen (photo)

https://www.facebook.com/SaudiArabia.war.crimes.against.Yemen/posts/1595326550763333

and what propaganda is making out of this see here:

24.10.2016 – Yemen Updates (A)

100s of armed men surround Sheraton Sana'a, the fortified residence of UN staff and where @OSESGY is staying.

https://twitter.com/yemen_updates/status/790480326757842944

24.10.2016 – Almasdar (* B H P)

921civilian detainees are in prisons of Houthi-Saleh in Yemen’s Hajja: local NGO

921 civilians have been detained by Houthi gunmen and forces loyal to former president Ali Abdullah Saleh since the eruption of conflict two years ago in Hajja province northwest Yemen. Said a report by local human rights NGO.

The report released by Coalition of Human Rights and Humanitarian Organizations stated that 412 detainees have been subject to psychological and physical torture including beating with stalks and electric detonators.

Most of the detainees are students and 81 cases of torture and abduction, one of the detainees have died under torture while another one got a hemiplegia. Added the report.

http://almasdaronline.com/article/85724

23.10.2016 – Almasdar (* A K)

Houthi gunmen confiscate a relief convoy for 400 displaced families in Taiz

Houthi gunmen and forces loyal to former president Ali Abdullah Saleh have confiscated a convoy of humanitarian relief assistance for 400 displaced families western Yemen’s Taiz city. Said a press release for local humanitarian CSO on Sunday.

An for Development organization said that all mediation efforts with Houthi forces have fallen short to release the convoy which has been detained in a Houthi checkpoint in Taiz western entry point since three weeks.

The convoy was boarded with relief baskets and supplies for 400 displaced families in Al-Masirakh district of Taiz province.

http://almasdaronline.com/article/85697

23.10.2016 – Almasdar (* A H K)

Houthi gunmen abduct 38 civilians in Al-Dhalea southern Yemen

Houthi gunmen and forces loyal to former president Ali Abdullah Saleh have abducted 38 civilians on Sunday in Al-Haqab village of Al-Dhalea province southern Yemen. Reported local sources.

The sources said that a broad wave of abduction started last Friday by forces of Houthi-Saleh against civilians in the area most of whom were activists and community leaders.

The forces stormed houses, looted properties and detained the people incarcerating them in prisons of Houthi armed group in Damat city.

This wave which brought about wide resentment came on the heel of fierce resistance by the village residents to advancement of Houthi-Saleh force. Sources added.

http://almasdaronline.com/article/85696

cp6 Südjemen und Hadi-Regierung / Southern Yemen and Hadi-government

24.10.2016 – Almasdar (A P)

Yemen’s PM leaves for Saudi capital again

Yemen’s prime minister of the internationally recognized government has on Monday left for the Saudi capital Riyadh the exile in which the government has stayed more than a year. Sources said.

The prime minister Ahmed Aubaid Bin Dagher left Jordanian capital for Riyadh in accompany of two female minsters in his cabinet while other minsters are still in the government-held city of Aden southern Yemen.

Senior official said to Al-Masdaronline that the rest members of the cabinet are expected to leave the country in the next hours to Riyadh.

http://almasdaronline.com/article/85718

Comment: That shows what the Hadi government really is “controlling” in Yemen: not even their capital city Aden.

22.10.2016 – Haykal Bafana (A H P)

More idiocy : Riyadh-based #Yemen "president" Hadi orders stop to supply of cooking gas from Marib to Sanaa & all Houthi-controlled areas.

https://twitter.com/bafana3/status/789912337536970757

Comment by Judith Brown: Now more pressure. There is little enough gas in Yemen and it is very expensive. People are chopping down trees to cook already. Now Hadi has ordered that cooking gas can't be delivered to Sanaa. Is he human this man or just a machine that plans how people can be slowly killed?

https://www.facebook.com/judith.brown.794628/posts/10154841132623641

Comment by me: One more sign that Hadi is leading war against the whole population, not just against army and fighters of Houthi / Saleh-held Yemen.

cp7 UNO und Friedensgespräche / UN and peace talks

25.10.2016 – Human Rights Watch (* A P)

UN: Violators Undermine Human Rights Council

Russia, Saudi Arabia Should Not Sit on Top Rights Body

The candidacies of Saudi Arabia and Russia for the United Nations Human Rights Council are severely compromised because of their widespread unlawful attacks on civilians in Yemen and Syria respectively. The annual election for seats on the 47-nation Human Right Council will be held in the General Assembly on October 28, 2016.

Accepting Saudi Arabia and Russia’s re-election bids would be contrary to the basic standards for which the Human Rights Council was created 10 years ago, and risk undermining the credibility of the UN’s top human rights body and its ability to hold abusers accountable. UN member states should take this into account when considering how they will vote.

UN member countries should put an end to closed slates, scrap vote-trading, and be clear that countries elected should expect their own human rights records to be subject to increased scrutiny during their council terms.

In June 2016, Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, joined by a broad coalition of nongovernmental organizations, called for suspending Saudi Arabia from the Human Rights Council due to the Saudi-led coalition’s numerous illegal attacks on civilians in Yemen.

https://www.hrw.org/news/2016/10/24/un-violators-undermine-human-rights-council

25.10.2016 – AP (A P)

Uno-Gesandter stellt in Sanaa Friedensplan für Jemen vor

Der Uno-Sondergesandte für den Jemen hat Huthi-Rebellen in der Hauptstadt Sanaa einen Friedensplan vorgestellt, der den seit 19 Monaten andauernden Krieg in dem arabischen Land beenden soll. Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed sei nach eintägigem Aufenthalt am Dienstag wieder abgereist, verlautete aus Huthi-Kreisen. Nach deren Angaben sieht der Uno-Plan vor, dass der von den Huthis bekämpfte Präsident Abed Rabbo Mansur Hadi auf Befugnisse verzichtet und Milizen aus grösseren Städten abgezogen werden.

http://www.nzz.ch/international/krieg-in-jemen-uno-gesandter-stellt-in-sanaa-friedensplan-fuer-jemen-vor-ld.124162

25.10.2016 – UN Department of Public Information (* A P)

United Nations Special Envoy for Yemen, Mr. Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, concludes visit to Yemen, 25 October 2016

The United Nations Special Envoy for Yemen, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed concluded today a three day visit to Sana'a where he held meetings with several representatives of the General People’s Congress, Ansarallah, Yemeni activists and foreign diplomats.

The Special Envoy presented the Houthi-General People’s Congress delegation with a written roadmap that addresses security and political arrangements. The delegation agreed to respond to the proposal in the coming days.

The Special Envoy stressed that "all parties must cooperate fully and swiftly to support political alternatives to secure lasting peace guided by a conviction that violence is never a viable solution. The previous weeks and months confirmed that there are no winners in war and violence is never a viable solution."

At the end of the visit, the Special Envoy emphasized the importance of reaching a comprehensive and peaceful resolution to the conflict, and urged the parties to agree to an extension of the Cessation of Hostilities.

He noted the importance of allowing free and unhindered access for humanitarian supplies and personnel to all parts of Yemen. "Yemeni men and women have found themselves trapped in a deadly crossfire for too long and they are paying the price for the indiscriminate violence in the country. This must stop," he said.

The Special Envoy visited the site of the funeral hall attack that took place three weeks ago in Sana'a. He met representatives of the families of the victims. He noted the urgent need to open up Yemeni airspace to commercial aircraft and to evacuate the injured for treatment.

http://www.unog.ch/unog/website/news_media.nsf/(httpNewsByYear_en)/F7E35965142131EDC12580570057CEE3?OpenDocument = http://reliefweb.int/report/yemen/united-nations-special-envoy-yemen-mr-ismail-ould-cheikh-ahmed-concludes-visit-yemen-25

25.10.2016 – AP (A P)

UN Envoy to Yemen hands peace plan outline to rival parties

According to a statement by Ahmed's office, the UN envoy presented "a written roadmap that addresses security and political arrangements." The statement said that Houthis and their allies said they will give their response in the coming days. He gave no details on the road map.

