... USA: Krieg, Mord und Zerstörung als Geschäftsmodell – Die Rolle der USA beim Elend im Jemen – UN Menschenrechtsrat verlängert Jemen-Untersuchung – und mehr
September 28, 2018: Ahmad Alghobary on Yemen – Hisham Al-Omeisy on Yemen – Southern separatists and the Emirates – The Saudis in Al Mahrah province – Daleh, Orphaned province – USA: War, killing and destruction as business model – The US role in Yemen misery – UN Human Rights Council prolongues Yemen inquiry – and more
Schwerpunkte / Key aspects
Klassifizierung / Classification
Für wen das Thema ganz neu ist / Who is new to the subject
cp1 Am wichtigsten / Most important
cp1a Am wichtigsten: Seuchen / Most important: Epidemics
cp1b Am wichtigsten: Kampf um Hodeidah / Most important: Hodeidah battle
cp2 Allgemein / General
cp3 Humanitäre Lage / Humanitarian situation
cp4 Flüchtlinge / Refugees
cp5 Nordjemen und Huthis / Northern Yemen and Houthis
cp6 Südjemen und Hadi-Regierung / Southern Yemen and Hadi-government
cp7 UNO und Friedensgespräche / UN and peace talks
cp7a Saudi-Arabien und Iran / Saudi Arabia and Iran
cp8 Saudi-Arabien / Saudi Arabia
cp9 USA
cp10 Großbritannien / Great Britain
cp11 Deutschland / Germany
cp12 Andere Länder / Other countries
cp13a Waffenhandel / Arms Trade
cp13b Wirtschaft / Economy
cp14 Terrorismus / Terrorism
cp15 Propaganda
cp16 Saudische Luftangriffe / Saudi air raids
cp17 Kriegsereignisse / Theater of War
cp18 Sonstiges / Other
Klassifizierung / Classification
***
**
*
(Kein Stern / No star)
? = Keine Einschatzung / No rating
A = Aktuell / Current news
B = Hintergrund / Background
C = Chronik / Chronicle
D = Details
E = Wirtschaft / Economy
H = Humanitäre Fragen / Humanitarian questions
K = Krieg / War
P = Politik / Politics
pH = Pro-Houthi
pS = Pro-Saudi
T = Terrorismus / Terrorism
Für wen das Thema ganz neu ist / Who is new to the subject
Einführende Artikel u. Überblicke für alle, die mit den Ereignissen im Jemen noch nicht vertraut sind, hier:
Yemen War: Introductory articles, overviews, for those who are still unfamiliar with the Yemen war here:
https://www.freitag.de/autoren/dklose/jemenkrieg-einfuehrende-artikel-u-ueberblicke
Neue Artikel / New articles
(* B H)
Yemen: The human cost of war
Three years after a Saudi-UAE military alliance began bombing the country, aid groups say Yemen is hanging by a thread.
Despite more than three years of war, Yemen, the scene of the world's largest humanitarian crisis, still struggles for its fair share of the world's attention.
Malnutrition
During the best of times, many Yemenis struggled to make ends meet. Now, most can barely feed themselves.
The UN says the conflict poses a grave risk to the war-battered population and has described the situation as "looking like the apocalypse".
According to UNICEF, more than 22 million Yemenis, 78 percent of the population, need humanitarian assistance every day.
That figure includes a staggering 11 million children, a number greater than the entire population of Switzerland.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 1.8 million under the age of five children suffer from acute malnutrition, including 500,000 children who suffer from severe acute malnutrition.
Access to clean water and sanitation
According to the UN agency OCHA, there is a strong possibility of a third wave of cholera due to contaminated food and drinking water brought about by the collapse of the public health system.
Cholera, which can kill within hours if left untreated, is caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium vibrio cholera.
It is waterborne and spreads quickly in areas where sanitation is poor and access to clean drinking water is lacking.
Since April 2017, there are have been almost 1.1 million suspected cases of cholera with 21 of 22 governorates affected.
According to OCHA, there have been at least 2,310 deaths associated with the disease.
Food security
According to the World Bank, the war and its economic effect are driving the largest food security emergency in the world.
There has been a significant drop in food imports which had forced most Yemenis to rely on humanitarian aid to survive.
The strategic seaport of Hodeidah, about 175km west of Sanaa, used to be a key conduit for much-needed food and medicine imports prior to Houthi rebels taking the city over.
Before the war, Yemen imported around 90 percent of its wheat and all of its rice to feed its population of about 28 million, and around 70 percent of these imports passed through Hodeidah.
But imports have since dwindled, leaving millions unsure of when their next meal will come.
According to UN estimates, around 8.4 million Yemenis are on the verge of starvation, and do not know where their next meal will come from.
Since the start of the war, the unemployment rate has shot above 50 percent, with nearly 50 percent of the population (PDF) now loving on less than two dollars a day.
Economic crisis
The Yemeni rial has lost nearly two-thirds of its value against the US dollar since 2015.
While the official exchange rate is 250 Yemeni riyals to the dollar, the unofficial market rate is in excess of 600.
Soaring prices have put some basic commodities out of reach for many Yemenis and the central bank has struggled to pay public sector salaries on which many depend as foreign exchange reserves dwindle (with photos)
https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/interactive/2018/09/yemen-human-cost-war-180904105421830.html
cp1 Am wichtigsten / Most important
(** B H K)
Film: Yemeni Charity Chief On The UK's Role in Yemen's Destruction and Refusal to Stop Arming Saudi Arabia
Chief of the Yemen Hope and Relief charity Ahmad Algohbary talks to us about the UK's ongoing arms sales to Saudi Arabia, the UK's role in fueling the war and his harrowing experiences as a humanitarian worker.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ph8d7WGdWvk&t=20s
(** A B K P)
Yemen activist once held by rebels slams UN peace drive as 'naive'
A Yemeni activist who was held and allegedly tortured for months by Huthi rebels this week criticised the UN-backed peace process for his country as "naive", warning against "humanising" his captors.
Hisham Al-Omeisy, an outspoken activist, journalist and political commentator, was arrested in August 2017 after speaking out against restrictions and corruption in rebel-held areas of the war-ravaged country.
Omeisy, who has also harshly criticised the actions of the Saudi-led coalition that has been fighting the rebels since 2015, says the Huthis accused him of being an American and Saudi spy.
"I was tortured in prison... They employed barbaric measures," he told AFP in an interview on the sidelines of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.
He warned that UN officials trying to bring both sides to the table to hammer out a peace deal were being "played by the Huthis".
Omeisy was finally released in January after an international campaign to secure his freedom. He lives in Cairo but says he still follows the situation at home.
Omeisy said the rebels refusal to come should not have been a surprise, and questioned whether those trying to broker peace sufficiently understand the complexities of the conflict.
"The process came off as very naive and overly simplistic," he said.
A major mistake, he said, was trying to "humanise" the Huthis.
Omeisy said he knew from his time in Huthi custody how brutal they were.
"They would hang me from the wall, beat me up. I had cuts and bruises all over my body," he said, displaying scars on his wrists from metal cuffs and a stab-wound on the back of one hand.
He also had pictures of big, red scars on his back and thigh.
His interrogators demanded that he confess on video to being a spy, but Omeisy said he refused, pointing out that if he had given in, "I know I would have been executed".
He said he was held alone in a tiny concrete cell with no light and no toilet, and was often denied food and water.
"They dehumainise you," he said, adding that he knew of at least 16 journalists who were held in his block and was haunted by their screams.
The UN insists there is no military solution to Yemen's conflict, but Omeisy insisted it would be preferable to go in quickly to retake the areas under Huthi control, instead of allowing the conflict to drag on.
The impression on the ground, he said, is that "the international community, and especially the Saudis, are willing to fight this war to the last Yemeni".
He described the Yemen conflict as Syria "on steroids". While Syria's war has been raging for more than seven years, he warned that Yemen's conflict could "drag on for 70".
The UN process was "flawed", he said. "You need something beyond just good intentions. You need a solid strategy, and you need a solid implementation."
Omeisy meanwhile said he strongly supported the work of a group of investigators appointed by the UN Human Rights Council a year ago to probe violations in Yemen.
https://m.france24.com/en/20180927-yemen-activist-once-held-rebels-slams-un-peace-drive-naive = https://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/afp/article-6212891/Yemen-activist-held-rebels-slams-UN-peace-drive-naive.html
My comment: This really was a horrible experience of torture the Houthis have to be blamed for. For Houthi detention and torture, read this report: https://www.hrw.org/news/2018/09/25/yemen-houthi-hostage-taking
Now I must criticize however that Al-Omeisy is overshooting the mark.
His claim “that UN officials trying to bring both sides to the table to hammer out a peace deal were being "played by the Huthis" is odd. What else than “bringing both sides to the table” could be the start of any efforts for a peace deal, at which war ever since ancient Egypt? Who tries to achieve this is not “played” by any side of the conflict. – As mediator, you cannot select the parties you would like to act with for a peace deal. Uruguay and Denmark would be nicer than Houthis, Hadi government and southern separatists, but your nice favorites would not be in need of any peace deal, you do not have the choice!
When you want to achieve any peace, you must take those you deal with always as “human”.
“The UN insists there is no military solution to Yemen's conflict, but Omeisy insisted it would be preferable to go in quickly to retake the areas under Huthi control, instead of allowing the conflict to drag on”: Does Omeisy opt for even more war now? Does he really think so? When he now is detesting the Houthis, this could be very wall understood. But this cannot be the intention, and this would not work. “Go in quickly” did not work for 3 ½ years now.
And who should be the one to "go in quickly"? Saudi Arabia and the Emirates, as the forces which turn the situation for the better???
Nearly everybody who replied to this understood it this way, Omeisy asking for more war. This seems not to have been his intention, as he told later (see below).
An interesting question will be: Who should, who could govern Yemen in the future?
All parties which are in power now had disqualified themselves, for various reasons, when claiming “good governance”.
But, if a peaceful solution really would be achieved, a government shared by all parties would be the best (and the only working) solution all these corrupt, violent, anti-democratic and oppressive groups and parties will dominate the new government and the state. And those who have the arms and command militia would be those who actually would be in power. The greatest achievement would be that they no more fight against each other (and hit civilians as “collateral damage”). But all this would be very far away from “good governance”. How to achieve anything better? A difficult question.
Hisham Al-Omeisy had been one of the most important independent voices from Yemen. He had been silenced by the Houthis, by their political idiocy and brutality. Now anyway he is “back on stage”, and we only can hope that he again will rise his voice, as intelligent and independent as before, committed to peace, anti-war and humanism.
And
(* A P)
Hisham Al-Omeisy in later tweets:
That's true. There were Houthis advocated for my release. Not all Houthis are bad nor should anyone treat as a monolithic group. Unfortunately, hardliners hijacking movement.
https://twitter.com/omeisy/status/1045663938711625729 referring to https://twitter.com/Kmalshami1/status/1044879327798718464
Houthis NOT a monolithic group, several wings in movement, but hardliners and hawks calling shots. Many of their moderates were assassinated past years, others marginalized. Constructive dialogue possible if right people empowered.
https://twitter.com/omeisy/status/1045666942181347328
compared to other extreme cases, my detention and torture was mild. Also, let's not forgot it's not only Houthis, ALL sides guilty of extra judicial detentions, forcible disappearances, and torture.
https://twitter.com/omeisy/status/1045665031445270529
and
(* B K P)
Doing series of meets & interviews at #HRC39 to highlight flaws in current #Yemen peace process. Good intentions are fine, but without solid strategy and buy-in from parties to the conflict, it's a futile endeavor; naive and war will drag on.
https://twitter.com/omeisy/status/1045206073634955264
Yemen Updates: #UN insists there’s no military solution to #Yemen's conflict,but @omeisy insisted it would be preferable to go in quickly to retake the areas under Huthi control;"the int’l community, especially the Saudis,are willing to fight this war to the last Yemeni"
https://twitter.com/yemen_updates/status/1045191605236510720
Omeisy: This was in reference to Hodeida; yes it's #Yemen's lifeline, yes costs are high, BUT with both sides adamant on win-lose and digging their heels, offensive underway, logical/pragmatic view is to make it quick and decisive, or else we will have another Taiz on our hands. #HRC39
It is one thing to oppose the war, another to try and damage control and end once (now) well underway. Just to be clear, not advocating all out military option, just decisive wins breaking stalemate and forcing parties to table where solution ultimately political. #Yemen #HRC39
https://twitter.com/omeisy/status/1045208115917058048
https://twitter.com/omeisy/status/1045209846696620032
And, Omeisy is criticized in the comments:
By now you should've known that there is nothing called decisive in this war of attrition.
Saudis and Emiratis can pack up and go home, Houthis have been fighting since 2004. This is a fantasy like a quick defeat of the Taliban or North Vietnam, but you know this, so this makes this more disappointing from you.
It won’t be ‘quick and decisive’ by a long shot. In a war for one side’s survival, breaking a stalemate would just create another one, and the cycle goes on.
What makes you think it is going to be “quick” and “decisive”? Wt if it was “long” and “ugly”? KSA said it ll take 2 weeks to finish the war.. see where r we now?
Unmentioned in your analysis is that the loss of Hodeidah means the threat of starvation for millions of people, either surrender or starve to death. The Biafra scenario.
and
Can’t disagree more. Assume coalition won the Hodeida battle then what? Are you implying war will end after that? We have seen how taking over Aden created a very unstable state that even the Hadi government to this date can’t overcome.
https://twitter.com/LuaiEshaq/status/1045364405288894464
and Omeisy’s reply:
Nope. Not advocating for military option or taking of Hodeida either. Well aware Saudi-led Co and #Yemen gov incompetence. Simply said that once offensive already "underway" and inevitable, it "should" (from experience, it wasn't) be decisive. Or else, disaster like Taiz. :)
https://twitter.com/omeisy/status/1045646092203962368
and
I fear you will be used as a BBC propaganda tool - something to distract from the bus loads of children that Saudi murders, the MSF Hospitals it targets, the weddings and funerals it bombs But I alsohope your integrity would not allow yourself to be used in that way
https://twitter.com/QuietManc/status/1045124027277365249
and Omeisy’s reply:
I can assure you, it never will. Media may misquote, parties to conflict and pundits may hijack rhetoric or misinform, but I will always be here to directly clarify and state facts. Crimes will not be lost or forgotten in fog of war and it is up to us to call out various parties.
https://twitter.com/omeisy/status/1045657156169748481
And Omeisy later:
Interesting that some have this bizzare notion that bcz Houthis imprisoned & tortured me, I would automatically join other side. Nope, they're IHL violators too. Will continue calling out ALL sides, even criticize UN, for sake of human rights and peace for ALL #Yemen-is. #HRC39
https://twitter.com/omeisy/status/1045303788041572353
Irritating how some trying to take my "quick and decisive" military action comment out of context. Rhetoric so polarized in #Yemen, it's either one extreme or opposite other. Faux outrage, propaganda, antagonism, misinformation..is only deepening divide while war continues. Sigh.
https://twitter.com/omeisy/status/1045650532185100288
(** B P)
The Southern Movement has 'little tolerance' for UAE's ambitions in Yemen
While al-Hirak and the UAE may be making common cause against a mutual enemy, their shared interests stop there
From the beaches of Libya to the deserts of Yemen, the United Arab Emirates has proved its mastery of power politics to the international community.
One of its most obscure Faustian bargains, however, is coming back to haunt the Emirati generals enmeshed in the Yemeni civil war.
In 2015, when the UAE chose to arm and fund an umbrella organisation of Yemeni secessionists known as the Southern Movement, or al-Hirak, the regional power was operating under the well-worn assumption, "The enemy of my enemy is my friend."
Like the UAE, al-Hirak opposed Iranian-backed Houthi rebels who had overrun much of Upper Yemen, including Sanaa.
The UAE agreed to provide al-Hirak military aid in exchange for al-Hirak's participation in a Saudi-led coalition mobilised to defeat the Houthis, return the Yemeni government to power, and stabilise the country.
While al-Hirak and the UAE may be making common cause against a mutual enemy, their shared interests stop there.
The UAE is building a military and political sphere of influence in Yemen by patronising Yemeni militias; al-Hirak represents only one among many.
Al-Hirak, meanwhile, wants to re-establish the Cold War-era communist state of South Yemen, a manoeuvre the UAE would likely oppose. On the one hand, al-Hirak and the UAE agreed to a short-term alliance because it would help them realise their long-term goals. On the other, those objectives stand at odds with one another.
At first glance, the UAE seems to be reaping all the rewards of this partnership. The UAE's connection to al-Hirak, a political movement popular throughout Lower Yemen, has expanded the Emirati sphere of influence to a strategic expanse of the Arabian Peninsula.
Al-Hirak's growing strength has also helped the UAE curb the social influence of al-Islah, the Muslim Brotherhood's Yemeni franchise. Like Saudi Arabia, the UAE considers the Muslim Brotherhood a political and religious rival.
Despite these superficial successes, empowering al-Hirak could backfire for the UAE. In fact, the strategy has already begun to, for al-Hirak now feels powerful enough to defy its Emirati patrons.
Al-Hirak seems to have little tolerance for the UAE's ambitions in Yemen.
In addition to mounting tensions between the ostensible partners, Emirati patronage for al-Hirak undermines the Yemeni government, the UAE's putative ally – by Austin Bodetti
https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/indepth/2018/9/28/empowering-al-hirak-could-backfire-for-the-uae
In Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Movement
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Transitional_Council
(** B P)
Saudi Arabia Begins Construction of Petrol Pipeline Through War-Torn Yemen
Residents of al-Mahra, Yemen are staging protests and sit-ins over Saudi Arabia’s military occupation of the province as well their construction of an oil pipeline without local approval.
Saudi Arabia has begun construction on a pipeline in the al-Mahra province in Yemen — which will allow the kingdom to transport oil directly to the Arabian Sea, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz and Bab-el-Mandeb Strait — a high-ranking Yemeni official told MintPress News.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the new pipeline would allow Saudi Arabia to export oil from refineries in al-Mahra through the Rub’ al Khali Desert, the largest contiguous sand desert in the world, which lies in Yemen’s northeast.
For Saudi Arabia, a petroleum port in al-Mahra would offer a distinct strategic advantage: it would allow the kingdom not to be constrained to the Strait of Hormuz or the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, both strategic choke points that affect its current oil shipping routes.
In a letter sent by the Jeddah-based marine construction firm, the Huta Group, to Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Yemen Mohammed al-Jaber, the firm said it would make arrangements to visit al-Mahra, conduct necessary surveys, and gather the data needed to prepare an estimate for the port’s construction.
The onset of the port’s construction follows a brutal late 2017 military campaign against al-Mahra carried out by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Al-Mahrah, which borders Oman, has remained largely immune to the broader war in Yemen as both the Houthis and other armed groups have little presence in the province.
Despite this, the Saudi-led coalition, much to the dismay of neighboring Oman, established a UAE-backed security force in the province dubbed the “Mahri Elite Forces” — modeled around other coalition-backed mercenary forces operating in Yemen, including the Hadhrami Elite Forces in Hadhramaut province, the Shabwani Elite Forces in Shabwa, and the Pioneer Security Belt Forces (al-Hizam) brigades in Aden.