According to the Houthi-affiliated politician, the peace plan also includes transferring the powers of the internationally-recognized president to a new prime minister and a vice president, in addition to the formation of a national unity government, while easing out Houthis from cities under their control. The deal also suggests the formation of a team of international observers to supervise the militias' withdrawal. It proposes a one to two-year-transitional period paving the way for presidential elections.

The politician spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly on the issue.

It is not clear whether Hadi's government would approve the proposed plan – by Ahmed Al-Haj

http://www.valleymorningstar.com/news/world/article_7ead1f26-f694-510a-9762-87cdc3b598c0.html = http://www.wbtv.com/story/33475859/un-envoy-to-yemen-hands-peace-plan-outline-to-rival-parties

25.10.2016 – AFP (A P)

UN awaits response from Yemen rebels to peace roadmap

The UN envoy for Yemen on Tuesday presented a proposal to the Huthi rebels and their allies on advancing prospects for peace as protests marred the final day of his talks in Sanaa.

Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed said the rebels would give their response to the written roadmap on political and security arrangements in the coming days.

Hundreds of people demonstrated outside the envoy's hotel in the rebel-held capital, accusing him of siding with the Saudi-led coalition backing the Yemeni government and demanding that he leave the country.

"All parties must cooperate fully and swiftly to support political alternatives to secure lasting peace guided by a conviction that violence is never a viable solution," Ould Cheikh Ahmed said in a statement.

"The previous weeks and months confirmed that there are no winners in war and violence is never a viable solution."

http://www.france24.com/en/20161025-un-awaits-response-yemen-rebels-peace-roadmap

25.10.2016 – Middle East Monitor (A P)

UN’s Yemen peace plan delivered to warring parties

“Another copy of the plan had been given to the Yemeni government’s delegation at its temporary residence in the Saudi capital Riyadh,” Ould Cheikh said at a news conference at Sanaa International Airport following his two-day visit.

He said the plan included comprehensive security and political solutions for both sides.

A source close to the government delegation toldAnadolu Agencythat the proposal included a scheme for a Houthi withdrawal from cities and the formation of a unity government.

“The plan addressed other issues such as a referendum on the constitution and holding presidential elections,” the source said on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on talking to the media.

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20161025-uns-yemen-peace-plan-delivered-to-warring-parties/

Comment: Insisting in UN resolution 2216 and unilateral withdrawal of the Houthis simply will not work. Why should they? Either all armed forces remove or none.

25.10.2016 – UN Envoy to Yemen (* A P)

I note the urgent need to open up Yemeni airspace to commercial aircraft and to evacuate the injured for treatment

https://twitter.com/OSESGY/status/790995275309522944

Comments below: Did you also note there is a war or you miss that too. Pathetic Hypocrisy.

Specify mention Sana'a airport, not " open up Yemen airspace " this could be Aden or Mukala airports. Disaster is in Sana'a.

Again specify " injured " and say such as funeral hall injuries. This will not kill you. It will show us you are trustworthy.

I visited the site of the funeral hall attack that took place three weeks ago in Sana'a & met representatives of the families of the victims

https://twitter.com/OSESGY/status/790995213548417025

Comments below: I don't understand! Why it took you so long to visit the site of this horrific massacre?! Why you keep silent about Saudi massacres?

and what you going to do about it the saudis jet is throwing bombs everywhere in yemen as soon is you left sanaa airport?

Yemenis have found themselves trapped in deadly crossfire and they are paying the price for the indiscriminate violence. This must stop

https://twitter.com/OSESGY/status/790994995885006849

Comments below: your saudi bosses had admitted war crimes for 8.10.16, your hypocritical stance shows you approve of that you Nazi aider

I think you should quit this job? You no longer have anything new to offer, neither you can be tough with the Saudi aggressors

South Yemen people peaceful 2007 - 2015 will be an armed revolution if you do not respond to the demands of the people of the south

It is essential to reach a comprehensive and peaceful resolution to the conflict. I urge all parties to agree to an extension of the CoH

Did anyone else told you, How useless you are?

Comments below: U just support the strong party, who is the main reasons to suffering Yemen today!!!

nonsense, Yemen has a gov. under it's constitution by its Supreme Council, tell your bosses to comply with the law + stop airstrikes

You are a liar did not mention the Saudi master nor by word, although it is ignited war and kill Yemenis

We appreciate your patience and perseverance, you are a masterful politician you deserve respect, "appreciation

You will enter a generic dictionary of meanness and lying all the blood being shed is not only intended for

The previous weeks and months confirmed that there are no winners in war and violence is never a viable solution

https://twitter.com/OSESGY/status/790994303409647616

Comments below: tell your saudi bosses to respect the sovereignty of its neighbours you hypocrite

You are a liar did not mention the Saudi master nor by word, although it is ignited war and kill Yemenis

24.10.2016 – Kuwait Times (A P)

The State of Kuwait is ready to continue efforts to achieve an agreement among the Yemeni parties, to put an end to the conflict in the country, said Kuwait’s Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled Al-Jarallah yesterday.

This came in Al-Jarallah’s reply to a reporter’s question on Kuwait’s vision towards the current situation in Yemen, as he emerged from the opening session of a meeting held by a panel on preventing the funding of the so-called Islamic State (IS) — under umbrella of the Global Coalition Against the IS.

http://news.kuwaittimes.net/website/kuwait-ready-continue-efforts-end-yemens-crisis-jarallah-kuwait-stands-equal-distance-lebanese-parties/

24.10.2016 – Nasser Arrabyee / Living in Yemen on the Edge (A P)

UN envoy to Yemen visiting today Sanaa Holocaust against over 3000 mourners committed by US-backed Saudi war criminals on Oct8

After having refused TWICE to visit the Gathering Hall, scene of what is known as the#SanaaMassacre, UN Special Envoy to#Yemenfinally decided to inspect [it]

https://twitter.com/narrabyee/status/790561460950855680 and https://www.facebook.com/LivingInYemenOnTheEdge/photos/a.961595153893515.1073741828.961126490607048/1144462828940079/?type=3

cp8 Saudi-Arabien / Saudi Arabia

25.10.2016 – Ali AlAhmed (A E)

#Saudi petrochemical companies are cutting salaries & forcing employees to take long unpaid leave. Great job (images)

https://twitter.com/AliAlAhmed_en/status/791051384011579392 v

25.10.2016 – Sad881s (A H P)

names of 31 individuals died from torture in #Saudi prisons

https://twitter.com/sad881s/status/790962217978126336

#Saudi woman,Hanan al-Dhiybani died from torture in prison. Her mom found her watching Jihadi films & called police

https://twitter.com/sad881s/status/790890642289426436

25.10.2016 – Business Insider (* A E)

2 charts show how the oil crash is devastating Saudi Arabia's economy

Saudi Arabia, the most powerful political and economic player in the Middle East and the de-facto leader of the oil producers cartel OPEC, is having a tough couple of years thanks to the crash in the price of oil.

The state is almost completely reliant on oil for government revenues, and is already running a huge budget deficit. In the past year, it has been forced to draw heavily down on its foreign exchange reserves to provide extra capital, putting the Saudi government in an even weaker position.