Al-Mahra sit-in and protests
As a result, residents in the al-Mahra province have organized an open sit-in, rejecting Saudi policies in their country as well as the kingdom’s dominance over vital infrastructure in the area. Seventeen percent of petroleum imports to Yemen enter from Oman through a border crossing in al-Mahra, which, along with the province’s seaport and airport, is under Saudi and UAE control.
On Tuesday, Saudi-led coalition forces arrested Ali bin Salem al-Huraizy, al-Mahra’s former deputy governor, after he called for protests against the Saudi-Emirati military coalition. Al-Huraizy rejects Saudi plans to build the oil port in al-Mahra without the permission of the local authorities. He recently told a group of protesters:
They carry out their own projects including a pipeline without government or local knowledge. We hope that the legitimate leadership can be more attentive to what’s happening.”
Al-Huraizy also criticized Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Yemen, Abdullah al-Jaber, for receiving Yemen’s former President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi, who is allegedly on house-arrest in Saudi Arabia, at al-Mahra’s airport, claiming it proved that the Saudi ambassador is in control of al-Mahra.
Saudi authorities claim al-Huraizy used social media to stir up tensions between Yemeni tribes and the coalition by saying Saudi Arabia is occupying al-Mahra. In an interview with Aljazeera last month, Huraizy said Saudi Arabia is looking to solidify its military presence in the province.
Local residents in al-Mahra back al-Huraizy’s sentiments, claiming fishing and navigation in the local port has been prevented and the airport has been turned into a military barracks. Saudi authorities give orders to local security and control customs in the region and exercise control over ports, local authorities and tribal affairs.
Al-Huraizy said, “we feel like the situation is extremely complex at the moment because the legitimate government is being held hostage by the [Saudi] coalition.”
Saudi sops and promises
Saudi authorities have tried to quell discontent in al-Mahra by promising to launch development projects in the region, including a medical complex and electrical stations. Saudi Arabia has also, according to al-Mahra residents, worked through the King Salman Center for Relief and Humanitarian Action to occasionally distribute aid, pave streets and plant trees. But the measures have done little to appease residents, who reject the violation of Yemen’s sovereignty and promise to carry on with protests against the Saudi and Emirati presence.
According to some strategic analysts, the Saudi-led coalition’s military presence in al-Mahra may also be intended to apply pressure on Oman, which enjoys long borders and solid relations with al-Mahra – by Ahmed Abdul Kareem
Remark: For Al Mahrah province and Al-Huraizy, llok at cp6 below and Yemen War Mosaic 462, cp6. – They still did not get Al-Huraizy; there only has been an arrest warrant.
(** B H)
Yemen doctors despair as babies starve in 'orphaned province'
At Nasr Hospital's emergency room in the Yemeni city of Daleh, a little boy struggles to breathe. He is too tired, or too hungry, to cry.
Born with a degenerative neurological disease, his muscles have atrophied to nothing, his tiny joints visible through his pale skin, his stomach distended.
The child's body cannot retain even water, so nurses have resorted to putting him in diapers.
And doctors say there is nothing they can do.
The boy is one of an estimated five million Yemeni children who may not see their next birthday in a war the UN children's fund has described as a "living hell" for minors.
The UN has warned that international aid agencies are losing the fight against famine in Yemen, where 3.5 million people may soon be added to the eight million Yemenis already facing starvation -- more than half of them children.
Mahmud Ali Hassan, director of Nasr Hospital, does not mince words. Life for his patients, he says, is "pure misery".
"We need help. We need real help."
South of rebel-held Sanaa and north of the government bastion of Aden, Daleh is, in the words of its residents, a forgotten city.
In government-held Daleh, medics at Nasr Hospital are desperately looking for ways to treat patients -- most of whom have not yet learned to read, tie their shoelaces or even walk -- as supplies dwindle and hunger spreads.
A sign outside Nasr Hospital reads "funded by the World Health Organization". The hospital is a lifeline for three provinces with a combined population of more than 1.5 million.
"We take cases from Daleh as well as Ibb and Lahaj," said Hassan.
"We are in desperate need of medical supplies," Hassan told AFP.
"We need orthopaedic equipment, and everyone says they're trying -- the government coalition and other sides -- and yet we haven't gotten supplies yet."
Dr. Ayman Shayef, head of the emergency room at Nasr, says three to four children die under his watch every week of preventable causes, mainly linked to neo-natal care.
"We have serious issues with the total absence of pre-natal care and the inability to open an obstetrics department," Shayef said.
"We've also seen a rapid rise in malnutrition cases.
"Daleh is an orphaned province. We need help. We need support for pre-natal care, malnutrition " (with photos)
(** B K P)
In Yemen and Beyond, U.S. Arms Manufacturers Are Abetting Crimes against Humanity
Our leading weapons dealers have developed a business model that feeds on war, terrorism, chaos, political instability, and human rights violations.
But the killing and maiming of civilians with U.S.-made weapons in war zones around the world is an all too regular occurrence. U.S. forces are directly responsible for largely uncounted civilian casualties in all America’s wars, and the United States is also the world’s leading arms exporter.
The U.S. wars on Afghanistan and Iraq and the “global war on terror” served as cover for a huge increase in U.S. military spending. Between 1998 and 2010, the U.S. spent $1.3 trillion on its wars, but even more, $1.8 trillion, to buy new warplanes, warships, and weapons, most of which were unrelated to the wars it was fighting.
Five U.S. companies — Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and General Dynamics — dominate the global arms business, raking in $140 billion in weapons sales in 2017, and export sales make up a growing share of their business, about $35 billion in 2017.
In a new report for Code Pink and the Divest from the War Machine campaign, we have documented how Saudi Arabia, Israel, and Egypt have systematically used weapons produced by these five U.S. companies to massacre civilians, destroy civilian infrastructure, and commit other war crimes.
U.S. laws require the suspension of arms sales to countries that use them in such illegal ways, but the U.S. State Department has an appalling record on enforcing these laws. Under the influence of Acting Assistant Secretary of State Charles Faulkner, a former lobbyist for Raytheon, Secretary Pompeo falsely certified to Congress that Saudi Arabia and the UAE are complying with U.S. law in their use of American weapons.
The U.S. sells weapons to Saudi Arabia and other allies to project U.S. military power by proxy without the U.S. military casualties, domestic political backlash, and international resistance that result from direct uses of U.S. military force, while U.S. military-industrial interests are well-served by ever-growing arms sales to allied governments.
These policies are driven by the very combination of military-industrial interests that Eisenhower warned Americans against, now represented by Secretary Pompeo, Acting Assistant Secretary Faulkner, and a cabal of hawkish Democrats who consistently vote with Republicans on war and peace issues. They ensure that the “war party” always wins its battles in Congress no matter how catastrophically its policies fail in the real world.
Lockheed Martin is earning $29.1 billion in sales from the $110 billion Saudi arms package announced in May 2017, a deal struck as the war on Yemen was already killing thousands of civilians. Yet no conflict of interest is too glaring for Lockheed executives like Ronald Perrilloux Jr., who has taken part in public events to promote the war and defend Saudi Arabia and its allies, arguing that the U.S. should “help them finish the job” in Yemen.
Not to be outdone, Boeing, the second largest arms producer in the U.S. and the world after Lockheed Martin, has also been linked to the deaths of hundreds of civilians in Yemen.
To profit from wars on some of the poorest, most vulnerable people in the world, from Yemen to Gaza to Afghanistan, Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and General Dynamics have developed a business model that feeds on war, terrorism, chaos, political instability, human rights violations, disregard for international law, and the triumph of militarism over diplomacy. Real diplomacy to bring peace and disarmament to our war-torn world poses the most serious “threat” to their profits.
But the American people have never voted to funnel the largest share of our taxes into endless war and ever-growing profits for the “industry of death.” It is time for the sleeping giant, what President Eisenhower called “an alert and knowledgeable citizenry,” to wake from its slumber, take responsibility for our country’s foreign policies and act decisively for peace.
https://fpif.org/in-yemen-and-beyond-u-s-arms-manufacturers-are-abetting-crimes-against-humanity/
(** B K P)
Be Outraged by America’s Role in Yemen’s Misery
The United States supplies bombs and other support for the war that’s killed civilians and is creating famine.
The news about Brett Kavanaugh and Rod Rosenstein is addictive, but spare just a moment for crimes against humanity that the United States is supporting in far-off Yemen.
President Trump didn’t mention it at the United Nations, but America is helping to kill, maim and starve Yemeni children.
Many global security issues involve complex trade-offs, but this is different: Our behavior is just unconscionable.
The United States is not directly bombing civilians in Yemen, but it is providing arms, intelligence and aerial refueling to assist Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates as they hammer Yemen with airstrikes, destroy its economy and starve its people. The Saudi aim is to crush Houthi rebels who have seized Yemen’s capital and are allied with Iran.
That’s sophisticated realpolitik for you: Because we dislike Iran’s ayatollahs, we are willing to starve Yemeni schoolchildren.
“The Trump administration has made itself complicit in systematic war crimes,” said Kenneth Roth of Human Rights Watch.
Let’s be clear, too: This is a bipartisan moral catastrophe. The policy started under President Barack Obama, with safeguards, and then Trump doubled down and removed the safeguards.
I know, I know. All eyes are focused on the reality television show that is the Trump White House. But we can’t let Trump suck all the oxygen away from life-or-death issues. Trump drama cannot be allowed to nullify global tragedy.
The carnage in Yemen hasn’t stirred more outrage because the Saudis use their blockade to keep out journalists. I’ve been trying for two years to go, but the Saudis bar aid groups from taking me on relief flights.
Both sides in this civil war have at times behaved brutally, and the only way out is diplomacy. But Saudi Arabia’s crown prince seems to prefer famine and a failed state in Yemen to compromise, and the more we provide him weapons the longer we extend the suffering. We should be using our influence to rein the Saudis in, not cheer them on.
Many Americans erupt in fury every time Trump lies, or tweets some inexcusable comment. Please do, but also save outrage for something even more monstrous — the way we are contributing to starvation of children and exacerbating the world’s worst humanitarian crisis – By Nicholas Kristof
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/26/opinion/yemen-united-states-united-nations.html = http://jewishjournal.com/newsroom/world/americans-outraged-yemen/
and
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Our Immoral and Irrational Yemen Policy
Nicholas Kristof has written an excellent column attacking U.S. support for the war on Yemen.
It can’t be emphasized enough that U.S. policy in Yemen is both deeply immoral and irrational. Our government is a partner in war crimes and crimes against humanity ostensibly because of an exaggerated fear of Iranian influence, but even if the latter weren’t exaggerated there is no way to justify what is being done to the people of Yemen. U.S. interests are not advanced in the slightest by the coalition’s war, but any limited benefit would be outweighed by the horrifying costs imposed on a country whose people have done nothing to us. Destroying and starving Yemen does nothing to harm Iran (a dubious goal in itself), but it is inflicting massive suffering on tens of millions of people and destabilizing the entire area for years and possibly decades to come. Even if the worst-case scenario is avoided and millions don’t die from famine, widespread malnutrition has already devastated the health and development of an entire generation.
War supporters usually frame it as a way to combat supposed Iranian “expansionism,” but the Saudi coalition’s intervention is the reason for the modest increase in Iranian involvement since 2015. When that doesn’t work, they will claim that it has something to do with ensuring the security of international shipping, but there has been no Yemeni threat to shipping. Yemenis depend heavily on imports, so it would make no sense for them to threaten their own lifeline. The only impediment to normal commercial shipping in the area has been the coalition’s onerous blockade, which has done so much to create and then worsen the humanitarian crisis. The administration also claims that it is supporting the Saudis and Emiratis to help them “defend” themselves, but they aren’t acting in self-defense and they have actually made themselves less secure by intervening.
No competent strategist would endorse such a policy. No sane realist would agree with it. It is a policy born out of a toxic brew of threat inflation, knee-jerk support for “allies” that aren’t allies, and the usual ignorance of the local politics and history of Yemen, and the results are predictably horrible. The first step in ending this policy is for the House to vote for H.Con.Res. 138, the antiwar resolutionintroduced yesterday by Rep. Ro Khanna – by Daniel Larison
https://www.theamericanconservative.com/larison/our-immoral-and-irrational-yemen-policy/
cp1b Am wichtigsten: Kampf um Hodeidah / Most important: Hodeidah battle
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Norwegian Refugee Council: On-the-record update on situation in Hodeidah, Yemen (28 September 2018)
Quote from Jan Egeland, NRC Secretary General: "Bombs destroy families every day, yet this war is still allowed to go on. Civilian are under fire from all warring factions. If the offensive sweeps into Hodeidah city, tens of thousands of civilians risk being caught in the crossfire. If fighting blocks any more major roads, it will sever the lifeline to over 20 million Yemenis who depend on supplies through Hodeidah port to survive.
The US, UK, France, Iran and all the actors engaged in this war can and must put an end to the carnage. They must call on parties to drop their arms and start peace talks now."
Quote from NRC staffer in Hodeidah, Ibraheem Al-Hadri: "The mood in Hodeidah is one of resignation. There is no indication that the world is going to intervene, no promises that people will be protected from an onslaught. It isn't that Yemen is a forgotten crisis, it is just one the world chooses not to care about."
"Many of the people left in Hodeidah city don't have anywhere to go. They don't have enough money to live, let alone leave. The cost of food, water and transport are now completely unpredictable; if you can afford bread on Monday, there's no guarantee you will be able to on Tuesday."
Latest updates:Fighting around Hodeidah city took on a new dimension earlier this week with the advancement of Saudi-led coalition forces to the east of the city, cutting off major overland routes between Hodeidah and Sana'a. As food and fuel are diverted by way of the last open route to Sana'a, they are forced to travel greater distances at greater expense to suppliers, contributing to inflated prices for basic commodities that mean more civilians cannot afford food and water.
Heavy ground clashes continue in districts south and east of Hodeidah city while shelling and airstrikes continue across large parts of Sa'ada, Hajjah, Ibb and Taizz governorates.
As fighting continues at critical junctions immediately outside Hodeidah city, residents report a fear that protracted conflict in the area will bring sustained airstrikes and shelling to their neighbourhoods. Hodeidah city has been emptied of tens of thousands of people but hundreds of thousands remain inside the city as fighting closes in.
Humanitarian organisations have documented over half a million people that have fled homes in Hodeidah since the escalation in violence along Yemen's west coast in early June. Humanitarian organisations are working to reach displaced families with food, water, shelter and basic supplies, but concerned that ongoing displacements will see needs outstrip available humanitarian resources.
People in Hodeidah reported an exchange rate of YER 700 to the dollar this week, the lowest rate to date. As economic collapse interacts with shortfalls on basic commodities, inflation is leaving more and more Yemenis with no means by which to pay for food, transport or medicine. A lack of affordable food and water risks tipping millions into famine.
While food supplies have continued through Hodeidah port through September, the amount of fuel discharged reflects only 21 per cent of the amount required, causing shortages that threaten transport, water pumps and hospital generators.
Fuel shortages across Yemen have pushed prices up by as much as 300% over the past month in some parts of the country.
Cases and photos from families displaced from Hodeidah are available here:
Photos taken in Hodeidah since the offensive are available here .
https://reliefweb.int/report/yemen/record-update-situation-hodeidah-yemen-28-september-2018
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UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Yemen: Al Hudaydah Update Situation Report No. 11 - Reporting Period: 19-26 September 2018
ESCALATED CONFLICT IN AL HUDAYDAH GOVERNORATE
The conflict
The overall context of the fighting in Al Hudaydah Governorate remains largely unchanged. While no significant ground advances were made by either side last week, field reports indicate that Government of Yemen (GoY) forces may have extended control north of the main road near Kilo 16, thus consolidating their control of a portion of the road between Al Hudaydah City and Sana’a. Armed clashes continue in the Kilo 10 and Kilo 16 areas and around the airport. Sporadic armed clashes are also reported on the Hays and At Tuhayat frontlines. Intensive airstrikes, artillery exchange and shelling were reported along the frontline and in several locations within Al Hudaydah City and civilian casualties have been reported.
The situation in Al Hudaydah City
Field reports indicate that the conflict has not affected the movement of civilians within the city where public services such as water pumping stations, hospitals, bakeries and banks are reportedly functioning. Although banks are working, only small amounts of cash can be withdrawn. Hospitals are operational, however, safety at the 22nd of May Hospital, one of the biggest hospital in the country, is of concern as the facility is only a kilometre away from an active frontline.
Peaceful demonstrations have been staged in front of the UN office on a daily basis, most recently by Al Hudaydah city finance office employees and electricity workers, who condemned the deterioration of the economy and called on the international community to pay the salaries of public services employees.
Availability of basic commodities across the governorate
The devaluation of the currency and the general security situation have affected the nominal price of basic food commodities in Al Hudaydah.
FAO reports that a price trend analysis of diesel and fuel in markets in Al Hudaydah Governorate indicate significant price increases. Diesel increased by 48 per cent and petrol by 42 per cent between August and the third week of September. The price of wheat grains has increased by 22 per cent while sugar has increased by 10 per cent across the governorate.
Food security and agricultural partners have facilitated the relocation of 3,000 heads of cattle from active frontlines near Kilo 16 to safer areas to prevent the loss of livelihoods which would have damaged the dairy industry and the supply of dairy products across the governorate.
Access
Humanitarian partners continue to seek the most reliable and safest routes to assist people in need. As the eastern entrance to Al Hudaydah City remains inaccessible because of fighting along the Al Hudaydah-Sana’a road, partners are now generally using alternative routes to the north to access Al Hudaydah City.
Aid operations, personnel and cargo continue to travel in and out of Al Hudaydah City.
Humanitarian organisations continue to call for all ports and access routes, including the main Sana’a-Al Hudaydah road, to remain open and safe for humanitarian operations and the flow of goods.
The ports
Al Hudaydah port and Saleef port, north of the city, remain open and operational. They are critical to the supply of food and other humanitarian assistance to the capital, Sana’a, and other regions in northern Yemen; most commercial food imports are shipped through the ports.
Humanitarian partners are looking for ways of accessing warehouses situated near conflict areas in order to retrieve humanitarian supplies. The Red Sea Mills, which contain 45,000 MT of food commodities, enough to feed 3.5 million people for a month, remain inaccessible as a result of the conflict.
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14 Houthi, including field commander, killed in Hodeidah air raid
According to a statement issued by the government giants brigades, the air raid on the al-Houthi site in Kilo 10 resulted in the killing of the elite leader of Houthis, Ali Ahmed al-Mu'aidhi Abu-Meqdam and 14 of his escorts.
http://almasdaronline.com/articles/158813
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Aggression’s Daily Update for Wednesday, September 26th, 2018
In Hodeidah, a citizen of Durahmi was killed by US-Saudi Aggression artillery shells targeted citizens houses. The US-Saudi Areal Aggression launched several raids on different areas of the governorate.
https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=2996&cat_id=1
(A K pH)
In Hodeidah province, three citizens were killed in two air strike on the road linking between districts of Zabid and al-Jarahi.
http://www.sabanews.net/en/news509449.htm
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Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect: Atrocity Alert No. 124, 26 September 2018: Yemen and Cameroon
Following the UN Special Envoy's unsuccessful launch of political consultations between parties to the civil war in Yemen, government forces - with the support of the international military coalition led by Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates - have renewed their military offensive on Hodeidah. The escalation of hostilities in the major port city endangers the lives of hundreds of thousands of civilians, and leaves vital civilian infrastructure at risk of destruction.