The charts below, from Jan Stuart, Jonathan Aronson, and Abraham Kahn at Credit Suisse, illustrate just how badly the oil crash has affected the nation, with FX reserves and oil profits dropping sharply in the past two years – by Will Martin

http://www.businessinsider.de/credit-suisse-charts-on-saudi-arabia-oil-crash-opec-2016-10?r=UK&IR=T

24.10.2016 – Bin Ghalib (A)

The Saudi regime are looting the people by force lands (film)

https://twitter.com/naji1290/status/790624540992864256

24.10.2016 – Newsbud (** B P T)

Missing from Hillary Clinton’s Email: Saudis Worked with CIA to Create Terror

The financial elite in the West played a direct role in the spread of Wahhabism. In 1976 Saudi Prince Mohammed al-Faisal established the Faisal Islamic Bank of Egypt (FIBE). Several of founding members were leading members of the Muslim Brotherhood, including the “Blind Sheikh,” Sheikh Omar Abdul-Rahman, implicated and in the first World Trade Center bombing in February 1993. The Muslim Brotherhood became an MI6 and later a CIA asset during the covert war and assassination plot against the nationalist pan-Arab leader in Egypt, Gamal Abdel Nasser.

FIBE and the rise of Islamic banking following the dramatic increase in oil prices in 1973 are closely associated with neoliberal financial policies and the philosophy of the of the Chicago School of Economics and the monetary prescriptions of the International Monetary Fund. FIBE worked closely with the infamous Bank of Credit and Commerce International (BCCI), a renegade bank used to fund covert terrorist activity and launder money, sell illegal weapons, and facilitate the international drug trade. After BCCI crashed and burned in 1991, investigators discovered it held $589 million in “unrecorded deposits,” $245 million of which were placed with FIBE. “BCCI consisted of a complex alliance of intelligence agencies, multinational corporations, weapons dealers, drug traffickers, terrorists, global bankers and high-ranking government officials,” writesDavid DeGraw.

The Muslim Brotherhood also established the al-Taqwa Bank in 1988. It funded radical Wahabbi groups, including al-Qaeda. The bank was associated with the late Said Ramadan, one of the Muslim Brotherhood’s top leaders. Ramadan was the son-in-law of Hassan al-Banna, the founder of the Muslim Brotherhood. He also helped the Saudi monarchy establish the Muslim World League in 1962. The organization would later fund al-Qaeda and numerous other terror groups. Declassified Swiss documents from the 1960s reveal Ramadan was an asset of the CIA and British intelligence.

The United States is reluctant to criticize its Wahhabi partner and seriously endanger the neocon-spawned “Arc of Crisis” carefully designed to divide and balkanize the Arab and Muslin Middle east.

Hillary Clinton clarified the objective in an email dated November 30, 2015. “The best way to help Israel deal with Iran’s growing nuclear capability is to help the people of Syria overthrow the regime of Bashar Assad,”Clinton writes. “Bringing down Assad would not only be a massive boon to Israel’s security, it would also ease Israel’s understandable fear of losing its nuclear monopoly.” – by Kurt Nimmo

http://www.newsbud.com/2016/10/24/missing-from-hillary-clintons-email-saudis-worked-with-cia-to-create-terror/

24.10.2016 – Al Arabiya (A P)

Saudi deputy economy minister regrets using ‘bankruptcy’ term

Saudi Deputy Minister of Economy and Planning Mohammad al-Tuwaijri has clarified that using the term “bankruptcy” while discussing Saudi Arabia’s economic situation was a misjudgment on his part.
Tuwaijri said: “I’m declaring it publicly, probably my expression betrayed me by using such a stern phrase.”

The deputy minister said last week that Saudi Arabia would have faced bankruptcy in three to four years if it had not imposed austerity policies.
However, he emphasized: “That does mean we are not having a structural economic problem.”

https://english.alarabiya.net/en/business/economy/2016/10/24/Saudi-deputy-economy-minister-regrets-using-bankruptcy-term.html

Comment: He certainly had preferred to keep his head on his shoulders.

23.10.2016 – Forbes (A E)
'We're Doomed For Bankruptcy' Unless Changes Made, Says Saudi Official

Saudi Arabia, once thought immune to any prolonged downturn in oil prices, has also felt the pinch as prices have trended downward from $115 per barrel in mid-2014 to a low in the $20s-range in January, followed by a rebound to the high $40s to low $50s range.

The kingdom ran a record highbudget deficit of $98 billion last year with an estimated $87 billion deficit forecasted for this year. Low oil prices have hit Riyadh’s state coffers so hard that it made itfirst international bond sale last week, worth $17.5 billion, to bring in much needed cash.

In order to rein in expenses, the government has done what was once thought unthinkable – cutting costs and expenditures. At the beginning of the year, Saudi state media reported that the Finance Ministry would cut spending, adopt new taxes and reduce price subsidies for fuel, water and power – by Tim Daiss

http://www.forbes.com/sites/timdaiss/2016/10/23/we-are-doomed-to-bankruptcy-unless-changes-made-says-saudi-official/#164cfe134471

23.10.2016 – Al Arabiya (A)

Saudi man who beheaded his parents arrested in Taif

https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2016/10/23/Saudi-man-who-beheaded-his-parents-arrested-in-Taif.html and see https://www.facebook.com/NotoWahabism/photos/a.446760528785868.1073741828.446357405492847/1003101619818420/?type=3

cp9 USA

25.10.2016 - Der Standard (* A K P)

Clinton wird robustere US-Außenpolitik verfolgen
Angenommen, die Meinungsforscher liegen richtig und Hillary Clinton wird am 8. November zur Präsidentin gewählt: Für die Außenpolitik der USA bedeutet es eine markante Akzentverschiebung. Nicht, dass die Weltmacht zurückkehren würde zur burschikosen Hybris eines George W. Bush.

Doch die realpolitische Vorsicht, Markenzeichen Barack Obamas, dürfte einer robusteren, offensiveren Strategie weichen. Während Obama überzeugt ist, dass es nach dem Zweiten Weltkrieg allzu oft mit einem Fiasko endete, wenn die USA militärisch intervenierten, sieht es Clinton eher durch die rosarote Brille: In der Bilanz bewirke US-Eingreifen mehr Gutes als Schlechtes. Sie lässt keinen Zweifel daran, dass sie absolut an die Ausnahmestellung der USA in der Welt glaubt. (…)

http://derstandard.at/2000046426929/Clinton-wird-robustere-US-Aussenpolitik-verfolgen

Kommentar: Die Wortwahl ist sehr befremdlich: „robustere US-Außenpolitik“, was nichts anderes bedeuten kann, als Krieg nicht mehr nur „versteckt“ über Stellvertreter, sondern für alle sichtbar (wieder Angriffskriege (?) ohne UNO-Mandat) zu führen.

25.10.2016 – Al Monitor (* A P)

Is US reconsidering its support for Saudi Arabia in Yemen war?

The recent missile attacks on US vessels off Yemen’s coast as well as the limited US response suggest that Washington may be disengaging from the war in Yemen and putting pressure on Saudi Arabia to follow suit – by Maysaa Shuja al-Deen

http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2016/10/yemen-war-us-attacks-houthis-saudi-arabia.html

Comment: Just this I don’t believe. This just will be minor disharmonies, Saudi Arabia will stay US’ main ally in the region, thus all US support finally will stay as it is. Especially, if Hillary Clinton “the hawk” will win the election.

25.10.2016 – Student Newspaper (A P)

Silence over US bombing of Yemen shows media hypocrisy

gaining knowledge about the intricacies would require both the skill to derive information from a variety of conflicting sources and the tenacity to wade your way through them in the first place.

[Turning to the media,] we are reliant solely upon what we are told.

Take for example the fact that in Yemen on October 8, a 225kg US-made bomb was dropped on a funeral procession by the US-sponsored Saudi-led coalition.

Of course, the US cannot afford to be associated with any war crimes, which is perhaps why National Security Council spokesman Ned Price released a statement in response:

“In light of this attackand other recent incidents, we have initiated an immediate review of our already significantly reduced support to the Saudi-led Coalition and are prepared to adjust our support so as to better align with U.S. principles, values and interests.”

Unfortunately, this statement was as good as nullified as of October 12 when the US directly entered the Yemen war by launching ‘retaliatory’ cruise missiles at sites controlled by the rebel movement.

Safe to say, the whole situation is not reflecting well on the US as a whole, which is precisely why it fails to receive extensive media coverage. The media is currently fixated on one thing only: the presidential election – BYGHAZAL ABBASI

http://www.studentnewspaper.org/silence-over-us-bombing-of-yemen-shows-media-hypocrisy/

25.10.2016 – US Security Cooperation Agency (A K P)

News release Transmittal No: 16-45

The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the United Arab Emirates for exercise participation support. The estimated cost is $75 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on October 21, 2016.

The Government of the UAE requested a possible sale to include participation in military exercises, aerial refueling, airlift and ferry support, training aids/devices/munitions, technical and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistical and program support. The estimated cost is $75 million.

This proposed sale contributes to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a major regional ally which has been, and continues to be, an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East.

This proposed sale contributes to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the ability of the UAE to employ its fighter aircraft in a multi-country coalition environment, such as Red Flag and Green Flag exercises. Participating in major exercises has enhanced the UAE's continued and consistent role in support of Coalition Operations. The UAE is a steadfast coalition partner in the fight against radical Islamic forces such as ISIL and Al Qaeda (AQAP) in the Arabian Peninsula.

http://www.dsca.mil/major-arms-sales/united-arab-emirates-uae-exercise-participation-support

Comment: Carefully read the jusitifications and wherefor the whole matter will be used: “helping to improve the ability of the UAE to employ its fighter aircraft in a multi-country coalition environment”– that simply is: Bombing Yemen.

25.10.2016 – AFP (A P)

US general visits Saudi amid Yemen bombing concerns

The head of US military operations in the Middle East wrapped up an unannounced visit to Saudi Arabia Tuesday, amid mounting friction over the kingdom's bombing campaign in neighbouring Yemen.

An international outcry over the civilian death toll from the air war against pro-Iran rebels launched by a Saudi-led coalition in March last year prompted the White House to announce a review of US intelligence and logistics support earlier this month.

But Washington has trod a wary line, not wanting to strain already delicate relations with Riyadh, a key Middle East ally and partner in the US-led coalition battling the Islamic State group in Syria.

US Central Command chief General Joseph Votel held talks on Monday with top officials including the defence minister, Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Votel told reporters travelling with him that he wanted to hear Saudi concerns.

"The first thing we are trying to do is listen to what they are telling us. It's important to maintain confidence in the relationship," he said.

The official Saudi Press Agency reported that Prince Mohammed and Votel discussed defence cooperation and joint efforts in "combatting terrorism".

http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/afp/2016/10/yemen-conflict-saudi-us-diplomacy-military.html = http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/yemen/us-general-visits-riyadh-to-discuss-yemen-1.1918519

Comment: This clearly shows: US and Saudi Arabia will stay close allies, there will be no cut in US support and arms sales.

25.10.2016 – Forbes (* A P)

America Should Quit Saudi Arabia's War In Yemen: The Senseless Killing Must Stop

The Yemeni people are paying the price for Riyadh’s determination to reinstate an unpopular government friendly to the royal family. This commitment to rule or ruin apparently comes from deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, known more for his ambition than judgment.

Without a vote of Congress the Obama administration has joined the Saudi-led coalition in war.

No longer can the Obama administration pretend that fighting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s war has no consequences. Washington has turned the U.S. into a foreign target, yet again.

Still, the administration played the victim card, claiming that it destroyed Houthi radar stations in “self-defense.” However, the U.S. had provided targeting intelligence, refueled airplanes, trained pilots, and supplied munitions to Riyadh since the latter, backed by several other Gulf states, attacked Yemen in March 2015. The Pentagon even deployed ships to prevent Iranian vessels from approaching Yemen’s coast.

By taking an active role in the Yemeni civil war Washington made Americans as responsible as Saudis for the carnage in the world’s poorest nations.

President Barack has developed a reputation for being reluctant to plunge into new Middle Eastern wars. What possessed him to decide to help kill Houthi rebels who had not threatened America? The administration’s involvement appears to be an embarrassed response to Riyadh’s criticism of the Iran nuclear deal. Instead of dismissing the royals’ presumption that American policy should revolve around their desires, the U.S. backed their aggressive war for regional influence – by Doug Bandow

http://www.forbes.com/sites/dougbandow/2016/10/25/america-should-quit-saudi-arabias-war-in-yemen-the-senseless-killing-must-stop/#3b3b06e116a4

25.10.2016 – The Baltimore Sun (* A P)

Where's the outrage over Saudi atrocities in Yemen?

Regarding your editorial "Aleppo's agony" (Oct. 13), why hasn't there been equal concern for the suffering in Yemen caused by U.S.-backed Saudi airstrikes?

Why is there no concern about the bombings of civilians at weddings and funerals and of hospitals and schools by Saudi warplanes in Yemen using U.S. weapons and mid-air refueling?

Why is your editorial supporting giving weapons, training and supplies to "moderate terrorists " in Syria? Why no outcry about U.S. bombing of civilians, hospitals, schools in the Syrian city of Manbij?

The U.S. should end its alliance with the barbaric Saudis and hold them accountable for their role in supporting al-Qaida's Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the U.S. – by Martin Glaser

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/readersrespond/bs-ed-yemen-letter-20161024-story.html

24.10.2016 – Counterpunch / Antiwar (* B P)

The Tragedy in Yemen

Imagine if the Islamic Republic of Iran, complaining that its regional rival Saudi Arabia was meddling in a neighbor’s politics for sectarian reasons, led a coalition to invade that country. As a result, after 18 months, at least 10,000 civilians had been killed or wounded, more than half the country’s people needed food aid and three million people had been displaced.

Sanctions would be leveled. Pundits would write agonized essays comparing the country to Nazi Germany. Sabers would be rattled. War would likely follow. However, when these roles are reversed and the Saudis and their Gulf allies are the aggressors, it’s a different story.

Why the double standard? Because the US is allied to the Saudi royals and the US was evicted from Iran. When a friend commits a war crime, excuses are made.

The American people have a moral responsibility to contact their representatives and demand they vote to end their government’s support of the illegal intervention in the poorest country in the Middle East – by Derek Royden

http://www.counterpunch.org/2016/10/25/the-tragedy-in-yemen/ = https://www.antiwar.com/blog/2016/10/24/the-tragedy-in-yemen/

24.10.2016 – Japan Times (* B K P)

To halt conflict in Yemen, U.S. must cut Saudi aid

But the Saudi coalition is not the only party in Yemen facing scrutiny for potential war crimes. The funeral attack has refocused attention on the U.S.’ deepening involvement in the Riyadh-led war. In addition to providing intelligence assistance and refueling support, Washington has rushed billions of dollars worth in smart bombs and spare parts to help the Saudi air force continue its bombing campaign.

The U.S. and other Western powers have not heeded previous international criticism of Saudi actions in Yemen.

Today, the war is creating more extremism, allowing militants affiliated with Islamic State and al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula — the most dangerous of al-Qaida’s offshoots — to establish new safe havens.

While Saudi leaders criticize Obama for “abandoning” his traditional allies in the Middle East, and shifting U.S. foreign policy toward Iran, his administration has sold more weapons to the kingdom than any previous one.

As the Yemen war grinds on and civilian casualties mount, the Obama administration must answer for its support of the Saudi campaign, which is prolonging the conflict. Even if Saudi Arabia balks at ending its air strikes, it can’t keep up the war without U.S. weaponry, intelligence and logistical help. The Obama administration can stop this bloodshed – by Mohamad Bazzi

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/opinion/2016/10/24/commentary/world-commentary/halt-conflict-yemen-u-s-must-cut-saudi-aid/#.WA5HYOCLSUk

24.10.2016 – Truthout (* B K P)

Stop the Bombing, Stop the Wars

Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Libya, Somalia, Mali, Egypt and Yemen: Either through direct fighting, "advising," and/or the arming of various participants, we have spread our martial wings over the region in a manner all too consistent with the fever dreams held close by our neoconservative cabal for the last quarter of a century. Remember theProject for a New American Century? They never left; they just got new jobs.