The renewed offensive also leaves millions of Yemenis at increased risk of starvation. Yemen is the worst humanitarian crisis in the world, with at least 8.4 million people currently threatened by famine. Hodeidah is the entry port for approximately 80 percent of the food and fuel imports upon which over 22 million Yemenis depend.
The UNSC should demand an immediate ceasefire in Hodeidah. The Council should also impose targeted sanctions on all those responsible for potential war crimes, including the obstruction of vital humanitarian aid as well as the deliberate destruction of essential civilian infrastructure. This week the Human Rights Council should renew the mandate of the Group of Eminent Experts established to investigate human rights abuses within Yemen by all parties to the conflict.
https://reliefweb.int/report/yemen/atrocity-alert-no-124-26-september-2018-yemen-and-cameroon
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The darkest city in Yemen
Hodeidah is my hometown. For me it is the city of angels, the city that never sleeps. The people of Hodeidah have the kindest hearts, they are so welcoming and full of life. Most of them work either as fishermen or in the market as daily labourers. They love to dance and socialise: they are simply full of life.
But today Hodeidah is not the place we knew. The city that never sleeps is now the darkest city in Yemen. People are leaving Hodeidah every day, running for their lives, fleeing to safety.
When you enter Hodeidah you see an ancient gate which for me was always amazing – it made me happy and joyful. Today seeing it in the news half breaks my heart. I feel like a part of me has been taken – along with my happiness, my dreams and my hopes. The precious memories of Eid, of attending friends’ weddings, visiting family, and enjoying peaceful holidays with lots of laughter and happiness have been destroyed.
I am constantly worried about my family. When I hear there were clashes or an airstrike I call them and sometimes the lines are cut so I can’t reach them. This makes me very worried because so many times a house in our area was damaged or someone was injured. Sometimes I wish I had a magic wand to make this nightmare stop. The only thing which keeps me going is that at least in the midst of this crisis I am serving my people.
I work as a field officer with CARE in the villages of Hodeidah governorate. Being in the field you hear many stories of people who fled the violence with only the clothes they were wearing. Stories that break your heart. Every day we see new people fleeing from Hodeidah; the number and the need increases day after day. They flee to villages which are already in need of humanitarian assistance, but the people of these villages welcome the newcomers with open hearts. You see many people with nothing open up their houses to those in need – houses which are made either of banana trees or of just a room with no roof.
Some people fled Hodeidah leaving a member of their family who’d passed away, and some are forced to bury loved ones along the way. Some flee bare foot and don’t even notice. Some have nothing to eat because they lost their job. Some sleep in the cemetery because they don’t have homes. There are many more stories of suffering. Families tell me: “We just want safety. We want to be able to sleep in our houses with peaceful minds.”
And for me, I wish I could work and leave my family without worrying or not being able to sleep. I wish I didn’t get scared every time I get a phone call from my family or my friends because I am afraid something happened to them. I wish that the war would end. I wish we could live in peace again – by Mahmoud Majeed, CARE Field Officer
https://www.care-international.org/news/stories-blogs/the-darkest-city-in-yemen
cp2 Allgemein / General
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Interactive Map of the Yemen War
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Film by Nasser Arrabyee: By the end of this year, millions of Yemenis could die of hunger, if the Congress didn’t stop Saudis by stopping US participation.
https://twitter.com/narrabyee/status/1045579801392762880
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Film: US Bombs, Saudi Blockade & Manufactured Starvation - The Truth About Yemen w/ Hussain Albukhaiti
Despite the mainstream media's best efforts to ignore and obfuscate the ongoing genocide of the Yemeni people -- being carried out by the US-backed Saudi coalition -- the work on the ground from within Yemen by actual investigative journalists, such as my guest today Hussain Albukhaiti, has forced the world to pay attention; it has forced the average American to reflect on the true intentions behind the actions of its government and the allies with which it chooses to align itself. Today, Hussain shares with us what he sees on the ground: the suffering of the Yemeni people at the hands of the very nations claiming to protect them, how what he sees dramatically contrasts with what we are told by the western media, and the lies behind the excuse of an Iranian threat.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nHiI_6Ijlg
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UN envoy to announce reopening of Sanaa airport next week -report
The U.N. special envoy to Yemen, Martin Griffiths, told Al Jazeera late on Thursday that he looked forward to “announcing the reopening of Sanaa airport next week”.
Al Jazeera reported that Griffiths added he is “working on resuming Yemen talks within weeks in Europe, but not in Geneva ... Houthis should be given a new opportunity to enable them to come for consultations”.
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America Is Not an Innocent Bystander in Yemen
Washington has left a vacuum in the Middle East, letting U.S. allies do as they please—no matter how high the body count.
The United States finds itself in the midst of this tragedy, but it is hardly an innocent bystander. Yemen has regularly been the target of U.S. drone strikes over the last 16 years.
Given the scale of human suffering in Yemen, the U.S. role in supporting the Saudis and their partners, the Emiratis, has become deeply controversial
It is unclear to what extent any of the protagonists in this lurid nightmare can achieve their goals, but the advantage currently lies with the Houthi-Hezbollah-Iran axis.
All of this amounts to a win for the Houthis and their friends, Hezbollah and Iran. The Saudis (and Emiratis) want to push the Iranians from the Arabian Peninsula and re-establish the internationally recognized government in Sanaa. Yet, Yemen is broken. There is no central government, except in name, and even though Hadi is internationally recognized, he is not popular with Yemenis.
The Emiratis do not want the Saudis to lose, and they want to deal a blow to AQAP, which means an open-ended commitment to Yemen.
Yemen’s recent history offers another corrective about the consequences of the people power that toppled leaders around the region in 2011 and 2012, including Saleh. This is not to suggest that demands for better government like the uprising that rocked Yemen in 2011 are bad, but rather about how badly they can go awry and how identity and political culture are underappreciated factors complicating the dynamics of post-uprising transitions. Differences over what Yemen is, what it means to be Yemeni, and who gets to decide these questions are being played out in a political arena in which all the serpents are poisonous. The dynamics are similar in other post-uprising states, with different but often tragic consequences.
Most of all, it should underscore for policymakers and analysts that the old U.S.-led order in the region is dying. U.S. allies no longer call Washington before they take action in the region. The Saudis have prosecuted the war in Yemen with little regard for the United States’ views while simultaneously demanding the Pentagon’s logistical support and the uninterrupted flow of munitions. Whether rightly or wrongly, officials in Riyadh did not trust the United States to appreciate their sense of threat or support them.
Americans, deep in the trenches of a culture war, are busy burning their Nikes and obsessing over President Donald Trump’s Twitter account, and they show little appetite for the real wars raging in the Middle East, effectively leaving the region up for grabs. Sadly, a lot of people are going to get killed in the process – by Steven A. Cook, the Eni Enrico Mattei senior fellow for Middle East and Africa studies at the Council on Foreign Relations
https://foreignpolicy.com/2018/09/27/america-is-not-an-innocent-bystander-in-yemen/
My comment: Again such a strange article from the US, mixing US/Saudi propaganda against Iran, a homeopathic dose of critics against the US (but not going deeper), with some serious ideas.
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Film: Yemen's children are dying, so why does nobody care? Why does the #UNGA turn a blind eye to what's happening in #Yemen? #UNGA18
https://twitter.com/randinord/status/1045035786075287552
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Film: US-Backed Slaughter In Yemen Exposed & Called Out
Clip from The Kyle Kulinski Show, which airs live on Blog Talk Radio and Secular Talk Radio Monday
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WGh2Rd1Tck
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Film: Yemen Cries for Help as War Raging on
The United Nations has called Yemen the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, and it was a topic of discussion at the general assembly. As of August 31, US Air Force tankers have flown 2,919 sorties and offloaded 92.3 million pounds of fuel to Saudi and emirate warplanes. RT America’s Dan Cohen reports.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnbQwbeNsJA
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Film: Yemen: The Other Side Of The Story
Facts and Information regarding Human Rights Violations The Panelists will present an overview of the human rights situation in Yemen and the types of violations against the Yemeni people such as the closure and confiscation of newspapers, the siege of Taiz and forced displacement, the landmines and violations against women, youth and minorities in Yemen. Conférenciers: Mohammed Al Maswari Head of Yemen International Team for Peace; Awad Alwan Member of Yemen International Team for Peace; Muna Luqman Chairman of Food4Humanity Foundation, Peace and Security Activist; Eman Abdullah Human Rights Activist; Khaldoun Bakheel Peace Activist from Yemen; Dr. Astrid Stuckelberger Moderator, UN and EU expert, University of Geneva
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hs1vqGh36jU
Did not work “Lifestream offline” on Sept. 27.
My comment: On Aug. 31, 2018, I commented to a Saudi article and supposed this Yemen International Team for Peace is a Saudi propaganda invent.
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In Yemen’s war, Saudis see Hodeida as Iran connection
An Arab coalition is set on ousting Houthi rebels from the port of Hodeida, seen as an Iranian-backed outpost in the Red Sea, even if it pushes Yemen into famine
According to those Western allies, a UN Panel of Experts report released to the Security Council in February — but not made public — confirmed Saudi Arabia’s concerns.
Iran has consistently denied providing arms to the Houthis and to date no such missiles have been intercepted at sea or at UN inspection centers in regional ports.
“You’re dealing with a group of people — the Revolutionary Guards, Quds force, Lebanese Hezbollah — who are experts at covert procurement and smuggling. You’re dealing with a UN-backed arms embargo that does not inspect vessels smaller than 100 tons of cargo and it’s very easy to break up important weapons systems into smaller components,” said Michael Knights, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.
“How many anti-shipping missiles can you fit into a small container ship? Even if only one out of every 10 is docked with an anti-shipping missile in it, it’s a lot,” he said.
The Houthis, experts say, would not be able to sustain such attacks on their own.
“They have longer range systems that go much further than any Yemeni missiles could go […] There’s been over half a dozen inspected and welded back together. The UN has certified these are identical to Iranian Qaim-1 missile systems,” said Knights.
Hodeida is not the only alleged entry point for arms, which analysts say also enter through smuggling channels in Yemen’s government-held territory. But as the country’s largest port, it is a key outlet for the Houthis.
Should the coalition seize Hodeida it would “minimize” arms smuggling and revenues to the Houthis, according to Yemeni journalist Mohammed al-Qadhi.
“It is the last window for [the Houthis] to look out to the world,” said al-Qadhi, who is currently reporting from the outskirts of Hodeida for Abu Dhabi-based Sky News Arabia.
“If they lose Hodeida, they’re far from the international interest, from Bab al-Mandeb,” he said, referring to the key Red Sea choke point and oil shipping lane.
Oil tankers must pass through the Bab al-Mandab strait just south of Hodeida on their way to the Suez Canal, and they have already faced attack from the Houthis on this route, causing oil prices to spike.
“If the Iranians increase their influence on the Houthis […] they don’t just have their finger on the windpipe at the Strait of Hormuz, then they control Bad al-Mandeb and thus the Suez Canal,” said Knights.
“It is not only Hodeida but the entire coastline the coalition is seeking to control. They have already retaken the Red Sea port of Mocha. Hodeida is the next major target, and then they will try to take Saleef [port],” he added.
Journalist Al-Qadhi says that if the Houthis lose the coast they will be pushed toward Yemen’s mountainous areas further east, “which are not friendly to them.”
Analyst Knights says the coalition might take that as a win.
“They don’t want Houthis with direct control of ports, or airports […] If they can landlock the Houthis, and push them back to mountains, that strikes me as the end of first phase [of the war] and maybe there is no second phase,” Knights said.
A military takeover of Hodeida would create a “big shift” in the war, said the second analyst. “It also risks pushing Yemen into famine.” – By ALISON TAHMIZIAN MEUSE
http://www.atimes.com/article/in-yemens-war-saudis-see-hodeida-as-iran-connection/
My comment: Again playing the dubious “Iranian arms supply” propaganda card.
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Suspicious Meeting For Yemeni , KSA, UAE Officials with Israeli Mossad
Western diplomatic sources revealed a meeting held on Tuesday in New York between officials of Hadi’s government , Saudi, Emirati and US officials with the participation of representatives of the Israeli intelligence agency (Mossad) to discuss ways to confront Iran in the Middle East countries, including Yemen.
The Saudi and Emirati media confirmed the meeting without mentioning the participation of Mossad representatives . The meeting, which was held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, witnessed two sessions , Sky News Emirati channel reported in a report monitored by Yemen-Press .
According to the channel, the first session was attended by Khalid al-Yamani, a foreign minister of Yemen’s pro-coalition government and Bahrain’s ambassador to the United States.
The channel added that the second session witnessed the participation of Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir and the UAE ambassador to the United States, Yusuf al-Otaiba, and the American envoy to the Middle East.
The channel pointed out that the Emirati ambassador, when he was asked how to deter Iran, said that “Yemen is the most logical and easy to face Iran.”
http://www.newnewss.net/suspicious-meeting-for-yemeni-ksa-uae-officials-with-israeli-mossad/
and
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Pro-Aggression Government Minister Appears with Mossad Chief in New York
A conference, on the tenth anniversary of the establishment of "United against a nuclear Iran" organization, was held in New York on Tuesday with the participation of the pro-aggression government Foreign Minister, ambassador in the United States, some Arab officials and the head of the Israeli Mossad.
Media sources revealed that the head of the Mossad, Yossi Cohen, spoke for half an hour after Al-Jubair speech, and after he was done, he shook hands with Saudi Foreign Minister Al-Jubeir, Al-Otaiba, ambassador of Bahrain in the US and the pro-aggression government ambassador to the US.
https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=2997&cat_id=1
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DONALD TRUMP SAYS 'YEMEN IS GETTING BETTER,' BUT CIVILIAN CASUALTIES HAVE INCREASED 164 PERCENT
While speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, President Donald Trump said the situation in Yemen is improving, but civilian casualties in Yemen's war have increased dramatically since June, when the Saudi-led coalition began its offensive to gain control of Hodeidah. [overview article]
https://www.newsweek.com/civilian-casualties-rise-164-percent-yemen-war-1140243
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U.N.: ‘We Are Losing the Fight Against Famine’ in Yemen
Civilian casualties in Yemen have shot up dramatically since the start of the Hodeidah offensive. As the offensive continues, it threatens not only to kill and maim many more civilians in and around the port, but the disruption to the port jeopardizes the food supply for the vast majority of people in the entire country. According to CARE International, closure of the port will leave most people in Yemen with no more than 2-3 months’ worth of food.
The U.N. and humanitarian groups have been warning about the threat to the civilian population from interruption or closure of the port for the better part of a year, but this has not discouraged the coalition from pressing ahead with an offensive that everyone understands will be disastrous for Yemeni civilians. The U.S. previously opposed attacking Hodeidah because it could lead to massive loss of life, but the Trump administration changed that position and supported the attack. At the same time that the coalition has been even greater harm to the civilian population, the administration has lied on their behalf and claimed the opposite.
Once a famine has been declared, it is already too late. Yemen may be only months away from suffering one of the largest modern famines. It could still be prevented, but millions of Yemenis are running out of time. Lowcock went on to say this:
“The lifeline through which the aid operation runs now hangs by a thread.”
The coalition offensive will cut that thread if it is not stopped. At the very least, there needs to be a halt to the Hodeidah offensive and a general ceasefire throughout the country, a lifting of the coalition air and sea blockade, and a major relief effort to pull the country back from the edge of the abyss. The U.S. has significant leverage with the Saudi coalition governments and could use it to make some of those things happen, and since the administration clearly won’t do anything to rein them in it will have to be Congress that does it – by Daniel Larison
https://www.theamericanconservative.com/larison/u-n-we-are-losing-the-fight-against-famine-in-yemen/
cp3 Humanitäre Lage / Humanitarian situation
Siehe / Look at cp1
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Film: Jeremy Scahill on the U.S.-Backed Atrocities in Yemen
As the Trump/Russia reality show continues to consume endless hours of media coverage, the U.S. is backing the genocidal, scorched-earth bombing of Yemen.
https://twitter.com/Maddllock2/status/1045036582519140352
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@sanaacenter released a study in 2017 claiming one #Sanaa based bank made $80 million in aid exchange rate profits in the first 6 months of the year - very likely it was the bank handling most of the humanitarian aid flows.
https://twitter.com/Wesamqaid/status/1044964261716471808
https://twitter.com/omeisy/status/1045660857248751617
(B H)
Yemen is undeniably the world's worst humanitarian crisis: WFP
Chief of UN's food agency raises alert over Yemen's hunger crisis at the UN General Assembly as famine fears loom.
The World Food Programme (WFP) has said there "very well could be" famine in remote areas of Yemen where the UN's food agency does not have access, painting a bleak picture of the hunger crisis gripping the country.
"Yemen is a disaster and I don't see any light at the end of the tunnel right now," WFP's Executive Director David Beasley told reporters at a closed briefing during the UN General Assembly in New York City on Thursday.
"Yemen is undeniably the world's worst humanitarian crisis by far," said Beasley.
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This is the suffering of Yemeni children in wartime
A year ago, the Yemeni pupil, Mounir, was preparing his school bag in preparation for the school, but today he is heading to a buffet to work in preparing breakfast for daily fare workers on Cairo Street in central Sana'a.
Mounir (11 years old) is making a big effort as he stands on a wooden box that can stir bread on the high sheet. His work ends at 10 a.m. and before he leaves, the director is keen to confirm him by attending early in the evening.
On his way home, he goes to the Saba school where he encounters his colleagues leaving school, especially Tariq, who is addressing him saying, "I hope to be like you, earn money and buy a Galaxy S3 phone" and answer it confidently «Tell your parents that you want to work, tell them I will save every day 500 riyals (0.75 dollars) ».
Mounir's words were found in Tariq, whose family suffers from a lack of living, and the costs of schooling have placed a heavy burden on his father, who works as a carpenter at a war-affected shop.
Tariq joined the ranks of al-Houthi, the body of his older brothers with their long hair and their new weapon made him excited to appear like them.
Mounir told al-Jazeera that he was proud to have become self-supporting, in addition to contributing part of his daily salary to the cost of living his family.
He says that his father, who works in the traffic department, lives in a difficult financial situation, with the salaries of employees in the government sector dropping two years ago.
The case of Anwar Hamid, who left his village of Dhamar (central Yemen) intending to work in the drafting of gold, was different, saying "My family is hard, we almost died of hunger", adding that he decided to help his family to get the money.
http://almasdaronline.com/articles/158816
(* B H)
United Nations Population Fund: "I was not ready to lose my child"
Seventeen-year-old Samah was six months pregnant when her house in Hodeidah was bombed.
“We ran with only the clothes we were wearing – there was no time even to get my abaya,” she recalled. “We travelled for two days to arrive here in Aden. It was the most exhausting two days of my life.”
The stress and exhaustion took a toll on Samah’s body. After reaching Aden, she developed complications in her pregnancy.