Saudi Arabia is pleased. It has been bombing Yemen for a while now using American weapons and intelligence, killing thousands, including more than 100 mourners at a funeral this month. This is passing strange, since the Saudi Arabian government is a boon ally of ISIS (also known as Daesh), the Sunni fighting force which congealed into a lethal actor in Iraq and Syria after George W. Bush's war "ended."

The US is currently fighting ISIS in the city of Mosul, and in Syria. Who are our friends over there, really? Who are our enemies? It depends on the time of day, who you ask, and where you are on the map. It also depends, of course, on who's cutting us checks for the weapons.

Mosul is a perfect example of the chaos we have unleashed in the region.

Mosul, in short, is the ultimate urban warfare nightmare

According to Reuters, "The Pentagon this week played down any new role for US forces in Iraq's battle to retake Mosul and said they would be behind the forward line of troops. But as the United States has increased its presence in Iraq this year to help in the Mosul fight, officials have acknowledged Americans will be 'closer to the action.'"

Translation: There will be more, because there are always more. You can count on it. One wonders how many people in the US know about any of this.

This is only the Cliff's Notes version of the reality that is the Middle East today. Make no mistake about it: All of this -- every last little bit of it -- was caused by war. We seeded the ground with Desert Storm, exacerbated the trauma with years of missile strikes and debilitating sanctions, and put an exclamation point on the whole affair with the invasion and occupation in 2003.

When we toppled the Sunni government of Iraq and disbanded the Sunni Ba'athist Army, we gave birth to ISIS.

All of this was caused by war, and the only solution we are being offered is more war. This grim alternative is underscored by the fact that either a blatantly bigoted fearmonger or an avowed war hawk is set to sit in the Oval Office come January.

That is on us, and so it is our responsibility to shake off the doldrums of cynicism and despair – By William Rivers Pitt

http://www.truth-out.org/opinion/item/38102-stop-the-bombing-stop-the-wars

cp10 Großbritannien / Great Britain

Eingebetteter Medieninhalt

24.10.2016 – Sputnik News (* B K P)

London trainiert saudische Piloten auch nach Luftschlag der Koalition in Jemen

Die britischen Liberaldemokraten behaupten, dass London Piloten der saudi-arabischen Luftwaffe ausgebildet hat – trotz der Vorwürfe gegen das Königreich, im Jemen Kriegsverbrechen begangen zu haben, schreibt die britische Zeitung „The Independent“.

Der für auswärtige Angelegenheiten zuständige Vertreter der Liberaldemokratischen Partei, Tom Brake, forderte das Verteidigungsministerium auf, die Ausbildung der saudi-arabischen Militärpiloten unverzüglich einzustellen und den Waffenexport an Riad strenger zu kontrollieren. Nach „The Independent“-Angaben räumte Verteidigungsminister Michael Fallon auf Brakes Nachfrage ein, dass saudische Militärs tatsächlich ausgebildet worden seien.
„Im Rahmen unserer andauernden Kooperation mit Saudi-Arabien im Verteidigungsbereich leistete Großbritannien der königlichen Luftwaffe Saudi-Arabiens sowohl in Großbritannien als auch in Saudi-Arabien Ausbildungshilfe“, betonte er. Dabei sei unter anderem das Orten von Zielen geübt worden. Fallon beteuerte jedoch, London hätte Riad keine Empfehlungen in Bezug auf den Einsatz im Jemen gegeben.

„Es ist eine Schande, dass die britische Regierung nicht nur saudische Piloten aufrüstet, sondern auch trainiert. Für den skrupellosen Bombenangriff gegen unschuldige Zivilisten durch Saudi-Arabien im Jemen, der eine klare Verletzung des Völkerrechts war, gibt es jetzt dokumentarische Beweise“, sagte Brake. „Die Regierung sollte aufhören, sich an dieser tödlichen Kampagne zu beteiligen.

https://de.sputniknews.com/politik/20161024313085434-grossbritannien-luftschlag-jemen/ “und Film von RT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cLyivT6h7Y and English report: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/saudi-arabia-yemen-conflict-bombing-latest-uk-training-pilots-alleged-war-crimes-a7375551.html

23.10.2016 – RT (* A K P)

Outrage after UK govt admits training Saudi pilots despite Yemen war crimes allegations

The UK is still training the Saudi Air Force despite growing evidence of the Saudi-led coalition’s crimes against civilians in Yemen, Defence Secretary Michael Fallon admitted, replying to an MP’s question. The statement outraged the opposition.

The revelation of the broader UK role in the controversial bombing campaign run by Saudi-led coalition in Yemen since March 2015, caused a sharp reaction from the UK opposition, with the Liberal Democrats’ foreign affairs spokesman Tom Brake (MP for Carshalton and Wallington), urging the government to“end its complicity in the murderous campaign”in the country torn by the civil war between Houthi Shiite rebels and Saudi-backed Sunni government of the ousted president Abd Rabbu Mansour Hadi.

"It is shameful that the UK government is not only arming Saudi pilots, it is training them as well. The indiscriminate bombing of innocent civilians by Saudi Arabia in Yemen, in clear breach of international humanitarian law, is now well documented,”The Independent cited Brake as saying.

On October 13, Fallon listed Paveway among other precision-guided weapons that have been supplied by the UK and used by coalition forces in Yemen, whileresponding to a question by Brake. However, he refused to specify in what manner the weapons were applied.

“The location and timing of weapons used in Yemen is a matter for the Saudi-led coalition to comment on,”he wrote the day before.

While the UK pledged to assist in the investigation and has conducted two training session in Saudi Arabia on the course of the investigation of the international law breaches in Yemen, the British government said it has not taken part directly in the investigation, leaving it to the Joint Incidents Assessment Team (JIAT). However, the HRW cast doubt on the impartiality of the probe, saying that“JIAT has not met international standards for transparency, credibility, and impartiality.”

https://www.rt.com/uk/363784-uk-saudi-pilots-training-yemen/

cp11 Deutschland / Germany

Siehe / See cp13a

25.10.2016 – NTV (* A P)

Regierung verteidigt Rüstungsexporte

Waffenexporte aus Deutschland sind im vergangenen halben Jahr wieder gestiegen - unter anderem in Konfliktregionen wie den Nahen Osten. Die Bundesregierung beteuert allerdings, dass sie besonders strikte Regeln zum Schutz der Menschenrechte beachte.

Die Opposition kritisierte insbesondere Ausfuhren in Länder wie Saudi-Arabien, denen schwere Menschenrechtsverletzungen vorgeworfen werden und in andere Spannungsregionen. "Diese Bundesregierung schreibt ihre verheerende Bilanz der Verantwortungslosigkeit fort und genehmigt enthemmt Waffen in alle Welt", teilte die sicherheitspolitische Sprecherin der Grünen-Bundestagsfraktion, Agnieszka Brugger, mit.

Die Rüstungsexportpolitik sei deutlich restriktiver gestaltet worden als in den vergangenen Legislaturperioden, versichert die Regierung. Auch die rechtlichen Grundlagen seien verschärft worden.

Die Bundesregierung listet in ihrem Bericht konkrete Punkte auf, die ihre positive Einschätzung belegen sollen.

http://www.n-tv.de/politik/Regierung-verteidigt-Ruestungsexporte-article18935211.html

Kommentar: LOL. Waffen zum Einsatz im Jemenkrieg zu liefern ist wohl kaum besonders restriktiv zu nennen.

cp12 Andere Länder / Other countries

25.10.2016 – MbKS15 (A P)

Security Forces units from #Kuwait's MoI arrived to #Bahrain — Arabian Gulf Security-1 Exercise (photos)

https://twitter.com/MbKS15/status/790651415756693504

Comment: That’s just for intimidating the Bahraini population.