Samah is one of more than 90,000 pregnant women who were living inside Hodeidah when the violence there escalated, according to UNFPA estimates. Among them, an estimated 14,000 are at risk of complications that – without immediate medical treatment – put their lives in grave danger.
Yemen has one of the highest maternal mortality ratios in the region. In 2015, an estimated 385 women died in childbirth, or as a result of pregnancy-related complications, for every 100,000 births.
Today, maternal deaths are likely to have doubled.
Delivering care and supplies to pregnant women
In response to the crisis in and around Hodeidah, UNFPA is leading a rapid response mechanism to distribute life-saving supplies, in partnership with UNICEF and WFP.
The rapid response kits delivered through the mechanism include ready-to-eat foods provided by WFP; basic hygiene kits for the entire family, provided by UNICEF; and dignity kits for women and girls, provided by UNFPA.
https://reliefweb.int/report/yemen/i-was-not-ready-lose-my-child
(A H P)
Hisham Al-Omeisy: Meeting with #Yemen donors again to discuss diversifying their use of local banks and directly funding local partners/NGOs after vetting process. This will have significant impact creating economic activity that is currently desperately needed where business/economy dying. #HRC39
https://twitter.com/omeisy/status/1045338014501736449
(* B H)
Film: Jemen: Die größte Hungerkrise der Welt
Die größte Hungerkrise der Welt, der größte Ausbruch von Cholera der Menschheitsgeschichte. Die Krise im Jemen ist kaum noch in Worte zu fassen. Mehr als drei Jahre leiden die Menschen dort schon an den Folgen von Krieg und Gewalt. Der UNHCR, das Flüchtlingshilfswerk der Vereinten Nationen, bleibt vor Ort und tut alles Menschenmögliche, um die Not der Schutzsuchenden zu lindern.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xA5rwgMN1IY
(* B H)
Film: Hungerkatastrophe im Jemen: Vor allem die Kinder sind betroffen
https://www.tagesschau.de/multimedia/video/video-452719.html
(* B H)
Film: Jemen von Hungerkatastrophe bedroht
(A H)
Monareliefye.org continues for the second day distributing school bags to orphan students in Sanaa (photos)
(* B H)
There is no mountain @UNICEF Community Health Workers cannot climb! In rural communities, women CHWs ensure better access to #health and #nutrition services for children and their mothers. So far, with @EuinYemen and health authorities, 600 CHWs were trained across #Yemen. (photos)
https://twitter.com/UNICEF_Yemen/status/1044858597203693568
(* B H)
UNICEF Yemen Humanitarian Situation Report (August 2018)
Highlights
UNICEF Yemen has supported the first round of an oral cholera vaccination campaign in five districts in the northern governorates of al Hudaydah and Ibb to protect an additional 540,595 people (over 1 years of age) against Cholera. This follows the first campaign held in five districts in Aden in May. In total 387,390 (69 per cent) persons have been vaccinated against the total target of 561,002 people.
A nationwide polio vaccination campaign was conducted in August, targeting more than five million children under five years of age. Preliminary results show that 4,163,322 children (69%) have been vaccinated with oral polio vaccine and 2,851,917 children (6-59 months) have received vitamin A.
The start of the new school year remains an urgent concern. 3.7 million children are at risk of missing schooling, mostly in the northern areas, as roughly two-thirds of the public school teachers are still awaiting their salaries after two years. This situation has a strong impact on both access and the quality of education. In addition, out of school children are at higher risk of recruitment by armed forces and other armed groups.
Situation Overview & Humanitarian Needs
The humanitarian situation in Yemen continues to deteriorate. The number of suspected cholera cases continues to increase rendering the possibility of a third wave of the epidemic more likely, especially in light of ongoing rains. WHO reports indicate increased presentations at health facilities, including severe cases that require further observation1 . In terms of current preparedness actions for possible third wave, UNICEF Yemen has procured and prepositioned supplies that are sufficient for over half million suspected Acute Watery Diarrhoea (AWD)/cholera cases including items such as vaccines, Oral Rehydration Salts, Zinc and Intravenous (IV) fluids. These are prepositioned in various UNICEF warehouses, the Ministry of Health and some government health offices.
Water systems continue to be a target of attacks, this month various water systems have been destroyed by airstrikes, including wells in Kamaran Island. The wells formed the only sources of water on the island. Five wells were completely destroyed, ten were badly damaged and need to be rehabilitated urgently. In addition to the wells, the desalination plant has been completely destroyed. A main water tank in Durayhimi city in Al Hudaydah, was destroyed when the vicinity was targeted in an attack. Reports suggest that people in the city have had no access to drinking water for one week.
At hub- level, humanitarian access remains most difficult in Al-Hudaydah (Midi, Haradh, Hayran, Mustaba and Bakil al Mir) and Sa’ada (al-Jawf) governorates. Violence and military operations In Al Hudaydah has forced nearly 470,000 people to fled their homes since early June and left them in need of urgent humanitarian aid
https://reliefweb.int/report/yemen/unicef-yemen-humanitarian-situation-report-august-2018
(* B H)
Norwegian Refugee Council: East Africa and Yemen: Annual Report 2017
Despite many odds, the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) provided emergency assistance and durable solutions to more than 3 million people in the nine countries of the East Africa and Yemen programme.
Yemen (p. 14–15)
Operating across the displacement and conflict-affected governorates of Hodeida, Lahj, Taizz, Al Dhale’a, Amran, Hajjah and Sana’a, Yemen’s food security programmes reached some of the most vulnerable displaced and conflict-affected people. Overall, our team reached more than 377,000 people with assistance for emergency food needs.
Our organisational food security programme provided people with food, vouchers, cash and grants to help re-establish livelihoods and help people get back to work. Where possible, we provided households with monthly cash grants over a period of three to five months, allowing households to make choices and diversify their food types while helping sustain local markets.
As part of our mandate, it is important to ensure that people affected by conflict, including internally displaced people, returnees and host communities, have access to safe water, sanitation facilities and hygiene information for improved public health. Our contribution to address these needs in the governorates of Lahj, Aden, Amran, Taizz, Sanaá, Hodeida, Hajjah and Al Dhale’a included the provision of clean water for domestic use through trucking services and distribution of chlorine-based water treatment to live safely and more comfortably.
We provided families with mattresses, sleeping mats, blankets, mosquito nets, water buckets and kitchen utensils. Families in colder climates received winterisation kits.
Working with minimum resources, we actively advocated to donors to increase their funding for education in line with commitments made at the previous World Humanitarian Summit.
https://reliefweb.int/report/somalia/east-africa-and-yemen-annual-report-2017
https://www.nrc.no/resources/annual-reports/east-africa-and-yemen-annual-report-2017/
cp4 Flüchtlinge / Refugees
Siehe / Look at cp1b
(* B H)
International Organization for Migration, UN High Commissioner for Refugees: Yemen: Task Force on Population Movement (TFPM) - 17th Report - August 2018
As of June 2018, the Yemen TFPM estimates 2,331,264 internally displaced persons (IDPs) (388,544 households) the majority of whom were displaced due to conflict ongoing since March 2015 and dispersed across 22 governorates.* For the same period, the TFPM identified 1,012,464 IDP returnees (168,744 households) across 22 governorates. In addition to these two population groups monitored by the TFPM, through an Emergency Tracking Tool (ETT), IOM also identified over 300,000 individuals forced to flee their homes as a result of escalating conflict in the Al Hudaydah governorate.
https://displacement.iom.int/reports/yemen-%E2%80%94-tfpm-report-17-august-2018 = https://reliefweb.int/report/yemen/yemen-task-force-population-movement-tfpm-17th-report-august-2018
(B H)
Displaced Hodeidah civilians seek security in small southern town
A new mobile healthcare clinic has become a hub for those who fled to Khokha.
With Yemeni government forces resuming an operation to retake the critical rebel-held port city of Hodeidah on Yemen’s Red Sea coast, civilians have again begun escaping, many bringing tales of Houthi violence and desperation.
Over 76,500 households have been displaced by the fighting around Hodeidah since June, according to UN data, with the majority fleeing the province. Many are heading south on the coastal road – through a landscape still littered with Houthi landmines – where one of the first settlements they reach is Khokha.
A sandy town 120 kilometres south of Hodeidah, Khokha is not much more than a few winding residential streets around a crossroads where a route heads inland towards the town of Hays.
There is […] not much to welcome the thousands of displaced civilians arriving here from Hays, Al Duraihmi, Al Jah and Hodeidah.
That is why a mobile healthcare clinic set up earlier this month has become a new hub in the town.
From children suffering the effects of traumatic stress to cases of acute diarrhoea caused by contaminated drinking water, some 160 patients receive life-saving primary healthcare daily, says Dr Hasan Abu Al Ghaith of the Yemeni Taiyba Foundation which runs the clinic with support from the Saudi King Salman Centre for Relief and Humanitarian Aid.
The situation is desperate, he says.
My comment: By Emirati media. Of course, mixed with anti-Houthi and pro-Emirati propaganda (We are the benefactors who care).
(B H)
UN High Commissioner for Refugees: East, Horn of Africa and Yemen - Displacement of Somalis: Refugees, asylum-seekers and IDPs, showing host countries with more than 1,000 Somalis | as of 31 August 2018
31 % of Somalian refugees in Yemen: 256,733 people.
cp5 Nordjemen und Huthis / Northern Yemen and Houthis
(A E H)
Film: This is just one aspect of the daily suffering
https://twitter.com/Hooria_Mashhour/status/1045663237369450497
(* B P)
The anniversary of revolution and coup
On the other hand, the Houthis moved in September 2014 alone, a single sectarian group. The rebels are not necessarily the majority of the community, but it is important that they be represented by all segments of society, as in 1962, where there is a societal diversity in the names of the revolutionaries, while the Houthis represent one community group from a specific region in Yemen. Their demands were low in the beginning, and can not be described as revolutionary. They do not exceed the retreat from raising the price of oil derivatives, overthrowing the government and implementing the outputs of the national dialogue. After dropping them to the capital, they have new demands on the morning of each new day, to make it easy for everyone to realize that there is no ceiling for their demands. They are always moving and not clear most of the time. This is due to a fact that is not difficult to detect, that the Houthis are motivated by a group of religious and historical illusions that makes them believe in their exclusive and divine right to rule Yemen. Their historical point of reference and their intellectual reference is the imamate. This is not merely an ordinary monarchy but an integrated social system based on a strict social hierarchy based on descent and function.
The Houthis devised a name for their leader that was not without a clear religious sanctity and was the leader of the march
"Houthi tries to impose the celebration of his power and authority, but without any social interaction" Quranic, as the invasions of the Huthi Quranic process embodied in his verses and concepts, as well as not described by Huthi Imam, despite their conviction in the mystical, but they are just another religious name of Zaidi, "The flag that leads the nation and embodies the spirituality and leadership that God has given him. This is also one of the reasons why the Houthis evade any political agreement, because they see their authority and their horizons governed by their religious views give them the right to revoke any agreement, which may entail any responsibilities, and limit their authority, which should be absolute.
Impossibility to return to the Imamate Houthi pushed to their constitutional declaration in February 2015, which simulates the experience of the Iranian revolution, in the name of the revolution governs and called his powers revolutionary, neither republic nor Imam. This seems to be a good way out, but the revolutionary authorities in Iran have decided to rule within state institutions, while Huthi insists on practicing his rule militarily, making his authority fragile, and relying solely on weapons.
Comment: We've ranted before about how folks shouldn't focus on anniversaries, but @maysaashujaa's piece today, reflecting on the stark contrast between the #September26 revolution of 1962 and the Houthi's self-described revolution of September 21, is a must-read.
https://twitter.com/YemenPeaceNews/status/1044956903946833922
My comment: This text tries to link the Houthis and their idea of society to the religious monarchy of the Imamate which had been overthrown in 1962, starting with the Sept. 26 revolution. This text evidently is anti-Houthi; I doubt whether the author’s emphasizing of the Houthis’ isolation in Yemeni society is realistic. And: Also the Houthis are commemorating September 26, on a lower level, look at next link below.
In Arabic. Google Translator does not work very well here. You have to C+P the text from the original site into Google Translator.
(A P)
Film: "We assure people and states of the world, that we in #Yemen are based on a just cause" concluded Yemeni President Mahdi Al-Mashat in his speech, addressing the nation on the 56th anniversary of the Republican Revolution of September 26th, 1962.
https://twitter.com/yemen_rw/status/1045018635633401856
(A H)
College professors are working as vendors at Sanaa University "to save their families from hunger". Public servants in Houthi-run regions have not received salaries since September 2016.
https://twitter.com/FuadRajeh/status/1044929672549732352
cp6 Südjemen und Hadi-Regierung / Southern Yemen and Hadi-government
Siehe / Look at cp1
(A P)
Film: Yemen: Protesta anticorrupción en Adén es dispersada con disparos al aire
[Protests against corroption at Aden]
Una protesta en Adén, la capital provisional del Gobierno yemení, fue supuestamente disuelta por las fuerzas gubernamentales con disparos al aire. Los manifestantes marchaban contra los líderes políticos del país, a quienes acusan de corrupción.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0uEY2aRXYOI
(A P)
Film: Protest of Abductees Mother in Aden
Mothers of Aden will not accept the freedom of their children arbitrarily detained and forcibly hidden.
https://twitter.com/abducteesmother/status/1045378016573042688
(* B P)
Speech of Mr. Abd Al-Salam Kassem Mosaad, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Office in UAS and Canada, in a Seminar Held in the US Congress
Our opponents criticize us as “separatists”. What a pity. They cut short the suffering of an independent nation with a distinct culture and identity. A nation that had an independent state and was member of the Arab League and UN till 1990 when our people was forced, by a political decision, to go into a union with the Arab Republic of Yemen.
The union between Arab Republic of Yemen and People’s Democratic Republic of Yemen failed and we are dreaming of restoring our state. we are not trying to separate one people as along history we are two separate peoples. This dream is not the result of today’s facts. Instead, southern people struggled for long to achieve this dream of an independent free state. Sanaa’s regimen continued for tens of year to imprison, torture, kill and displace southern citizens to deny them their right of self-determination. But the expectations of the southern people are now translated into moderate political powers that fight for peace and stability in the region.
The southern people were first to alert, very early, against the destructive role of Iran in Yemen. Southern resistance defeated Al-Houthi militias supported by Iran in all southern cities while the so-called legitimacy government failed to liberate a single governorate in the north. Southern troops even liberated northern zones on behalf of the so-called legitimacy government.
Our top priority is to establish peace and security of the region and face the danger of Iran-supported Al-Houthi militias that led the region to current poor conditions in addition to relieving daily suffering of our people due to full absence of the government and its clear corruption.
The so-called legitimacy government is supposed to be a partner for the Arab Coalition in facing Al-Houthis and Iran while it is still depending on Muslim Brotherhood as a key player and controller of political decision. For more than four years, this government is creating and recycling problems without even thinking of solving them.
The southern transitional council is the umbrella for all southern citizens who are eager for freedom and independence.
We dream of a homeland where human rights are guaranteed, where women are equal to men, where children have the opportunity for good education and health care. This didn’t’ happen during the years of union. Therefore, we will build it with our own hands. We believe that it is time to restore our state.
(A P)
until the restoration of the Republic.
A statement issued by the movement said that the aim of commemorating the revolution after days of the fall of the capital Sana'a, recalled the movement's role in igniting the Republican rejection of the coup d'état.
http://almasdaronline.com/articles/158845
(A K)
Explosion in Aden City sky, witnesses talk about ballistic interception
A loud explosion was heard Thursday night, in conjunction with an explosion in the sky of Aden, the temporary capital of the country, witnesses said.
The accounts of the witnesses, who reported to Al Masdar online, were conflicting, and some said the explosion was caused by the objections of the Saudi Arabian coalition defenses to a ballistic missile launched by the Houthi militants.
Others said the explosion was caused by the interception of an unmanned aerial plane launched by the Houthis towards the coalition headquarters in al-Burqa district.
http://almasdaronline.com/articles/158843
(A P)
Prepared by Experts, The Southern Transitional Council Introduces Inclusive Files and Plans to Save the Situation and Avoid Collapse in the South
Asource in the southern transitional council indicated that the council completed inclusive files and plans to the save the situation and prevent collapse that may lead the south to chaos as some enemy parties try to.
The source indicated that files include the failure of Ben Daghar’s government and political and economic convictions of the legitimacy concerning manipulation of the economic situation and supporting criminal gangs to create security breaches in addition to supporting terrorist groups to harm the Arab Coalition and other files about human rights crimes and violations in the south since 1994.
These files may put major high rank personnel in Ben Daghar’s governments behind bars and may lead them to be convicted as the council intends to deliver these files to international criminal court.
(A P)
Nasserite Party calls on government and Coalition for Transparent dialogue and warns of continued war
The Nasserite organization's secretary general, Abdullah Noman, warned on Thursday of the current economic situation in Yemen and its threatening may led to the collapse of the country's remaining features and fragmentation
"Addressing the economic situation is not possible unless political manipulation of the situation takes place through the presence of the State and its organs in the liberated provinces," Noman said during a meeting led by the Nasserite organization branch in the southern province of Lahj.
He noted that the rapid collapse of the national currency as poverty and unemployment widened and the phenomenon of corruption was unprecedented, threatened the collapse of the remaining features of the state and the emergence of entities and fragmentation of the country, calling on the political forces to rise to their responsibility at this dangerous stage.
http://almasdaronline.com/articles/158844
(A P)
Joy manifested in the faces of children. Taiz tourist Club reopened 4 years after closure
The local authority in the southwestern city of Taiz on Thursday reopened the tourist club of Taiz, four years after it was closed as a result of the city's war between the Houthis and government forces since the beginning of 2015.
http://almasdaronline.com/articles/158821
My comment: As the photo obviously shows, women and girls are 2. Class people here.
(A P)
Tribal men cut communications cables and Internet in Marib to pressure authorities to fulfill their demands
Residents of Marib City, east of the capital Sana'a, said Thursday that communications and Internet cables have been cut since last Tuesday by a subversive action by tribal militants.
The residents said in identical statements to Al Masdar online, those tribal gunmen in the Valley Directorate cut the communications and Internet cables coming from Hadramawt province (east of the country) to demand the realization of a number of demands.
http://almasdaronline.com/articles/158826
(A P T)
Shabwa Elites Commander Confirms the Military Operation Against Terrorist Groups a Success
My comment: The typical propaganda for UAE-backed southern separatists’ militia as anti-terror fighters.
(A P)
Hadi meets with the president of Ukraine and a number of diplomats to discuss the Yemeni crisis
President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi met Thursday at his residence in New York, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly meetings with the Ukrainian president, the UAE Foreign minister and the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Washington, as well as the UN envoy to Yemen.
According to the state news agency Saba, Hadi met with the president of Ukraine Pietro Boroshenko to discuss a number of issues and topics related to relations between the two countries, and opportunities for qualification and training through scholarships for Yemeni students.
In another meeting, Hadi met with Emirati Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed and discussed the "steady progress towards the goals of the storm of firmness and the restoration of hope by the Saudi-led coalition".
http://almasdaronline.com/articles/158795
My comment: Hadi and Poroshenko: Here really the best fitting guys have met, both together representing how perverse US foreign policy really is.
Hadi: Ousted by a coup against him being the legitimate president in 2014. The US strongly backed him against coupists, still back him although his legitimacy had expired since Feb. 2015. Nevertheless, backing him as “legitimate” president is such a high value that is justifies that US proxies bomb half the country into ruins, killing thousands, with great US support.
Poroshenko: Became president after a coup against the then legitimate president Yanukovich. The US had backed ousting this legitimate president by massive support. Those who resisted this coup were shelled and bombed by coupists’ army and militia, bombing this part of the county into ruins, killing thousands, with US support.
Conclusion: The US is shitting on “legitimacy”. They decide who is “legitimate”, it’s always the US proxies and puppets, whether they are coupists or anti-coupists. And who does not agree is going to be bombed.
(* B P)
Film: The Washington post: 'The sun will rise again': Life in Mukalla city capital of Hadramout in #SouthYemen after al-Qaeda.
https://twitter.com/Mukalla_Now_EN/status/1045265627315929091
(A E)
Yemen's Aden refinery tenders to buy 97,000 tonnes of oil products - SABA
Yemen's Aden refinery is seeking to buy 97,000 tonnes of oil products, including 62,000 tonnes of diesel, SABA news agency reported on Wednesday.
The statement said bids should be priced in U.S. dollars and be submitted before Oct.1 at the latest.
http://news.trust.org/item/20180926083615-eq1ac
(A T)
The manager of Al-Bonyan school, Ramzi Al-Zagheer, was killed by armed men in the interim capital of Aden.
https://twitter.com/BelqeesRights/status/1044980112263925762
(A P)
Bir Ahmed detainees resume hunger strike after authorities revoke its promises
Detainees in Bir Ahmed prison in Aden, the interim capital of the country, resumed the hunger strike, starting Wednesday, because of what they said the prosecution and the authorities did not fulfill their promises to them.
According to a statement issued by the detainees, AL Masdar online received a copy of it, that the detainees gave the authorities and the prosecution a deadline of 10 days «as an opportunity for them, to see the extent of their sincerity and we saw them not to abide by the application of legal standards in us, and meet our legitimate and just demands. "
The detainees returned to their open hunger strike until their demands were reached, he said.
http://almasdaronline.com/articles/158746
and films by Abductees Mothers:
https://twitter.com/abducteesmother/status/1044626401775751169
https://twitter.com/abducteesmother/status/1044923375615967233
(A P)
Military parade and big carnival in central Taiz to commemorate the September 26 revolution
Authorities in the southwestern city of Taiz on Wednesday marked the 56th anniversary of the Sept. 26 Revolution with a military parade and a large public carnival, attended by thousands of residents of the city.
The fighting between the government forces and the Houthis in the city since the beginning of 2015 was present at the celebrations, and some participants threw words confirming the continued fighting of the Houthis, until the liberation of the province.
http://almasdaronline.com/articles/158749
and
(A P)
Yemenis commemorate 56 September anniversary of anti-theocracy revolution
Yemenis in cities and villages on 26 September night commemorated the 56th anniversary of the national republican revolution against the theocracy of the Imams.
Men, women and children in the liberated governorates organized festivities, wearing Yemeni flags and singing the national anthem.
https://www.alsahwa-yemen.net/en/p-24017
My comment: This is no Southern Yemeni anniversary, did they really commemorate this?
(* A P)
Al-Mahara Tribes: Saudi Forces Threats Increase Our Commitment to Yemeni Sovereignty
The tribesmen of Al-Mahara province confirmed that the threats of the Saudi forces will only increase their adherence to Yemeni sovereignty and continue the peaceful protests and sit-ins rejecting the foreign military presence on their lands.
A senior tribal source, who participated in the sit-in of Al-Mahara's sons Tuesday, pointed out that the threats of the Saudi forces and their orders to their mercenaries to arrest Sheikh Ali Salem Al-Harizi will lead to the outbreak of an armed revolution. The tribesmen will support their leadership and stand behind them with full force. Warning against prejudice to him or any of the personalities or cadres of Al-Maharah province.
He indicated that launching threats comes as Saudi Arabia is fully aware that its projects in Al-Maharah is doomed to failure.
https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=2990&cat_id=1
and
(A P)
Al-Harizi challenges his arrest warrant and arrives at the Al Mahrah capital with a large convoy
Sheikh Ali al-Harizi arrived in Ghadah, capital of al-Mahra province, east of Yemen, on Wednesday, the former provincial undersecretary, coming from the city of Shehen, in a large convoy accompanying him.
The Arab coalition leadership issued a warrant for his arrest for his involvement in demonstrations against the Saudi presence in Al-Mahrah and the escalation of protesters against the Arab coalition.
A local source told the "Al Masdar online " that Sheikh al-Harizi went from Shehen to Ghaidhah and arrived this afternoon, with a large convoy.
The source said that the arrival of Al-Harizi, the capital of the Al Mahrah, was a challenge to his arrest, which he said earlier that he did not recognize any presence of forces named "Occupation " in the province.
http://almasdaronline.com/articles/158767
film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRmZj58UpRc
and
(* A P)
Al-Harizi: The arrest warrant issued against me came from the coalition leadership, not from the Yemeni government
Former al-Mahra provincial undersecretary Sheikh Ali Salem al-Harizi said the warrant issued for his arrest, "do not mean him", and will not stop the march of popular protests in the Yemeni province against the presence of the Arab coalition in al-Mahrah.
He explained in a conversation about his transfer of the site "new Arab ", that the warrant of his arrest comes because he stood by the protesters against what he called "Saudi presence in the province".
"I knew about this warrant through the media, and I was expecting such an action by the coalition, a note that I have never made. I understand that the instructions are not from the Yemeni military or the legitimate government but from the leaders of the coalition, namely Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which occupies the south “
"This warrant is due to the fact that we have revealed the facts to the world, namely, that Saudi Arabia and the UAE have become occupied states
http://almasdaronline.com/articles/158758
Remark: Earlier recording: Yemen War Mosaic 462, cp6.
cp7 UNO und Friedensgespräche / UN and peace talks
(* A P)
UN envoy announces plan to restart Yemen peace talks
Martin Griffiths says there is huge appetite for a solution, as experts’ mandate extended
the UN’s envoy to the country has said as he announced a plan to restart peace talks.
The scheme would introduce a set of confidence-building measures within a week, including reopening Sana’a airport, prisoner swaps and payment of civil service salaries.
It was arranged by the UN special envoy Martin Griffiths after a frenetic round of meetings in New York designed to prevent Yemen from sliding towards a humanitarian disaster as fighting escalates.
Griffiths said he was optimistic that overlapping steps could be agreed by Houthi rebels and a Saudi-led coalition that includes the United Arab Emirates and that backs the UN-recognised government of Yemen.
He said: “There is a huge appetite for this. Both sides reconfirmed to me their desire to be reconvened, and they both recognise that there is no other solution to this war apart from through this process. We are now working on ways to get them back together as soon as possible.”
He said as many as 5,000 prisoners on either side needed to be exchanged. Sana’a airport is blocked by the Saudis.
Griffiths admitted he had no power to demand a ceasefire or prevent the Saudi coalition from pressing ahead with plans to capture the strategic Red Sea port of Hodeida, through which most humanitarian aid into the country flows.
“What I won’t do is to make stopping the war a condition for us to resolve it,” he said.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/sep/28/un-envoy-announces-plan-to-restart-yemen-peace-talks
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UN verlängern Mandat der Jemen-Ermittler
Der Menschenrechtsrat der Vereinten Nationen hat das Mandat der Untersuchungskommission für den Jemen um ein Jahr verlängert.
Für die Verlängerung stimmten am Freitag in Genf 21 Staaten, darunter Deutschland. Dagegen votierten acht Länder, darunter China und Saudi-Arabien, das im blutigen Konflikt die jemenitische Regierung unterstützt. Der Stimme enthielten sich 18 Länder.
Die Ermittler der Vereinten Nationen werfen in ihrem am Mittwoch vorgestellten Bericht allen Konfliktparteien im Jemen Kriegsverbrechen vor.
https://www.evangelisch.de/inhalte/152536/28-09-2018/un-verlaengern-mandat-der-jemen-ermittler
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Saudi Arabia, UAE fail to halt U.N. Yemen human rights inquiry
The U.N. Human Rights Council voted on Friday to prolong an inquiry into human rights in Yemen against objections from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, leaders of a coalition widely criticized by right groups for killings of civilians.
How far to investigate atrocities in the war in Yemen has become an annual diplomatic wrangle, with the Netherlands repeatedly pushing for a probe into the war, and Saudi Arabia arguing against the toughest international scrutiny.
The motion on Friday passed by 21 votes to eight.
British Ambassador Julian Braithwaite said it was important to give the expert group more time to investigate, and it was clear there were many incidents that had not yet been fully documented, “particularly those of the Houthis”.
Yemeni Human Rights Minister Mohammed Askar had urged the states on the 47-member Council to vote against the resolution and back an alternative plan to give Yemen technical assistance.
“This draft resolution is not in favor of Yemen because it encourages war... and it responds to the will of certain countries to politicize the situation in Yemen,” Askar said.
“We believe it is a resolution that creates more pressure on a country that is already suffering.”
Saudi Ambassador Abdulaziz Alwasil said he was very disheartened by the resolution, while Emirati Ambassador Obaid Salem Saeed al-Zaabi said everything had been done to try to agree a joint text that served the people of Yemen.
My comment: The Hadi government’s, Saudi and UAE statements really are odd.
and infographic, how members voted:
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#HRC39 adopts RES on #HumanRights situation in #Yemen Extends mandate of Group of Eminent Experts for 1year +report at #HRC42. Requests @UNHumanRights #HC to provide assistance, advice & support to enable National Commission of Inquiry to complete its work HC report #HRC40 #HRC42
https://twitter.com/UN_HRC/status/1045646040265883649
https://twitter.com/StephenProducer/status/1045651317350445056
My comment: Really strange bedfellows for Saudi Arabia.
Comment: Toxic environment. Disgreement creeping to international level. Mandate of GEE, previously had consensus, now 'No', 'ABST', and with many on the fence. Politicizing human rights, shutting down independent voices and investigations, is where impunity increases, extremism thrives.
https://twitter.com/omeisy/status/1045653440762908673
And
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Yemen war crimes investigation renewed by UN despite Saudi opposition
Nations vote 21 to eight, with 18 abstentions, in favour of a resolution renewing the UN-backed probe
The Arab group in the rights council had backed a rival text that called on Yemen's national human rights commission to take charge of future investigations of the conflict.
That proposal was a non-starter for many states, given a widespread lack of confidence in the Yemeni commission.
The approved resolution led by a group of European states and Canada calls on investigators to deliver another report next September.
Probe members had said they needed more time to fully document the range of violations committed in the conflict.
Abdulaziz al-Wasil, Riyadh's ambassador to the UN in Geneva, said he voted no because the resolution did not address his "legitimate concerns," notably about the "lack of balance" in the first report.
The fact that it went to a vote underscored divisions on the issue within the 47-member rights council, which typically strives for consensus on major texts.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) said the vote "sent a clear message that it stands with Yemeni civilians".
"States at the UN Human Rights Council stood firm today, in the face of shameful efforts by the Saudi-led coalition to quash a UN expert inquiry," John Fisher, HRW's Geneva director, said in a statement.
Ahead of the vote on Friday, the Saudi-led coalition had strongly criticised the UN mission, saying any extension should be a matter for the Yemeni government.
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Yemen: today's renewal of UN war crimes probe welcomed
Responding to the United Nations Human Rights Council vote today to renew the mandate of the Group of Eminent Experts which has been investigating violations and abuses of international law committed by all sides in Yemen, Kevin Whelan, Amnesty International’s Senior Advocate, said:
“Today’s vote sends a clear signal to all perpetrators of crimes under international law in Yemen that impunity is not an option.
“All parties to the conflict - including the Saudi and UAE-led coalition, the Yemeni government and the Huthi de facto authorities - must fully cooperate with the UN investigation team and help facilitate their work.
“This renewal also sends a timely message of support to the Yemeni civilian population, today reeling perhaps more than ever before from the impact of these violations even as they brace themselves for new rounds of violence.”
https://www.amnesty.org.uk/press-releases/yemen-todays-renewal-un-war-crimes-probe-welcomed
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Untersuchung unerwünscht
Saudi-Arabien droht Niederlanden wegen Resolution zu Menschenrechtsverletzungen im Jemen
Saudi-Arabien droht den Niederlanden angeblich mit wirtschaftlichen Nachteilen, falls das Land einen Resolutionsentwurf für die Vereinten Nationen nicht abmildert, der den Krieg im Jemen betrifft. Den Haag will das Mandat für die internationale Expertengruppe, die im Jemen Menschenrechtsverletzungen aufspürt, um ein Jahr verlängern. Riad will das verhindern. Das berichtete die Zeitung De Volkskrant am Dienstag.
Im Moment diskutiert der UN-Menschenrechtsrat in Genf den niederländischen Vorschlag. Den Haag führt eine kleine Staatengruppe an, die eine eingehende Untersuchung von möglichen Kriegsverbrechen im Jemen fordern. Kanada, Irland, Belgien und Luxemburg haben sich der Initiative angeschlossen. Saudi-Arabien fürchtet hingegen, für seine Bombardements international an den Pranger gestellt zu werden.
Die arabischen Staaten im Menschenrechtsrat legen eine eigene Resolution vor. Die UN sollen die Untersuchungskommission der jemenitischen Regierung unterstützen und dort das Personal verstärken. In Genf versuchen die Beteiligten gerade, einen Kompromiss auszuarbeiten. Ein Team mit neuen Experten könnte laut Volkskrant ein Mittelweg sein. Das Problem ist, dass ohne die Einwilligung der von Raid geführten Kriegsallianz die Kommission wahrscheinlich nicht mehr im Jemen recherchieren kann.
»Es ist das vierte Jahr hintereinander, dass die Niederlande im Menschenrechtsrat beim Thema Jemen die Konfrontation mit den Saudis sucht«, schreibt die Volkskrant. In den ersten beiden Jahren nahm Den Haag am Ende auf die saudischen Befindlichkeiten Rücksicht und schwächte den Text ab. Vor zwölf Monaten legten die Niederländer allerdings einen Vorschlag vor, den die Golfmonarchie als Provokation auffasste: die Einrichtung einer unabhängigen Expertengruppe.
Damals drohte Riad in einem Rundbrief allen Staaten mit einer Verschlechterung der Handelsbeziehungen, falls sie dem niederländischen Vorschlag zustimmen sollten. »Es war deutlich, dass die Warnung zuallererst die Niederlande und Kanada betraf, die Hauptinitiatoren des Textes«, so Volkskrant. Es fanden sich trotzdem genügend Länder, die sich dem Druck aus Riad nicht beugen wollten; die aus drei Experten bestehende Kommission nahm ihre Arbeit auf.
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Renewal of Yemen mandate crucial to deter abuses
Today, Human Rights Council members face a choice that goes to the core of this body’s credibility: whether to renew the only independent monitoring mechanism on Yemen, or let the mandate lapse.
No one has suggested that the situation in Yemen has improved such that the mandate is no longer needed. As the Group of Eminent Experts documented, the warring parties continue to indiscriminately bomb and shell civilians, abduct people from their homes, and interfere with the delivery of food and medicine.
We are dismayed – though not surprised – by the campaign of misinformation waged by the Saudi-led coalition in an attempt to discredit the experts’ work:
They critique the experts for using a “reasonable grounds” standard of proof – yet that is the exact same standard used by the Myanmar Fact-finding Mission, and other UN monitoring bodies.
They critique the experts for referring to the Houthis as “de facto authorities” in relation to areas under their control - yet the Secretary General himself has used this common term while making clear it does not confer legal recognition.
The coalition claims the experts ignored Houthi abuses – yet the experts reported on Houthi unlawful shelling and sniper attacks, forcible recruitment of child soldiers, arbitrary detention, torture, and denial of humanitarian aid.
One can understand why the Saudi-led coalition would want to terminate independent international scrutiny of the conflict. Just last month, a coalition airstrike killed at least 26 children and wounded more than 19 in or near a school bus in a busy market. Some parents said they were unable to recover any body parts of their children.
Much more remains to be done to document abuses on all sides.
When you leave this place tomorrow, don’t turn your back on Yemeni civilians. Don’t abandon them to their fate, caught between the Saudi-led coalition and the Houthi armed group in the midst of the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. Don’t let the message be: we know about your suffering, but somewhere along the way, we just stopped caring.
https://www.hrw.org/news/2018/09/27/renewal-yemen-mandate-crucial-deter-abuses
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Yemen govt ends cooperation with UN rights mission
Yemen's government on Thursday announced it will end its cooperation with a UN human rights mission, accusing investigators of bias after a report on alleged war crimes.
The government came under fire last month after UN experts highlighted deadly air strikes by the regional Saudi-led coalition supporting it in the war with the Iran-linked Huthi rebels.
"The government refuses to extend the mission's mandate because its findings, outlined in the report, did not meet the standards of professionalism and impartiality or the basic principles of the United Nations," said a statement carried by the state-run Saba news agency.
It accused the UN group of "turning a blind eye" to the violations of the Shiite Huthi rebels, who the government has been battling since 2014.
On Wednesday, the investigators, appointed by the Human Rights Council a year ago, had requested they continue probing the "extremely alarming" situation in Yemen, amid resistance from Saudi Arabia and its allies.
My comment: For more information and background, look at following articles.
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Joint oral statement by Save the Children and 17 Civil Society Organizations: Urgent need to address the humanitarian crisis in Yemen and its impact on the most vulnerable populations
A call for renewal and strengthening of the mandate for the Group of Eminent Experts
This statement is made on behalf of Save the Children and 17 civil society organisations, including organisations with current operations in Yemen.
We have repeated on many occasions that the humanitarian situation has escalated to an unacceptable level of widespread violations and abuses of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.
In particular, we urge Member States to:
Call on all parties to the conflict to comply with their obligations under international law, and take immediate measures to prevent and end violations against civilians, notably children
Urgently renew and strengthen the mandate of the Group of Eminent Experts on Yemen;
Suspend the sale or transfer of arms, munitions and related materials to all parties to the conflict; and
Engage all parties to the conflict to find an inclusive peaceful, sustainable and implementable political solution that involves women, youth, children, minority groups and civil society.
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Human Rights Council discusses the situation of human rights in Yemen and Libya under its agenda item on technical assistance and capacity building
The Human Rights Council this morning held an interactive dialogue on the human rights situation in Yemen, after hearing the presentation of the High Commissioner’s report on Yemen which contained the findings of the Group of Eminent Experts on Yemen. It also held an interactive dialogue on the situation of human rights in Libya, after hearing the oral update of the High Commissioner.
Presenting the High Commissioner’s report on Yemen, Kate Gilmore, Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, regretted that despite international appeals and the unwavering efforts of the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy, peace was yet to come to Yemen. The report found that individuals in the Government of Yemen, from among coalition members, including Saudi Arabia and the United Emirates, and from the de facto authorities had committed acts that may have amounted to international crimes. The Group of Experts had identified a number of individuals who may have been responsible for the perpetration of those crimes. The suffering of the Yemeni people was intensified by blockades and restrictions on imports and humanitarian assistance. Some 22 million Yemenis were in need of assistance, while eight million were at risk of famine, Ms. Gilmore underlined.