24.10.2016 – L’Antidiplomatico (A K P)

"Quelle bombe non sono italiane". Le prove che sul massacro in Yemen la Pinotti ha mentito

L'inchiesta delle iene, andata in onda stasera, sulla provenienza delle armi impiegate dall’Arabia Saudita per bombardare lo Yemen, smentisce le dichiarazioni del Ministro Pinotti secondo cui le bombe non sarebbero italiane – di Emanuele Scagliusi (con film)

http://www.lantidiplomatico.it/dettnews-manlio_dinucci__natoitaliapatti_chiari_sudditanza_lunga/82_17590/

24.10.2016 – The Intercept (not rated B P)

Spies for hire

HOW THE UAE IS RECRUITING HACKERS TO CREATE THE PERFECT SURVEILLANCE STATE – by Jenna McLaughlin

https://theintercept.com/2016/10/24/darkmatter-united-arab-emirates-spies-for-hire/

and

25.10.2016 – Nicolas McGeehan (A P)

#UAE cyber security chief (below) denies allegation that recruitment policy "like s/thing out of a bad Bond movie"

https://twitter.com/NcGeehan/status/790844138078015488

23.10.2016 – Le Iene (* B K P)

Film: LO YEMEN DEVASTATO DALLE BOMBE PRODOTTE IN SARDEGNA L'inchiesta del programma LE IENE: l'Italia ha le mani sporche di sangue

www.sardegnalive.net/it/video/lo-yemen-devastato-dalle-bombe-prodotte-in-sardegna

cp13a Waffenhandel / Arms trade

25.10.2016 – T-Online (* B E K)

Munitions-Exporte für Kleinwaffen verzehnfacht

Die Ausfuhr von Munition für Kleinwaffen hat sich im ersten Halbjahr 2016 verzehnfacht. Das geht aus dem Rüstungsexportbericht hervor. Vor allem die Türkei bekam von der Bundesregierung zahlreiche Lieferungen bewilligt.

Der Bericht soll heute im Kabinett beraten werden . Auffällig sind auch Verschiebungen in der Liste der wichtigsten Bestimmungsländer. So rückte etwa die Türkei seit Beginn der Flüchtlingskrise von Platz 25 auf Rang 8 vor.

Die wichtigsten drei Bestimmungsländer für Kleinwaffen einschließlich Teilen und Munition, waren demnach Frankreich, der Irak und Polen

Saudi-Arabien, das der Bundesregierung als stabilisierender Faktor in einer unruhigen Region gilt, bleibt in der Rangfolge auf Platz drei, der Gesamtwert der Lieferungen vervielfacht sich allerdings von 179 Millionen auf etwa 484 Millionen Euro. Die Bundesregierung liefert in das umstrittene Königreich unter anderem Hubschrauber, Flugzeuge und deren Teile sowie Ausrüstung für Luftbetankung.

Die Vereinigten Arabischen Emirate (VAE) rücken ebenfalls in die Top Ten der deutschen Rüstungsexportländer auf - von Platz 13 im ersten Halbjahr 2015 auf Platz 7. Die Zahl der Genehmigungen stieg von 70 auf 106, der Gesamtwert der Ausfuhren verdoppelte sich fast von 46 Millionen auf knapp 85 Millionen Euro.

http://www.t-online.de/nachrichten/deutschland/militaer-verteidigung/id_79357014/tuerkei-als-grossabnehmer-munitions-ausfuhr-fuer-kleinwaffen-verzehnfacht.html und Junge Welt https://www.jungewelt.de/m/artikel/296103.jeder-schuss-ein-plus.html

Kommentar: Auch Hubschrauber verkauft Deutschland an die Saudis, wie dem aktuellen Rüstungsexportbericht zu entnehmen sein wird. Schön, die können sie auch im Jemen auch gut gebrauchen. Unser Dank geht an den SPD-Chef.

25.10.2016 – Euractiv (* A E K P)

German weapon sales shoot through the roof

German weapons dealers have seen their exports top €4 billion in the first six months of this year alone. While small weapon sales fell, exports of small arms ammunition reached record highs.

Germany exported a total of €4.029 billion in weapons and armaments in the first half of 2016: an increase of half a billion compared to the same period last year. According to the German government’s military equipment report, exports of ammunition for small weapons have multiplied by about ten times. This year, it has exported €283.3 million, compared with just €27 million in 2015.

Saudi Arabia, one of Berlin’s main geo-strategic partners in the Middle East, remains on the list of its main buyers, occupying 3rd place. Exports to the Wahhabi kingdom grew significantly to €484 million: an increase of two-and-a-half times the volume of last year.

Since 2008, Riyadh has been licensed to produce German weapon manufacturer Heckler & Koch’s G36 and G3 rifles. As a result, the Saudi Arabian army has been using these weapons since 2015 in its much-criticised offensive in Yemen – ByDaniel Mützel

http://www.euractiv.com/section/trade-society/news/german-weapon-sales-shoot-through-the-roof/

cp13b Finanzen / Finances

25.10.2016 – Almasdar (* A E P)

Yemen’s PM orders payment of public sector salaries as puchists fail to pay

Yemen’s prime minister Ahmed Aubaid Bin Dagher has publicly ordered his government on Tuesday to pay salaries of all public sector employees who have not been paid for the second month.

The prime minister of internationally recognized government said that the payment should be in accordance with available cash currencies as Yemen’s is running short of cash liquidation. Sheba state news agency reported.

Government of Yemen’s president Abdu Rabu Mansoor Hadi is facing an increasing public pressure due to delay of paying salaries as the president has ordered relocation of Yemen Central Bank two months ago.

President’s Hadi resolution of relocating the bank came as an urgent necessary intervention to prevent further pillage and use of the bank’s money to support war by Houthi armed group and forces of former president Saleh. Announced the government two months ago.

The prime minster pointed out that this option of using foreign currencies to pay wages is an extraordinarily solution if the banknotes get further delay. He insisted the importance of controlling all financial venues from Yemeni crossings and resources.

Houthi gunmen and forces loyal to former president Ali Abdullah Saleh, defacto coup authorities in Yemen’s capital Sana’a have failed for the second month to pay salaries for public sector employees who are living the worst live conditions ever.

http://almasdaronline.com/article/85751

Comment: A pro-Hadi source, blaming the Houthis for effects of Hadi’s disastrous maneuvers trying to relocate the Central Bank to Aden. – And it was exactly Hadi’s government which several month ago had blocked the efforts of the Sanaa-based central Bank to have new banknotes printed.

Comment: From the internationally recognised government in exile.
Question: North and South alike?
Question: there are workers who have not received salaries for more than the stated 2 months
Question: what does 'in accordance with available cash currencies mean, in detail?'

https://www.facebook.com/LivingInYemenOnTheEdge/posts/1145533698832992

25.10.2016 – Ahmed Alghobary (A H)

There has been no salary for 2 months some ppl in my city [Dhamar] have been evicted frm their apartments coz they dont have money to pay rent #Yemen

https://twitter.com/AhmadAlgohbary/status/790943099237326848

cp14 Terrorismus / Terrorism

25.10.2016 – Terror Monitor (B T)

#AlQaeda In The Arabian Peninsula (#AQAP) Video Statistical Report Shows 290 Attacks In 1 Year(Oct 14,015-Oct 1,016).

https://twitter.com/Terror_Monitor/status/790954025923387392

cp15 Propaganda

25.10.2016 – Gulf News (A P)

Greater US involvement in Yemen is needed

Further action to degrade Al Houthi missile capabilities, both to protect international shipping and the Saudi-Yemeni border, seems a necessity

There is, however, one theatre of conflict in the region where the US can still take action now in order to avert a calamity such as Syria. That is Yemen.