Kamel Jendoubi, Chairperson of the Group of Eminent Experts on Yemen, said the Experts had sought to investigate violations perpetrated by parties to the conflict in Yemen and had faced immense challenges when it came to gathering information for security and logistical reasons. The Houthi and Saleh forces had targeted civilians and had allegedly used a wide range of weapons forbidden in civilian areas. Various parties to the conflict had hampered civilian access to humanitarian aid and food. The Group of Experts expressed concern about widespread arbitrary detentions, ill-treatment and torture in detention centres, and reports of secret detention centres. New waves of displacement, poverty and sexual violence were on the rise with no justice or protection measures in place, Mr. Jendoubi noted.
https://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=23636&LangID=E = https://reliefweb.int/report/yemen/human-rights-council-discusses-situation-human-rights-yemen-and-libya-under-its-agenda
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Yemen war crimes probe must continue: UN investigators
War crimes investigators called Wednesday for the UN's top rights body to let them continue probing the "extremely alarming" situation in Yemen, amid resistance from Saudi Arabia and others.
The investigators, appointed by the UN Human Rights Council a year ago, presented a report to the body that concluded all sides in Yemen's conflict may have committed "war crimes".
The resolution that first set up the inquiry last year after a long diplomatic fight gave investigators a year to conduct their probe.
But Kamel Jendoubi, who heads the so-called Group of Independent Eminent International and Regional Experts, insisted that "in light of the gravity of the situation and the limited time given to the mandate, additional investigations are needed."
"The situation in Yemen continues to be extremely alarming," he told the council.
"We call upon you to keep the situation in Yemen at the top of the priorities of the council," he said, urging diplomats to "unanimously" adopt a resolution led by a group of European countries and Canada calling for a one-year extension.
This, he said, was necessary "to ensure that truth is revealed and accountability is attained."
But while a long line of diplomats voiced support Wednesday for prolonging the probe, it remains unclear if the council will give the investigators a green light to continue when it votes on the resolution at the end of this week.
A competing text on the table, led by Tunisia on behalf of the group of Arab states, makes no mention of extending the probe but calls for Yemen's often-criticised National Commission of Inquiry to continue studying the conflict.
Observers say Saudi Arabia, which leads a coalition that intervened in the conflict in March 2015 on behalf of President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi's government in the fight against Iran-backed Huthi rebels, is actively working to quash the international probe.
Yemeni Human Rights Minister Mohamed Asker slammed the group's report as "politicised and biased".
He accused the investigators of ignoring "terrible crimes committed by the Huthis", who seized the capital Sanaa in 2014.
and
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KSA Slams UN High Commissioner for Human Rights' Report on Yemen
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Ambassador to the United Nations, Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Wasel has confirmed that the Kingdom has reviewed the report of the Un High Commissioner of Human Rights for Yemen, which includes the report of the international and regional experts group and it has, on behalf of the Coalition Countries Supporting Legitimacy in Yemen, delivered a comprehensive written response to the UN High Commission, pointing out that the report has unfortunately come away from objectivity and characterized by haste in drawing conclusions and came full of errors in its approach and contents.
He said in a speech to the Human Rights Council during an interactive dialogue on the report of the High Commissioner of Human Rights for Yemen, which included the report of the international and regional expert group, that the report ignored the replies and information provided for the Group of Experts during the meetings of the Group of Experts and its Secretariat with the concerning agencies in the Coalition for the Support of Legitimacy in Yemen, during which the questions and inquiries of the Group of Experts were answered and subsequently formally referred to the UN High Commission.
Ambassador Dr. Al-Wasel further said, we are surprised by the Experts Group's claim that it did not receive specific information from the Coalition countries about the targeting procedures, although they were informed of the targeting mechanisms and procedures in place during the Group's visit to the Coalition's command in Riyadh. It is also surprising that the Experts Group bases its conclusions on guessing and expectations and its results on the examination of a limited number of violations, while its mandate includes all violations since September 2014.
He pointed out that in this context, the report clearly ignored the widespread violations that occurred when Al-Houthi militias swept Yemeni cities, took control of the capital and the State's institutions and chased the President and his government's members, and this was the basis of the current Yemeni crisis.
Ambassador Dr. Al-Wasel added that the report also ignored the fact that the Iranian-backed Al-Houthi armed militias' obstruction to enter humanitarian aid into Yemen and their detention of many vessels carrying aid and oil tankers as well as their looting of many of this aid.
He drew attention that ballistic missiles, which exceeded 197 missiles that targeted the cities of the Kingdom represent a violation of international humanitarian law, which was not mentioned in the report when mentioning the violations of Al-Houthis, nor did the report address the main role of Al-Houthi militias in planting naval and landmines in violation of the international law.
http://alriyadhdaily.com/article/b25574902d5d42e7bc55b44ead897b4c
https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=1819218
https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=1819219
https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=1819220
My comment: The Saudi objections to this UN report (published August 28) are baseless. The Saudi coalition smears all evidence of the own war crimes. My comment on the Saudi coalition’s refusal in Yemen War Mosaic 451, cp1.: https://www.freitag.de/autoren/dklose/jemenkrieg-mosaik-451-yemen-war-mosaic-451
The August 30 Saudi coalition’s rejection of the report here: http://saudigazette.com.sa/article/542257/SAUDI-ARABIA/Coalition-denounces-UN-report-on-Yemen-as-inaccurate-will-respond-legally = http://wam.ae/en/details/1395302705784
And my then comment to the single points of this rejection, here once again:
Point 1: It’s not possible to recognize from outside whether this is true. But evidently “transparency” never had been a characteristic of Saudi information policy on the Yemen War. On the contrary, the world was filled with bulks of bullshit ptopaganda all the time. Just think of the coalition’s self-whitewashing own “investigations” by the Saudi coalition’s “JIAT” team – or of the quickly changing, self-contradictory stories the Saudi coalition had told after horrible air raids as in the case of the August 9 school bus raid.
Point 2: This simply is a lie. The opposite is told by the destroyed infrastructure of Northern Yemen, by thousands of raids hitting residential homes, schools, mosques, cultural heritage, agriculture, water facilities, hospital and medical facilities, streets, bridges, petrol stations, by many thousands of killed and injured civilians.
Point 3: It’s odd Saudi propaganda when trying to deny the Saudi blockade of Northern Yemen (Houthi-held ports and Sanaa airport). This blockade had made all sorts of imports – even most basic needs) much more difficult and has reduced them to a very and much too low level.
Does the Saudi coalition really think that its humanitarian donations (which at least for great parts are used according to political specifications) really could lift the guilt of war crimes, as if you could offset war crimes and donations?? Let’s take US $ 50.000 for every killed Yemeni civilian, suggest 10.000 at all (in fact it’s much more), thus still having $ 0.68 billion = 12.400 more civilians for free???
Point 4: “Methodological fallacies”?? It seems that Saudi coalition propaganda thinks all blames against the Saudi coalition would be baseless and due to “Methodological fallacies”?? The “real reasons” of this conflict are – at least – very complex. The Saudi coalition’s biased propaganda version should not be adopted by anyone. – And, generally, the “real reasons for this conflict“ do not have anything to do with the ar crimes committed by any of the waring parties. – The Houthis‘ „rejection of all United Nations-led peace efforts“ is a Saudi / UAE / Hadi government propaganda story, the „three internationally recognized benchmarks“ simply are the Saudi coalition’s odd preconditions for „peace negotiations“, which in this case would not be any „negotiations“, as they simply demand the Houthis to capitulate.
Point 5: This is an odd propaganda denial simply neglecting the facts.
Point 6: „selectivity in the standards“: Does the Saudi coalition simply think they have the right not tob e blamed for anything they do?
Point 8: Point 106 of the UN reports reads: „The Group of Experts has reasonable grounds to believe that the Governments of Yemen, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia are responsible for human rights violations, including unlawful deprivation of the right to life, arbitrary detention, rape, torture, ill-treatment, enforced disappearance and child recruitment, and serious violations of freedom of expression and economic, social and cultural rights, in particular the right to an adequate standard of living and the right to health.” – Thus, the Saudi coalition simply wants to make us believe that they did not commit any Human rights violations. This simply is odd.
Point 9: A great Iranian role in Yemen is a baseless Saudi coalition / US propaganda story. Iran is no warring party in Yemen, does not have any boots on the ground, does not commit any air raids. Iran is no warring party in Yemen and does not conduct any war crimes there. Other foreign powers which are supportive to any side in this war are not named at all in this UN report, nor Iran nor the US nor the UK. The US and UK role in the Yemen War would be much more relevant thsn the role of Iran, they should have been mentioned befor mentioning Iran. The US even is droning itself and had boots on the ground.
Point 10: These Houthi attacks are absolutely minor compared to the Saudi coalition air raids against Yemen, and they mostly were directed against military targets, but also hitted civilians and civilian structures. It’s not true that the UN report would neglect these Houthi attacks; they are mentioned in Point 45 of the report.
And
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Film: Saudi, ex-Yemeni govt. desperate to stop spotlight: Pundit
The former Yemeni government and its Saudi supporters, who have committed crimes in impoverished Yemen, are seeking to covertly continue their atrocities without drawing global attention.
Scott Bennett, political commentator, told Press TV on Friday that “the world is taking the note and it is actively trying to register it.”
So, “Saudi Arabia and all concerned are aware that war crimes and the charges of war crimes are just round the corner,” Bennett argued.
“The former government officials that have been backed by Saudi Arabia are desperate to make this go away. They are desperate to try and stop all attentions, stop all spotlights from being cast upon the activities by Saudi Arabia.”
https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2018/09/28/575439/Yemen-Saudi-Arabia-War-Crimes
And
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KSRelief denounces ‘biased’ report on human rights in Yemen
KSRelief’s Abdullah Saleh Al-Moallem: The report submitted by a group of experts to the Human Rights Council was biased, the method was inappropriate and the report was prepared in haste with a lack of objectivity
Al-Moallem highlighted the rehabilitation program that served former child soldiers under the age of 18 who had been recruited by the Houthi militias to act as combatants and human shields in the ongoing conflict
http://www.arabnews.com/node/1378361/saudi-arabia
and
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UAE describes UNHCHR report on situation of human rights in Yemen as biased, unrealistic
The United Arab Emirates has rejected the report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCHR) on the situation of human rights in Yemen, saying it had not provided an objective background of the conflict, including the coup d’état, organised and carried out by the Houthis against the legitimate Yemeni Government, who sought the assistance of friendly countries as allowed by the international laws.
"The report put Houthi militias on an equal footing with other parties. It even used the term "de facto authorities" to describe them, which gives them some sort of legitimacy. This is untrue and unacceptable," Al Zaabi said.
He also referred to the report detailing military operations, which falls outside the group's jurisdictions as the experts are not qualified to assess the situation in Yemen from military and security perspectives. He also described the report as "unrealistic" because it is impossible for a 3-man group to assess a situation as complex as that of Yemen in just five months.
Al Zaabi noted that the Group of Experts based their investigations about human rights violations on their personal assessment, without consideration to the information provided by the Coalition on the violations committed by the Houthi coup rebels.
"The report also overlooked the positive role played by the Coalition in providing humanitarian assistance and protecting the civilians from the Houthis atrocities,as well as the efforts of the Yemeni Government and of the Coalition's Joint Incident Assessment Team in containing the crisis," he stated.
He added that the report also failed to mention the relevant Security Council's resolutions, including Resolution 2216 which gives the Coalition forces a number of authorities.
http://wam.ae/en/details/1395302710483
My comment: The task had been to describe Human rights violations and war crimes and not to evaluate the political situation and to take position (of course: in favour of the Saudi coalition) in the propaganda war and in the political struggle for being “legitimate” in Yemen. Exactly this is what the UAE claims the UN report should have done. The UAE criticizes: “"The report put Houthi militias on an equal footing with other parties”, thus for the UAE shelling a house and killing five children is horrific when done by the Houthis and neglectable when done by the Saudi coalition, and the UN report should have valued in this way. – The Saudi coalition had blocked any greater investigation, and now the UAE objects to the report it would be "unrealistic because it is impossible for a 3-man group to assess a situation as complex as that of Yemen in just five months.” – And the UAE claims that "The report also overlooked the positive role played by the Coalition in providing humanitarian assistance and protecting the civilians from the Houthis atrocities”, thus claiming a) the report should have charged war crimes against paying for humanitarian assistance; this simply is impossible. And second, the claim says: “We committed our wat crimes just to prevent the Houthis from committing crimes, thus what we did must be counted for good.” This is simply absurd.
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The Women Solidarity Network Statement about the proceedings of the Human Rights Council 39th Session on Yemen
Yemen, 26th September 2018: The Women Solidarity Network has been following the proceedings of the Human Rights Council 39th Session relevant to Yemen. We welcome the efforts led by the regional and international community to adapt resolutions to promote human rights in Yemen. We take this opportunity to share recommendations and feedback hoping it will be seriously considered while passing Yemen’s HRC resolution.
First: Remarks on the EEG Report:
The members of the Women Solidarity Network have worked hard to engaged with the Eminent Expert Group (EEG) including by providing them with contacts of human rights defenders and victims inside and outside Yemen. We were looking forward to see their report published, however, we were disappointed when the report came out because it failed to address vital issues and great human rights violations, and even in some instances contributed to distort facts. To mention a few:
The sexual and gender-based violations reported only focused on women’s migrants and refugees and excluded similar violations against Yemeni women.
The report did not cover the human rights violations perpetrated by the use of drones.
The report didn’t elaborate on the economic impact of the war on civilians.
Second: Recommendations to be taken into consideration for any upcoming resolution on Yemen:
- In the case of renewing the mandate for EEG:
- The EEG must develop a clear standard of operation in participatory manner with national civil society organisations.
- The EEG must adapt a victims-centered approach in their reporting to form the basis for reparation.
- The EEG must adapt a higher independence and impartiality criteria to be introduced including reinstating the group in impartial homebased country other than Lebanon.
- The EEG must take steps to address the above mentioned gaps in their report.
- Other issues to consider in the new resolution:
- Explicitly call for the cessation of attacks and hostilities against civilians.
- Explicitly call for the releasing of detainees in response to the continuous calls by the Mothers of Abductees Association.
https://www.facebook.com/WomenSolidarityYe/posts/2196103390462271
https://twitter.com/RashaJarhum/status/1045042260109221889
My comment: It simply is not true that the Houthi human rights violations had been overlooked. As HRW states: “The coalition claims the experts ignored Houthi abuses – yet the experts reported on Houthi unlawful shelling and sniper attacks, forcible recruitment of child soldiers, arbitrary detention, torture, and denial of humanitarian aid.“ (https://www.hrw.org/news/2018/09/27/renewal-yemen-mandate-crucial-deter-abuses). Claiming anything different, is a Saudi coalition propaganda. Also the Houthi side claims that only parts of the Saudi coalition’s war crimes had been included into the report. – The report’s task was NOT to examine the political development (points 1, 5). More serious: Points 6 to 8. In the “other issues to consider”, points 3 and 4 cannot be the task of the UN’s Eminent Expert Group.
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Film: The UNlovable Saudi (2-SUMMARY) Watch the summary of our new episode to know more about #Saudi dealings with #Trump, #blair, #Hariri and a bunch of other figures from different countries in a bid to influence policy making in those countries.
https://twitter.com/UnreportedSaudi/status/1045384094853550081
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Kuwait is ready to host negotiations between the parties of the Yemeni crisis
Kuwaiti Prime Minister Jaber Mubarak al-Hamad al-Sabah said his country is ready to host negotiations between the parties of the Yemeni crisis in Kuwait to reach an agreement to end the crisis, stressing the continued support of UN efforts and UN special envoy to Yemen Martin Griffiths.
http://almasdaronline.com/articles/158824
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Anwar Gargash: UAE 'fully supports' UN push for more Yemen talks
The minister met with UN envoy Martin Griffiths on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly
The United Arab Emirates fully backs further peace talks on Yemen, minister of state for foreign affairs, Dr Anwar Gargash, said late on Tuesday night after meeting UN special envoy leading the international effort to resolve the crisis.
Dr Gargash met with UN special envoy on Yemen Martin Griffiths on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York where the pair discussed the situation in Yemen and the stalled peace efforts.
My comment: These are empty words, because in UAE language “peace talks” must result in capitulation of the enemy.
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Yemen foreign minister expresses support for UN process
Khaled Al Yamani says he will support the UN envoy, but the ball is in the Houthis’ court.
Khaled Al Yamani, the Foreign Minister of Yemen, will continue to support the UN’s push for confidence-building measures with the Houthis, despite some calling for the resumption of the Kuwaiti peace agenda established in 2016.
Mr Al Yamani told The National that the Yemeni government would continue to support the UN special envoy to Yemen, Martin Griffiths, but said the ball was in the Houthis’ court.
Mr Al Yamani said Mr Griffiths believed that the Houthis were still not ready to accept “the full package settlement”, so he was working on making small steps between the two sides.
But Mr Al Yamani said if he could not bring the Houthis to the table, “then there will be no talks and nothing to think about. He knows the challenging point of his mandate”.
My comment: What do they tell? This sounds like the contrary to his own “president’s” speech at the UN (see below). – The “the full package settlement” he mentions here simply is the capitulation of the Houthis. This is the Hadi government’s idea of “peace”.
(A P)
Yemen in the grip of war imposed by Iran-backed militia, country’s President tells UN assembly
In his address, President Hadi explained that the challenges faced by his country is not a political crisis and cannot be contained by dialogue, urging international community to bring pressure on Iran so that it halts its intervention in Yemen.
Yemen is fully ready for a sustainable peace based on national, regional and international terms of reference, he said, adding that it is not an advocate for war and vengeance.
The State should be restored, and the coup ended, stated the President, underscoring that peace can only obtained by implementing the relevant international resolutions, including Security Council resolution 2216 (2015), which calls on the Huthis to withdraw and hand over their weapons.
President Hadi also highlighted his Government’s efforts to protect civilians, especially women and children and said that it has instructed the country’s military not to recruit children as well as to rehabilitate those that have been detained while in the ranks of the rebels.
Despite limited resources, Yemen continues to participate in the fight against terrorism and the Government will not step back from any measures that would counter the financing of terrorism and money laundering, he said.
In conclusion, the President of Yemen thanked Saudi Arabia, applauding its key role in alleviating the humanitarian crisis in his country, and also added his thanks to humanitarian organizations in the Arab coalition countries and various UN bodies for their humanitarian assistance (with speech in film)
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/09/1020911
and as reported by Emirati media https://www.thenational.ae/world/yemen-president-abdrabu-mansur-hadi-calls-on-world-to-stop-iran-s-interference-1.774403
My comment: “President” Hadi’s adress at the UN tells little news; he is repeating his old propaganda. The following 3 articles highlight different political aspects.
(A P)
Yemen president at UN dismisses talks with Huthis
Yemen's president on Wednesday dismissed UN-led attempts to bring Huthi rebels to peace talks as "doomed to fail," telling the United Nations that a firm stance was needed to end the war.