If left as is, Yemen has the potential to become another Syria, and a likely prospect incomplete state disintegration, increased sectarianism, and in response, hardened extremism. The conflict has already resulted in 10,000 dead, including 4,000 civilians. The United Nations estimates that 80 per cent of the Yemeni population is in need of humanitarian assistance. In the city of Taiz, 200,000 people are besieged by the Houthi alliance with humanitarian aid cut-off, and 37 of the city’s 40 hospitals have been forced to close due to bombardment. Taiz is Yemen’s Aleppo.

Unless stopped, Yemen faces the prospect of a downward spiral into complete chaos.

Under such circumstances, the only plausible alternative is that the US increases its involvement in the Yemen conflict with the clear stated objective of bringing about a political solution.

More concrete US leadership is needed. An increased US role should include the expansion of its involvement in the command and control operation of the Saudi-led coalition to enable effective targeting and, as much as possible, prevent civilian casualties.

The US should further be ready to respond forcefully to Al Houthi provocations such as it did recently by destroying radar sites in response to the missile attacks on its ships. Further action to degrade Al Houthi missile capabilities both to protect international shipping and the Saudi-Yemeni border might be needed. Combined with a vigorous diplomatic effort, such increased US involvement is not primarily meant to save Saudi Arabia from the unsustainable position the kingdom currently finds itself in but will enable a political process that all parties to the conflict are currently either unwilling or incapable of implementing.

The Yemen conflict must be brought to an end before a second Syria scenario emerges.

http://gulfnews.com/opinion/thinkers/greater-us-involvement-in-yemen-is-needed-1.1918651 = http://www.pressreader.com/uae/gulf-news/20161026/282179355626288

Comment: This really is odd propaganda, this time originating from a Western think tank. The author as so often just adopts the US version of the US vessels attack; he willingly changes cause and consequence when he states: “Saudi Arabia has national interest issues at stake including its territorial integrity being constantly threatened by missile strikes and across-the-border incursions. Will such strikes stop if the kingdom is forced to withdraw?”: Houthi missile attacks at Saudi territory just began 10 weeks AFTER the Saudis started their aerial attacks; thus however this Saudi interference could have been a response to these Houthi attacks? This simply does not fit, if the author is not accustomed to read a calendar from backwards. – And, hold on: This author really asks for more MILITARY US engagement in Yemen. Grotesque. We have seen what American interventions (direct and not) have done to the world. – Much more should be said, time is lacking.

25.10.2016 – Foreign Policy (A P)

Why asymmetric warfare on the high seas is so tricky for great powers.

http://foreignpolicy.com/2016/10/25/is-the-u-s-navy-a-sitting-duck-yemen-houthis-china/

Comment: A rather ugly document of US Gunboat diplomacy propaganda, of course also playing the anti-Iranian tune.

Comment: An article which takes for granted that Houthis launched missiles on American ships in the Red Sea and, consequently, describes how important is Bab al Mandab in the world's economy and the waters off Yemen.
With the looming menace of the 'Rebels'

https://www.facebook.com/LivingInYemenOnTheEdge/posts/1145516572168038

25.10.2016 – AFP (A P)

Saudi-led coalition denies Yemen 'blockade'

The Saudi-led coalition denied Tuesday it had imposed a "blockade" on Yemen, saying instead that it was controlling access to the country to prevent pro-Iran rebels from obtaining arms.

"No, there is no blockade," coalition spokesman Major General Ahmed Assiri told AFP.

"There is control based on international law ... Control is different from blockade, which means that nobody can enter or leave" the country, he said.

Assiri also spoke of "restriction" and "controlled freedom of movement."

"If a boat leaves from Djibouti, before reaching Hodeida (port in western Yemen), our forces board the vessel to ensure the cargo is legal and complies with Resolution 2216," adopted by the U.N. Security Council in April 2015 and prohibiting the delivery of arms to the rebels in Yemen, he said.

Saying that Yemen has been under blockade since March 2015 "gives the wrong impression," Assiri said.

Ships carrying food and medical aid as well as people and goods have reached "all ports, including those controlled by the Houthis" such as Hodeida, he said.

But he acknowledged that only "aircraft from humanitarian organisations and the United Nations" can land or take off from rebel-controlled capital Sanaa.

"They are the only aircraft that do not undergo inspection," he said.

Asked why commercial aircraft from national carrier Yemenia can no longer operate in Sanaa, stranding thousands of civilians, Assiri said this was to ensure passenger safety and that the airline was not used by the rebels to transfer arms.

He said that planes can use the airport in second city Aden which pro-government forces recaptured with the help of the coalition in July 2015.

If the road between Sanaa and Aden is too risky for civilian use, "it's because of the Houthis," he said.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/saudi-led-coalition-denies-yemen-blockade-133709564.html = http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2016/Oct-25/378098-saudi-led-coalition-denies-yemen-blockade.ashx and also published by (Saudi) Arab news: http://www.arabnews.com/node/1002346/middle-east

Comment: there effectively is a blockade. Even in the best case – Asiri suggesting here – “control” means delay, and delay simply means now food. What Asiri is trying here, is a very quirky game of wording. Taking the food from someone’s plate also might be called “food rearrangement”.

Et aussi en Francais:

Yémen: la coalition menée par l’Arabie nie tout «blocus» du pays

http://www.liberation.fr/planete/2016/10/25/yemen-la-coalition-menee-par-l-arabie-nie-tout-blocus-du-pays_1524199

cp16 Saudische Luftangriffe / Saudi air raids

25.10.2016 – Sanaa in the evening (A K)

massive explosion rocks #Yemen's capital now. Huge one. #Saudi airstrikes resumed hours after #UN envoy left.

https://twitter.com/shapban/status/790970999093268480

Explosions are back in Sana'a capital. The first attack on Sana'a just happened. It is definitely Nahddain in the Presidential palace.

https://twitter.com/zaidaahmed/status/790971129758441472

25.10.2016 – Legal Center (* A K PH)

25-10-2016

Targeting and bombing civilians by the warplanes of Saudi Arabia and its alliance

Casualties and damage (full list):

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=712077742275927&id=551288185021551

25.10.2016 – Saudi Arabia War Crimes (A K PH)

Saudi American Aviation committed a new massacre in the public road Bmran in Saada province left three martyrs (photo)

https://www.facebook.com/SaudiArabia.war.crimes.against.Yemen/posts/1595616817400973

25.10.2016 – Al Masirah TV (A K PH)

Film: Saudi coalition air raid at poultry farm, Hodeidah province

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhrqjU4loSk = https://www.facebook.com/881240811966559/videos/1141456992611605/ and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sCHU3EYQDM

25.10.2016 – Saba Net (* A K PH)

Saudi aggression warplanes resume strikes on several governorates

A number of citizens were killed and others wounded in a series of air strikes by US-backed Saudi aggression warplanes on several governorates overnight, a military official told Saba on Tuesday.
In the capital, Sanaa, the aggression fighter jets launched six strikes targeting al-Sobahah and Prophet Shuaib Mount in Bani Matar district west of the capital, while the other strike targeted Bani Hushish district and further two raids targeted al-Batnah and Bani Bariq areas in Nehm district northeast of Sanaa.
In al-Hudaydah Red Sea governorate, the enemy warplanes targeted citizens` houses and oil station in Haise district and five other strikes several areas in al- Khawkhah district.
Furthermore, the warplanes launched three strikes on the al-Hudaydah international air port and other raid on al-Salife area, where they destroyed telecom networks.
In Jawf province, the planes struck the main road in al-Yatamah area of Khabu and Sha`af district.
In Marib, the warplanes launched three strikes targeting Serwah district. Meanwhile, the Saudi-paid mercenaries fired missiles on citizens` houses in the same district.
In Saada, the aggression warplanes waged two strikes on Takhyah area and al-Zamah in Bakim district, while other strikes hit Ghamer area in Razih district in the same province, killing six citizens and wounding several others.
Meanwhile, two raids targeted Malahidh market in al-Dhaher district and another raid hit Tawailq area in Shada district, as well as the Saudi forces fired missiles on several border districts in Saada province, the official said.
In Shabwa, the fighter jets launched a strike on Hajr Kuhlan area of Usylan district and another strike on Mablaqah area of Baihan district.
In Dhamar province, the aggression warplanes launched 11 air strikes on Samah area and two strikes on Dhawran Anas district, setting many farms of fire as the Saudi Arabia seek to push Yemenis into starvation.
In the province of Ibb, the war jets launched a strike on Muthalth Badan area, damaging resident's properties and houses.
In Jizan region, the enemy jets launched two strikes on al-Dawd military Mount, the official added.