Earlier this month, the Huthis failed to turn up at talks convened by a UN peace envoy in Geneva, leaving peace efforts in disarray as Yemen's humanitarian crisis worsens.
"All attempts at peace that are made with this group are doomed to fail," President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi told the UN General Assembly, describing the Huthis as "extremists who employ gangster-like tactics" and "create hate."
"Peace cannot be obtained by cajoling those gangsters as some member-states do," he said.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/afp/article-6212269/Yemen-president-UN-dismisses-talks-Huthis.html
My comment: The Hadi government does not want peace talks; it never wanted. The only thing Hadi wants is the implementation of the biased
andUN SC resolution 2216 from 2015, which demands the Houthis to capitulate. Actually all UN efforts to achieve peace would be senseless and would fail.
And
(A P)
Hadi Backs National Dialogue Agreement While Rejecting Talks With Houthi Rebels
A 2014 National Dialogue Agreement in Yemen offers the best chance of ending the nation’s civil war, while direct talks with Houthi rebels can never achieve peace, Yemen President Abdrabuh Mansour Hadi told the UN General Assembly on Wednesday.
"Our people are the one that currently struggles to implement the outcome of the national dialogue conference which has enjoyed unanimity by Yemenis of all ilks," Hadi said.
Hadi was apparently referring to a National Dialogue agreement brokered by the United Nations and the Gulf Cooperation Council that allowed Hadi to assume the presidency from longtime leader Ali Abdullah Saleh in early 2012.
https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201809261068363342-un-yemen-hadi-houthis/
My comment: After 3 ½ years of war, the (failed) 2012/14 National Dialogue is as outdated as “president” Hadi (his term ended in Feb. 2015) is.
and
(A P)
From New York. Hadi says that peace cannot come with the compliments of some countries to the "gangs "
President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi has called on the international community to hold its responsibilities in pressuring Iran to stop its interference in Yemen and its support for the Houthi militia.
President Hadi pointed out that peace cannot come through "the auctioneer and compliments of the gangs by some countries", referring to some countries that still refuse to end the presence of the Houthis in Yemen.
Hadi was speaking at the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Wednesday.
"The road to peace begins with the seriousness of the Member States in implementing international resolutions, particularly Resolution No. 2216, which calls for the withdrawal of the Houthis from cities and institutions and the unconditional surrender of arms," he added.
http://almasdaronline.com/articles/158768
My comment: Old propaganda, nothing new.
(* B P)
Questionable use of #Yemen aid funds: "UN Special Operation 200845" US$39 Million in 2018 on chartered private jets in & out of Yemen for 10,000 UN & INGO staff + est 200,000 kg of their personal luggage + a paltry 6,000 kg of emergency humanitarian supplies. (document)
The ostensible reason given for $40M worth of private jet charters is - and I quote - "...there are no commercial airlines operating within #Yemen that are cleared and approved by UNDSS (United Nations Department of Safety and Security) for UN staff travel".
But I'm curious: Why does the UNDSS not approve for UN staff travel Yemenia's regular flights from Aden & Seiyun airports to Amman & other regional destinations? It would cost less than $10M, compared to $40M of private jets. It would also aid Yemen's struggling economy.
The US$30M saved would feed thousands of starving families in Yemen. Enough to feed tens of thousands of hungry Yemenis, in fact.
https://twitter.com/BaFana3/status/1044191135609106432
and document here: https://docs.wfp.org/api/documents/WFP-0000063627/download/
cp7a Saudi-Arabien und Iran / Saudi Arabia and Iran
(* A P)
Iranian Revolutionary Guards warns Saudi Arabia, UAE to respect its 'red lines'
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) told Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates on Friday to respect Tehran’s “red lines” or face retaliation, as the United States and its Gulf allies increase pressure on Tehran to curb its regional influence.
Iran accuses Saudi Arabia and the UAE of funding five gunmen who attacked a military parade in Iran last Saturday and killed 25 people, 12 of them members of the elite IRGC. Saudi Arabia and the UAE have denied any involvement.
“If you cross our red lines, we will surely cross yours. You know the storm the Iranian nation can create,” the Fars news agency quoted Brigadier General Hossein Salami, deputy head of the Guards, as saying.
(* A P)
Saudi, UAE officials call for regime change in Iran at US summit
Representatives from Gulf countries shared platform with Mossad director at summit against 2015 Iran nuclear deal.
The foreign minister of Saudi Arabia, the ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Washington, and the director of Israel's Mossad spy agency have joined ranks in pushing for regime change in Iran.
Speaking alongside US National Security Adviser John Bolton and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir called for the overthrow of the Iranian government, saying the Islamic Republic was unlikely to change on its own volition.
"Unless the pressure internally is extremely intense, I don't believe they will open up," al-Jubeir said at the United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) conference in New York City, which was attended by states that opposed the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran.
"How can we negotiate with a state that wants to kill us," Jubeir said in remarks carried by UAE newspaper The National.
cp8 Saudi-Arabien / Saudi Arabia
(A E P)
Saudi Arabia's legal revamp offers hope for cautious investors
Saudi Arabia’s first comprehensive bankruptcy law went into effect last month, one of many reforms to the legal system that economists say may be more important in the long run than high-profile privatizations.
(A E P)
Saudi Arabia in short-term oil fix, fears extra U.S. supply next year
Saudi Arabia will quietly add extra oil to the market over the next couple of months to offset a drop in Iranian production but is worried it might need to limit output next year to balance global supply and demand as the United States pumps more crude.
(A E P)
Saudi unveils new destination project ‘Amaala’ dubbed ‘Riviera of the Mideast’
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has announced the launch of Amaala, set to become an uber-luxury destination on the northwestern coast of Saudi Arabia. It aims to create an all-new concept for ultra-luxury tourism focusing on wellness, healthy living, and meditation. The new destination is a natural extension of the Mediterranean Sea, and dubbed the Riviera of the Middle East.
The PIF announced that Amaala will sit alongside NEOM and The Red Sea Project as part of the giga-projects investment portfolio, helping to establish a unique tourism ecosystem, supporting economic diversification and creating high-value job opportunities.
My comment: Women bathing and diving here will be jailed and flogged??
(* A P)
Saudi regime forces raid Shia-populated Qatif, 7 injured
At least seven people have sustained injuries when Saudi regime forces carried out an operation in the kingdom’s oil-rich Eastern Province as the Riyadh regime presses ahead with its brutal clampdown against pro-democracy campaigners and political dissidents.
The Arabic-language Ahrar television network, in a post published on its official Twitter page on Wednesday, reported that Saudi troopers raided a house behind Fatah Mosque in the Kawkab neighborhood of Qatif region, located more than 420 kilometers (260 miles) east of the capital Riyadh, leaving a number of people injured.
There were reportedly elderly people among those injured.
Saudi Arabia has recently stepped up politically-motivated arrests, prosecution, and conviction of peaceful dissident writers and human rights campaigners.
Saudi officials have also intensified security measure
cp9 USA
Siehe / Look at cp1
(A P)
Mike Pompeo and GCC+2 discuss “clear vision” to countering Iran
Countering Iranian influence and a potential January summit to launch the Middle East Strategic Alliance (Mesa) were the key talking points as US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo hosted the GCC, Egyptian and Jordanian foreign ministers on Friday.
For over an hour Mr Pompeo huddled with the GCC+2 officials at the Palace hotel in New York, only a few blocks from the ongoing United Nations General Assembly meetings. The US State Department said the meeting focused on the "importance of defeating ISIS and other terrorist groups, bringing peace and stability to Syria and Yemen, ensuring a thriving and inclusive Iraq, and stopping Iran’s malign activity in the region.”
The statement said all the “participants agreed on the need to confront threats from Iran directed at the region and the United States.” It also made first the official mention of “establishing Middle East Strategic Alliance, anchored by a united GCC, to advance prosperity, security, and stability in the region.”
My comment: Grotesque. The “Dance of the Vampires”.
(* B K P)
Trump Administration Split Over Response to Deaths of Yemeni Children
Bombing of school bus exposes divisions over the level of U.S. military support for Saudi war in Yemen
The botched bombing last month of a Yemeni school bus by a Saudi-led military coalition has ignited a new debate in the Trump administration about how much military support the U.S. should provide its Gulf allies in the three-year-old conflict.
Competing factions within the administration are at odds over the best way to prevent more of the errant airstrikes by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates that have killed thousands of civilians in Yemen (subscribers only)
(* B P)
The Iran-U.S. Trigger List
https://www.crisisgroup.org/trigger-list/iran-us-trigger-list
(* A P)
U.S. stresses safety in talks on nuclear power with Saudi Arabia: Perry
The United States is close to working with Saudi Arabia on building nuclear power reactors, but talks on tough non-proliferation standards with the kingdom remain a challenge, U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry said on Wednesday.
Perry has held talks with several Saudi leaders this year, including King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, on the kingdom’s ambition of initially building two nuclear power stations. Saudi Arabia wants to ultimately construct 16 reactors in coming decades at a cost of about $80 billion.
My comment: Supporting Saudi Arabia in obtaining nuclear power while decrying the Iranian nuclear program for reasons of security is totally odd.
(* A P)
Yemen Isn’t ‘Getting Better’, It’s on the Edge of Famine
Among other things that he said during his bizarre press conference, Trump rambled inanely about the nuclear deal and Yemen:
“Now Yemen is a mess, but it is getting better.”
To the extent that we can make any sense of this gibberish, Trump seems to think that the P5+1 should have wasted their time trying to include peace settlements for the region’s two biggest conflicts at the same time that they were negotiating a nonproliferation agreement.
Further, he seems to be under the impression that Iran was somehow in a position to negotiate on behalf of anyone in Yemen. That unsurprisingly betrays complete ignorance of Yemeni politics and the real causes of the conflict.
Finally, Trump is so hopelessly clueless about the relevant issues that he thinks that Yemen is “getting better” at a time when all aid agencies are declaring to anyone who will listen that the country is on the precipice of famine.
It doesn’t really matter why Trump says something obviously false and misleading about something as important as the situation in Yemen. It is just more proof that the administration isn’t going to do anything to stave off the famine that threatens to devour countless innocent lives – by Daniel Larison
https://www.theamericanconservative.com/larison/yemen-isnt-getting-better-its-on-the-edge-of-famine/
(* A P)
Full text: Trump's 2018 UN speech transcript
Iran’s leaders sow chaos, death, and destruction. They do not respect their neighbors or borders, or the sovereign rights of nations. Instead, Iran’s leaders plunder the nation’s resources to enrich themselves and to spread mayhem across the Middle East and far beyond.
The Iranian people are rightly outraged that their leaders have embezzled billions of dollars from Iran’s treasury, seized valuable portions of the economy, and looted the people’s religious endowments, all to line their own pockets and send their proxies to wage war. Not good.
We ask all nations to isolate Iran’s regime as long as its aggression continues. And we ask all nations to support Iran’s people as they struggle to reclaim their religious and righteous destiny.
The UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar have pledged billions of dollars to aid the people of Syria and Yemen. And they are pursuing multiple avenues to ending Yemen’s horrible, horrific civil war.
https://www.politico.com/story/2018/09/25/trump-un-speech-2018-full-text-transcript-840043 = https://www.vox.com/2018/9/25/17901082/trump-un-2018-speech-full-text
and AP report with background: https://apnews.com/16d9f27fd3df4bf088d3cd9be64d2f8c
My comment: Warmongering and threatening more countries than just Iran.
And Trump’s speech how it would have been when he had spoken the truth:
(* B P)
Film: Trump's shockingly honest U.N. speech
The Grayzone reveals exclusive footage of President Donald Trump describing the true nature of US foreign policy and his own real intentions for the world with unusual candor.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uE87JCcdK34
and
(* A P)
Trump’s ‘Dissociation from Reality’ at UN
President Trump had the opportunity to address the UN General Assembly opening for the second time, which he used to brag and lie, says Phyllis Bennis, of the Institute for Policy Studies.
PHYLLIS BENNIS: But then he went into a host of just straight-out lies where he talked about these pledges of aid to the people of Syria and Yemen. What they’re pledging to Yemen is more war. So that was just, you know, sort of out of the blue. He said that they are working hard, that they are pursuing an end to the horrific war in Yemen. That war, of course, overwhelmingly the casualties are caused by Saudi Arabia and the UAE, with direct participation of U.S. pilots who are flying the missions to provide in-air refueling of these Saudi bombers and UAE bombers.
So this whole notion that, if you just listen to his speech, you would believe that there was somehow a terrible civil war going on within Yemen, and the good neighbors of Saudi Arabia and the UAE are somehow working very hard to end it, it completely boggles the mind. It’s a complete reversal of what’s actually underway in the Yemen war. And of course he said nothing about the question of the role of the United States, both directly as I mentioned in providing in-air refueling, but also providing intelligence information, providing targeting information, and crucially, selling now hundreds of billions of dollars worth of weapons that are being used directly to kill civilians in that war (film, transcript)
https://therealnews.com/stories/trumps-dissociation-from-reality-at-un
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVo72ggeC7o
and
(* A P)
Trump Pushes His Destructive Iran Policy at the U.N.
Aside from being laughed at by the audience, Trump achieved very little in his speech to the U.N. General Assembly today. The president talked a lot about the importance of sovereignty, and then called on the rest of the world to gang up on Iran to infringe on their sovereignty. It is nothing new for hard-liners to treat the sovereignty of their country as sacrosanct at the same time that they routinely violate the sovereignty of other states, but Trump made a point of boasting about this double standard before the entire world.
There was also the usual hypocritical denunciation of Iranian behavior that we have come to expect in these speeches
Other governments would have more reason to use those descriptions for the behavior of our government in the Middle East over the last thirty years. Iran has pursued destructive policies during the same period, but the same could be said of several U.S. clients as well. Trump refers to Iran’s “agenda of aggression and expansion,” which would much more accurately describe the actions of the Saudis and Emiratis. The president had the gall to praise the Saudis and Emiratis for their humanitarian assistance to Yemen when it is their U.S.-backed bombing campaign and blockade that created the catastrophe that threatens to claim millions of lives. Trump ignores the latter because the U.S. is aiding and abetting the coalition in its war crimes and shares responsibility for creating the world’s worst humanitarian disaster. The Saudi coalition’s leaders and our political leaders are just as guilty of sowing death and destruction, and in Yemen they are doing so on a massive scale.
https://www.theamericanconservative.com/larison/trump-pushes-his-destructive-iran-policy-at-the-u-n/
And
(* A P)
Iran president calls out US for having ‘Nazi disposition’ under Trump
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Tuesday said that the U.S. is exuding a "Nazi disposition" under President Trump.
“It is unfortunate,” Rouhani said while speaking at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. “We are witnessing rulers in the world ride public sentiments and gain popular support through the fomenting of extremist nationalism and racism and through xenophobic tendencies resembling a Nazi disposition, as well as through the trampling of global rules and undermining international institutions.”
Rouhani did not directly refer to Trump in the Nazi comments, but he did note the U.S. sanctions on his country and referred to them as “economic terrorism,” making it clear that he was targeting the U.S. president's rhetoric.
film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hP4CulA0-mY
and
(A P)
Rouhani says Iran does not wish to go to war with U.S. forces in the region
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday Tehran had no intension to go to war with U.S. forces in the Middle East, where Iran has been involved in proxy wars with U.S. ally Saudi Arabia for decades.
(* A P)
HOUSE RESOLUTION DIRECTS TRUMP TO END U.S. SUPPORT FOR YEMEN WAR
IN CONGRESS, FRUSTRATION with the U.S. role in Yemen is nearing a breaking point.
On Wednesday, California Democrat Ro Khanna, D-Calif., introduced a resolution invoking the 1973 War Powers Act, declaring that Congress never authorized U.S. support for the coalition in Yemen and directing President Donald Trump to withdraw U.S. troops from “hostilities” against the Houthis, the Iranian-backed rebel group at war with Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The resolution would not affect U.S. forces who are on the ground in Yemen fighting Al Qaeda.
The legislation closely resembles a similar measure Khanna introduced last year, but now has 23 other co-sponsors
“This time around, our coalition to end the war has expanded and the call for withdrawing U.S. involvement is louder,” Khanna said in a statement.
The resolution’s support base represents a major shift in congressional opposition to the war. In the past, attempts to restrict support for Saudi Arabia and the UAE were considered fringe proposals within the Democratic caucus, and were resisted by top Democrats. But Wednesday’s resolution has the support of key Democrats, setting up a major legislative confrontation in the coming months.
The measure is likely to face fierce opposition from the Trump administration, which has argued that U.S. training reduces the number of civilian deaths in Yemen.
https://theintercept.com/2018/09/26/yemen-us-military-house-resolution/
and
(* A P)
Intel: Why the Gulf states should fear a blue wave in November
Top Democrats in Congress today introduced legislation that seeks to end US support for the air war in Yemen, highlighting the risk to the Saudi-led campaign if the minority party wins the November elections.
Why it matters: Democrats have lambasted Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s recent decision to allow refueling support for the coalition to continue despite the high rate of civilian casualties. They are also skeptical of other actions undertaken under Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, such as the detention of women’s rights activists and the potential that Riyadh could use US technology to start a nuclear weapons program.
It’s different this time: While Khanna tried a similar gambit last year, he did not have the backing of Democratic leadership. And Republican leaders’ threats to strip his resolution of its privileged status ensured it never got a floor vote. While several Republicans have also voiced concern over US policy in Yemen, the Khanna resolution indicates that both Democratic leadership and the party’s rank and file are willing to take more drastic action against the Saudi coalition than Republican leadership.
What’s next:Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., a potential high-profile 2020 Democratic presidential contender, has told Al-Monitor that he plans to introduce a similar measure in the Senate.
and
(* A P)
Centrist House Democrats Join the Progressive Movement to Stop the War on Yemen
The congressional push to end US support for the Saudi and UAE-led war is gaining strength.
What is notable about the current effort by progressives to halt US involvement in the war is that they are now being joined not only by the handful of principled anti-war Republicans like North Carolina’s Walter Jones and Kentucky’s Thomas Massie, but also by members of the House Democratic leadership like House whip Steny Hoyer of Maryland and the reliably hawkish ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Eliot Engel of New York.
Noting the change, Congressman Khanna, in a statement released by the Congressional Progressive Caucus, noted that “This time around, our coalition to end the war has expanded and the call for withdrawing US involvement is louder. This policy started by a few original cosponsors of our War Powers resolution is now…a mainstream position within the Democratic Party.”
and more :
https://www.stripes.com/news/house-lawmakers-pursue-end-to-us-military-role-in-yemen-1.549262
longer text and statement by Congressional Progressive caucus. https://cpc-grijalva.house.gov/press-releases/cpc-leads-renewed-congressional-effort-to-end-illegal-ussaudi-war-in-yemen2/
press release: https://adamsmith.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/hasc-ranking-member-adam-smith-rep-ro-khanna-cpc-co-chair-mark-pocan-0
text of resolution: https://adamsmith.house.gov/sites/adamsmith.house.gov/files/YEMEN%20WPR.pdf
and
press statement by rep. Hoyer: https://www.democraticwhip.gov/content/hoyer-statement-original-co-sponsorship-yemen-resolution
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard: http://bigislandnow.com/2018/09/26/resolution-to-stop-support-for-saudi-arabias-genocidal-war-in-yemen/
Rep. Eliot L. Engel: https://democrats-foreignaffairs.house.gov/index.cfm?p=press-releases&id=A4E8EE4E-98BD-4FFA-9533-65C89A5E6894
and
(A P)
New Antiwar Resolution on Yemen Introduced in the House
The Trump administration will fight this resolution just like it fought against the Sanders-Lee resolution in the Senate this past spring, but they will face more opposition this time. The last six months have confirmed just how wrong all of the administration’s pro-war claims have been. U.S. assistance has not reduced the number of civilian casualties, and it has not made coalition forces less likely to harm civilians. On the contrary, the coalition has committed multiple massacres over the last few months.
and
(* A P)
Film by RonPaulLibertyReport: Will Congress Finally Pull The Plug On Brutal Yemen War?