http://www.sabanews.net/en/news444758.htm

25.10.2016 – Saba Net (A K PH)

Saudi aggression fighter jets launched series strikes on Saada, Asir

Saudi-led aggression coalition warplanes launched several strikes on Saada province and Asir region overnight, a security official told Saba on Tuesday.
Two strikes targeted al-Malahidh market in al-Dhaher district and other two strike targeted Shada district in Saada.
Further five raids hit al-Buqa crossing point and other strike targeted al-Zamah area in Bakim district, as well as a raid bombed a residential quarter in al-sheikh area of Monabah district, the official said.

http://www.sabanews.net/en/news444759.htm

25.10.2016 – Saba Net (A K PH)

Saudi aggression warplanes launch 3 strikes on Shabwa

US-backed Saudi aggression warplanes waged three strikes on Usailan and Baihan districts of Shabwa province overnight, an official told Saba on Tuesday.
Two strikes targeted al-Sak and Mablaqah areas of Baihan district and the other targeted Hajr area of Usailan district, causing heavy losses in citizens` properties

www.sabanews.net/en/news444753.htm

24.10.2016 – Legal Center (* A K PH)

24-10-2016

Targeting and bombing civilians by the warplanes of Saudi Arabia and its alliance

Casualties and damage (full list):

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=711558795661155&id=551288185021551

24.10.2016 – Almasirah TV (A K PH)

Film: Targeting Saudi American aggression for water tanks and communications networks in Salif

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NG9OnfmJjRU = https://www.facebook.com/881240811966559/videos/1141200442637260/

23.10.2016 – Yemen Updates (A K)

#Saudi-led coalition launched 4 airstrikes destroying the sole water project in Alsaleef port town serving 18,000 people.

https://twitter.com/yemen_updates/status/790288230457434114

cp17 Kriegsereignisse / Theater of War

25.10.2016 – Muhammed Al-Qatani (A K PS)

missiles confiscated by the day of the Yemeni army truck bound for Sana'a two types: -

One of them the missiles "9 M113M Konkurs" or the Russian "Towsan" Iranian (photos)

https://twitter.com/muh_Alqahtani/status/790351698887933953

25.10.2016 – Almasdar (A K PS)

Yemen: 7 Houthi gunmen killed in a car bomb in Yemen’s Al-Baidha

7 fighters from forces of Houthi armed group and forces loyal to former president Ali Abdullah Saleh have been killed on Tuesday in a car bomb hit their vehicle in Rada’a district of Yemen’s Al-Baidha province. A source from popular resistance told Al-Masdaronline.

The source said fighters from anti-Houthi popular resistance planted the bomb in a car and targeted a vehicle loaded with Houthi gunmen in their own way to military sites in Al-Qariasha district on Tuesday.

The bomb has killed all the seven fighters in the vehicle which was completely destroyed. They added

http://almasdaronline.com/article/85753

25.10.2016 – Nasser Arrabyee (A K PH)

Yemeni forces take control over new strategic positions overlooking Najran city south of Saudi Arabia in retaliation for Saudi aggression (photos)

https://twitter.com/narrabyee/status/790940799114612739 and https://twitter.com/narrabyee/status/790940757054152705 and https://twitter.com/narrabyee/status/790940728855826432 and https://twitter.com/narrabyee/status/790940704541380608 andhttps://twitter.com/narrabyee/status/790940634299396096

Yemeni soldier seizing advanced Saudi-American weapons from Najran Aleb strategic position, south Saudi Arabia today (photos)

https://twitter.com/narrabyee/status/790942977006964740

25.10.2016 – Hussam Al-Sanabani (A K PH)

Aleeb Najran another Saudi military site under full control of Yemeni warriors 8film)

https://twitter.com/HussamSanabani/status/790947560219348992

25.10.2016 – Saba Net (A K PH)

Army kills Saudi soldiers, bombes 3 military vehicles in Jizan

A number of Saudi soldiers were killed and three military vehicles were bombed in unique operation carried out by the army and popular forces in al- Kers military sites of Jaizn region on Tuesday, a military official told Saba.
The official said that the operation resulted in the killing of dozens of Saudi troops and wounded scores of others, spreading a panic among the enemies.

http://www.sabanews.net/en/news444760.htm

25.10.2016 – Saba Net (A K PH)

Amy bombs mercenaries` gathering in Taiz

The army and popular forces bombed US-backed Saudi aggression-paid mercenaries` gathering in Thubab district of Taiz province, a military official told Saba on Tuesday.
The artillery of the army and popular forces targeted the mercenaries` sites in south of Thubab district, dozens of them were killed and others injured

http://www.sabanews.net/en/news444755.htm

25.10.2016 – Saba Net (A K PH)

Army repels mercenaries` attack in Marib

A number of mercenaries were killed and others injured when the army and popular forces foiled the mercenaries` infiltration attempt in Marib province, a military official told Saba on Tuesday.

http://www.sabanews.net/en/news444751.htm

25.10.2016 – Arab News (A K PS)

Thirty Houthi rebels were killed when they tried to infiltrate the Saudi-Yemen border, said Col. Daghash Al-Masradi, commander of the National Guard at Al-Rabuah Center. “Their weapons were seized by security forces.”
In a statement, Col. Al-Masradi said on Monday that two militia hideouts were identified on the border and were destroyed, adding that the fight to prevent the rebels from crossing the border is documented in video and audio recording.

http://www.arabnews.com/node/1002261/saudi-arabia

24.10.2016 – MbKS15 (A K PS)

#Yemen's National Army captures more weapons including S-5 Air to Surface Rockets (#Houthis use them as SSM) in Albuqa, Sa'dah (photos)

https://twitter.com/MbKS15/status/790610755703930880

24.10.2016 – Almasdar (A H K)

4civilians killed and injured by Houthi landmine western Yemen’s Taiz

2 civilians have been killed and 2 others injured in a landmine planted by Houthi gunmen on Saturday in Hethran western Yemen’s Taiz city. A military source told Al-Masdaronline.

The source said that a landmine blew up an ambulance in Manea village of Hethran western the city.

A technical military team has been working on demining tens of landmines in different areas in the province, though, it is still weak efforts. The source added.

http://almasdaronline.com/article/85715

23.10.2016 – Hussam Al-Sanabani (A K PH)

Film: West of Alab access inside Asir another Saudi Abrams tank destroyed by Yemeni fighters.

https://twitter.com/HussamSanabani/status/790285596853886976

Al- Zag Saudi military site in Asir becomes a bank of destroyed armour vehicles (photos)

https://twitter.com/HussamSanabani/status/790277395139952640

cp18 Sonstiges / Other

Eingebetteter Medieninhalt

Vorige / Previous:

https://www.freitag.de/autoren/dklose/jemenkrieg-mosaik-218-yemen-war-mosaic-218/

Jemenkrieg-Mosaik 1-218: / Yemen War Mosaic 1-218:

https://www.freitag.de/autoren/dkloseoder / or

http://poorworld.net/YemenWar.htm

Der saudische Luftkrieg im Bild / Saudi aerial war images:

(18 +, Nichts für Sensible!) / (18 +; Graphic!)

http://poorworld.net/YemenWar.htmund / andhttp://yemenwarcrimes.blogspot.de/