After three years of US-supported Saudi and United Arab Emirates war on Yemen - with thousands of civilians dead and millions facing starvation - some Members of Congress are looking to curb US facilitation of the genocide. Will new measures taken in Congress result in an end to the US participation?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=roxmgIWwNOo
cp10 Großbritannien / Great Britain
(A P)
[British] Foreign Secretary urges allies to commmit to Yemen peace process
The Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt has urged the members of the Quad group to make every effort to advance the UN-led peace process for Yemen at a meeting during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)
During a meeting in New York with his US, Saudi and Emirati counterparts, the Foreign Secretary urged those present to seize the opportunity for political progress. The group underlined their complete support for the UN process led by Special Envoy Martin Griffiths.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/foreign-secretary-urges-allies-to-commmit-to-yemen-peace-process
My comment: All members of the “Quad group” are allies and warring party in the Yemen War. They should not disguise as peace brokers.
(* B K P)
Film: "There are 250 UK military personnel actively serving in the #Saudi coalition militaries. 6000 UK civilian personnel are helping to make sure these planes can fly." Explaining the depth of UK complicity in war-crimes in #Yemen at the UN #HRC39.
https://twitter.com/SamWalton/status/1045026517665959937
cp11 Deutschland / Germany
(* A B K P)
Verkauf von Brandbeschleunigern
Große Koalition: Alle meckern über die Zusammenarbeit von CDU, CSU und SPD. Bei Waffengeschäften funktioniert sie allerdings bestens
Auch wenn sich in diesen Tagen der Eindruck immer mehr verstärkt hat, dass die Große Koalition in Berlin einer Restlaufzeit entgegengeht, agiert sie doch bei mancher Entscheidung erstaunlich reibungslos. Zum Beispiel bei der Genehmigung deutscher Rüstungsexporte in Krisen- und Kriegsgebiete des Nahen Ostens. Es ist allgemein bekannt, dass der Jemen brennt – und das seit über drei Jahren. Bekannt ist weiter, wer den Kriegsbrand mit Tausenden von Toten immer wieder anfacht: Saudi-Arabien und die aus anderen Golf-Anrainern bestehende Koalition der Willigen. Hinsichtlich dieses Konflikts funktionieren die notorischen Reflexe der Bundesregierung tadellos.
Man verkauft reichen Staaten, die gegen ein bettelarmes Land kämpfen, die Waffen, die sie verlangen. Saudi-Arabien soll vier auf Panzerfahrzeugen montierte Artillerie-Ortungssysteme erhalten. Die Vereinigten Emirate bekommen 48 Gefechtsköpfe und 91 Zielsuchköpfe für Abwehrsysteme auf Schiffen.
Dieser Waffentransfer steht im Widerspruch zu den „Politischen Grundsätzen“, die sich die Bundesregierung für „den Export von Kriegswaffen und sonstigen Rüstungsgütern“ selbst auferlegt hat. Danach sind Rüstungsausfuhren „restriktiv zu gestalten“, sie sollen durch eine „Begrenzung und Kontrolle einen Beitrag zur Sicherung des Friedens, der Gewaltprävention, der Menschenrechte und einer nachhaltigen Entwicklung in der Welt“ leisten.
Aber halt! Die „Politischen Grundsätze“ enthalten einen Passus, den die Regierung Merkel vermutlich als Schlupfloch versteht: Der Export von Rüstungsgütern soll sich auch „an außenpolitischen Interessen der Bundesrepublik Deutschland orientieren“.
Im Sammelsurium außenpolitischer Interessen und Erwägungen findet sich neben einem gesicherten Zugriff auf Energieressourcen der Arabischen Halbinsel auch der „Kampf gegen den Terrorismus“, für den man unter anderem mit Saudi-Arabien verbündet ist. Aber stellt denn der Jemen eine terroristische Bedrohung für die westliche Welt dar? Im Augenblick kann davon keine Rede sein, zumal die Vereinten Nationen ein Waffenembargo gegen die Huthi-Rebellen verhängt haben. Bestrebungen, ein solches auch für Riad durchzusetzen, sind gescheitert. Und so stellen die vier Artillerie-Ortungssysteme für die saudische Armee auf jeden Fall eine Bedrohung für die Verteidigung der Huthi im Nordjemen dar, selbst wenn diese Waffen, was die Bundesregierung vielleicht formell verlangt hat, nicht außerhalb des saudischen Territoriums stationiert werden dürfen. Man könnte anführen, dass im Jemen auch Iran bekämpft wird. Aber selbst die Saudis haben dort bisher weder Soldaten noch Waffen aus Iran gemeldet – von Sabine Kebir
https://www.freitag.de/autoren/sabine-kebir/verkauf-von-brandbeschleunigern
(* A K P)
Deutsche Waffen an Kriegsparteien im Jemen: Groko streitet über Rüstungsexporte
Trotz eines von der Großen Koalition versprochenen Stopps von Rüstungsausfuhren an Kriegsparteien im Jemen gehen die Lieferungen weiter. Das sorgt jetzt für Streit zwischen Union und SPD.
Jetzt regt sich in der Großen Koalition Widerstand gegen die Waffenausfuhren. In einem Brief an den für Rüstungsexporte zuständigen Wirtschaftsminister Altmaier, der dem stern vorliegt, verwies der SPD-Bundestagsabgeordnete Thomas Hitschler am Dienstag auf die Koalitionsvereinbarung.
Am Mittwoch meldete sich auch der SPD-Parlamentarier Marco Bülow mit Kritik zu Wort. "Die Exportgenehmigungen sind ein klarer Bruch des Koalitionsvertrags und müssen unbedingt zurückgenommen werden", verlangte er.
Was bis heute fehlt, ist eine Begründung, wie die Ausfuhrgenehmigungen zu den Absichtserklärungen der Großen Koalition passen.
Auch aus Sicht von Arnold Wallraff, bis 2017 Präsident des Bundesamtes für Wirtschaft und Ausfuhrkontrolle (Bafa), sind Waffenexporte an Saudi-Arabien oder die Emirate darum nur schwer mit den geltenden Regeln in Einklang zu bringen. Drittstaaten wie Saudi-Arabien, "die sich in bewaffneten äußeren Konflikten befinden", scheiden eigentlich nach den geltenden Rüstungsexportgrundsätzen bei Waffenausfuhren "grundsätzlich aus". Eine Ausnahme gilt im Fall der Selbstverteidigung. Auf dieses Prinzip könne man sich hier aber nur schlecht berufen, sagte Wallraff jetzt dem stern.
Wallraff ließ jetzt gegenüber dem stern auch einen Hinweis nicht gelten, mit dem Vertreter der Bundesregierung die jüngsten Ausfuhrgenehmigungen versuchen zu erklären. Die Gefechtsköpfe oder Ortungsgeräte seien Komponenten größerer von internationalen Konsortien produzierten Waffensysteme, argumentieren Regierungsvertreter. Aber das, so der frühere Bafa-Chef, rechtfertige noch nicht den Export, "Nein, da gelten grundsätzlich die Bestimmungen des deutschen Exportkontrollrechts gleichermaßen", sagte Walraff dem stern.
(B P)
Der Jemen wird zerbombt und der Iran bedroht mit deutschen Waffen für Saudi-Arabien
Was erwarten wir von unserer Regierung, wenn sie sich verantwortlich verhalten will?
Sie müsste erstens immer wieder diesen Krieg zum öffentlichen Thema machen und die schlimmen Folgen nach Kräften anprangern. Sie müsste zweitens alle Staaten, die den Konflikt durch Waffenlieferungen noch befeuern, öffentlich kritisieren, und zwar „ohne Ansehen der (staatlichen) Person“; wenn es sich also um verbündeten NATO-Staaten wie die USA, Großbritannien, Frankreich, Spanien und andere handelt, die bereits Waffen im Wert von Milliarden geliefert haben, dann gilt es diese hart zu kritisieren, und dies auch im NATO-Bündnis selber. Drittens müsste unsere Regierung alle Hebel in Bewegung setzen, um mit anderen Staaten zusammen nach einer friedlichen Lösung des Konflikts zu suchen.
Die Bundesregierung tut nichts von alledem.
Was aber tut unsere Regierung tatsächlich? Selber Waffen liefern!
„Wir müssen Verantwortung übernehmen“ – man sollte diesen Satz künftig als Alarmsignal nehmen, genauer hinzuschauen, welche Ziele die Regierung oder einzelne Politiker im konkreten Fall wirklich verfolgen.
(A K P)
Ein Verbot von Rüstungsexporten ist dringender denn je
Von Sevim Dagdelen, stellvertretende Vorsitzende der Fraktion DIE LINKE. im Bundestag:
Auf Initiative der Linksfraktion hat sich der Wirtschaftsausschuss erstmals in einer öffentlichen Anhörung von Sachverständigen mit dem Export von Rüstungsgütern beschäftigt. Grundlage war der Antrag der Fraktion DIE LINKE "Export von Rüstungsgütern verbieten" (19/1339). Darin fordert DIE LINKE ein Exportverbot für Rüstungsgüter und appeliert an die Bundesregierung, einen entsprechenden Gesetzentwurf vorzulegen. In diesem soll auch ein Widerruf bereits erteilter Exportgenehmigungen vorgesehen werden.
(A P)
Menschenrechtsbeauftragte Kofler zur Verfolgung der Baha’i in Jemen
Die Bundesregierung fordert dringend die Freilassung der Betroffenen. Wir werden die uns zur Verfügung stehenden Mittel und Wege weiter intensiv nutzen, um uns für die Inhaftierten einzusetzen.
https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/newsroom/-/2141086
(* A P)
Deutschland und Saudi-Arabien versöhnen sich
Zehn Monate sind in der Welt diplomatischer Gepflogenheiten eine kleine Ewigkeit. Insofern ist die jetzt verkündete politische Wiederannäherung zwischen Deutschland und Saudi-Arabien ein Erfolg für Außenminister Heiko Maas. Der SPD-Mann hat es offenbar über informelle Kanäle geschickt verstanden, den Golfstaat zu besänftigen.
Im Sinne halbwegs vernünftiger Beziehungen war das auch nötig. Maas’ Vorgänger Sigmar Gabriel hatte im vergangenen Herbst den Saudis „Abenteurertum“ im Nahen Osten vorgeworfen – und das Königshaus in Riad damit verärgert.
Der saudische Botschafter wurde aus der Bundesrepublik abgezogen, deutsche Firmen gingen bei Auftragsvergaben oft leer aus. Thronfolger Mohammed bin Salman erwartete, so hieß es, eine offizielle Entschuldigung. Nun sollen diese Verwerfungen der Vergangenheit angehören.
Ermöglicht wird dies durch eine für beide Seiten gesichtswahrende Formulierung.
(* A P)
Operation Neustart – deutsche Wirtschaft hofft auf neue Aufträge aus Saudi-Arabien
Deutschland und Saudi-Arabien wollen ihre Beziehungen normalisieren. In Geheimgesprächen sicherten die Saudis zu, deutsche Waffen nicht im Jemen einzusetzen.
Den Grundstein für die Normalisierung der Beziehungen legten nun Außenminister Heiko Maas und sein saudischer Amtskollege Adel al-Jubeir in New York am Rande der UN-Generalversammlung.
Maas bedauerte die Verstimmungen, bezeichnete sie als „Missverständnis“. Deutschland hätte deutlicher in seiner Kommunikation sein sollen. Die Saudis, die lange eine Entschuldigung gefordert hatten, zeigten sich zufrieden. Al-Jubeir lud Maas zu Gesprächen nach Saudi-Arabien ein.
Die Bundesregierung hat vor ein paar Tagen die Lieferung eines Aufklärungsradarsystems nach Saudi-Arabien bewilligt – trotz Bedenken wegen der saudischen Militärintervention im Bürgerkriegsland Jemen. Nach Informationen des Handelsblatts ist Riad dazu Deutschland in einem entscheidenden Punkt entgegengekommen: In einem Geheimprotokoll haben die Saudis der Bundesregierung schriftlich zugesichert, die deutschen Rüstungsgüter nicht im Jemen-Konflikt einzusetzen.
Bemerkung: Frühere Berichterstattung Yemen War Mosaic 462, cp11.
Mein Kommentar: Was das saudische “Geheimprotokoll” wert ist: Gar nichts.
(* A K P)
Germany and Saudi Arabia agree to be friends again
Germany and Saudi Arabia have agreed to normalize relations following a meeting on the sidelines of the general United Nations meeting in New York this week. Saudi Arabia will soon return ambassador Khalid bin Bandar bin Sultan al-Saud to Germany, which in turn will ship Mideast expert Jörg Ranau to Riyadh as ambassador.
Riyadh pulled its ambassador from Germany in 2017 after a dispute with then-Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel, who accused the kingdom of “adventurism” in its foreign policy while criticizing it for interfering in politically unstable Lebanon. Saudi Arabia also banned big orders to German companies.
Heiko Maas, Germany’s new foreign minister since March, said he regretted the dip in relations, which he labeled a “misunderstanding”
An arms deal of sorts precedes the reconciliation – earlier this week Berlin government approved the delivery of a reconnaissance radar system to Saudi Arabia – despite concerns about Saudi military intervention in the Yemen civil war.
A source told Handelsblatt the agreement included a compromise with the German government – the Saudis assured that they would not use German military equipment in the Yemen conflict.
https://global.handelsblatt.com/politics/germany-saudi-arabia-agree-friends-967482
My comment: What the Saudsi assurance mentioned in the last sentence really is worth: Nothing.
(* A B P)
Will Saudi Arabia's diplomatic thaw with Germany last?
After 10 months, Saudi Arabia and Germany have decided to end their diplomatic dispute. Analysts say that the two nations enjoy a beneficial relationship, despite disagreements on Iran and human rights abuses in Yemen.
Saudi Arabia and Germany rejuvenated their diplomatic relations this week after a meeting between German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas and Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir. "In recent months, our relations have witnessed a misunderstanding which stands in sharp contrast to our otherwise strong and strategic ties with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and we sincerely regret this," Maas told al-Jubeir on Tuesday at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
"The meeting was the successful outcome of a series of talks between both foreign ministers and has thus been the result of an ongoing process to solve the crisis," Sebastian Sons, a Middle East researcher and associate fellow at the German Council on Foreign Relations, told DW.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel has over the past few months also made several calls to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to ease relations between Berlin and Riyadh.
Germany 'needs' Saudi cooperation
"Germany needs closer cooperation with the Kingdom in order to work on regional conflicts such as Syria, Iraq and Yemen, but also on counterterrorism measures and reconstruction," Sons said.
The two countries enjoy a dynamic economic relationship. The country is viewed as an "attractive" destination for German companies, Sons noted, and some 800 of them currently operate there.
Sons believes that German officials should try to confront Saudi Arabia on its human rights record, but only through careful diplomacy.
https://www.dw.com/en/will-saudi-arabias-diplomatic-thaw-with-germany-last/a-45649424
My comment: “Business as usual” to come? – The last sentence quoted here is bullshit; this had been tried for decades now; effect: zero.
cp12 Andere Länder / Other countries
(A K P)
Royal #Saudi Air Force prepares to deploy F-15C Eagles to #Tunisia for joint air exercise next week.
It’s worth mentioning that this exercise is the first of its kind with the Tunisian counterparts. An excellent opportunity to establish a foundation for interoperability at the strategic, operational, and tactical level (photos)
https://twitter.com/MbKS15/status/1045303868366696448
My comment: Going to bed with killers will make you bloody too.
(A P)
Australia Needs to Guarantee Military Exports are Not Used in Unlawful Attacks in Yemen: Joint NGO Letter
The Australian government must ensure that its military exports are not contributing to violations of international law by the warring parties in Yemen, Save the Children, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch said in a joint letter today to the Australian ministers of foreign affairs and defence.
The Australian government should cease supplying military assets to Saudi Arabia until it halts unlawful airstrikes and other unlawful attacks and credibly investigates alleged war crimes, the letter says.
Australia recently made clear its intention to become one of the world’s largest military exporters; however, the nongovernmental organizations warn this comes with a responsibility to ensure these exports are not being used in violation of international human rights and international humanitarian law.
(A P)
We're not 'a banana republic' Saudi says, demands Canada apologize
Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister asked Canada to apologize for demanding the release of Saudi women’s rights activists and stop treating the kingdom as “a banana republic” if it wanted to resolve a diplomatic dispute between the two countries.
In August, Saudi Arabia froze new trade with Canada, blocked grain imports, expelled Canada’s ambassador and ordered all Saudi students home after Ottawa called for the release of activists detained for urging more rights for women.
Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland said on Tuesday she hoped to meet with her Saudi counterpart Adel al-Jubeir this week on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.
My comment: Saudi bullying never stops, and other states let it happen.
(* A H K P)
'Saudi pressure' halts India visas for wounded Yemenis
Saudi forces India to deny Yemen’s war wounded
The Indian embassy in Oman has stopped granting medical visas to a number of Yemen’s war wounded after pressure from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, a Yemeni source told Arabi21.
According to the website, 150 wounded national army soldiers from Taiz governorate in Yemen’s southwest travelled to Oman in August in preparation for being transferred to Indian hospitals for treatment.
However, a source close to the wounded soldiers, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the Indian embassy stopped short of issuing special medical visas for all the soldiers, granting 90 but leaving another 60 in the lurch.
The source said the embassy "has been under pressure from Saudi Arabia and the UAE to stop issuing visas for unreasonable reasons. One of these reasons is that this campaign is organised by the Popular Resistance commander in Taiz, Hamoud Saeed al-Mikhlafi."
Mikhlafi, an influential figure who controls a pro-government militia and has ties with the Yemeni Congregation for Reform – Yemen’s branch of the Muslim Brotherhood, better known as al-Islah – has a fractious relationship with the Saudis and Emiratis, who are also allied to pro-government forces.
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/arabic-press-review-india-no-country-sick-yemeni-men-1613510996
(A P)
Canadian Foreign Minister hopes to meet with Saudi counterpart to discuss diplomatic dispute
Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland said on Tuesday she hoped to meet her Saudi counterpart this week on the sidelines of a U.N. meeting to discuss a diplomatic dispute between the two nations.
Last month, Saudi Arabia froze new trade with Canada, blocked grain imports, expelled Canada’s ambassador and ordered all Saudi students’ home after Ottawa called for the release of activists detained for urging more rights for women.
Freeland said she had been in regular touch with Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Jubeir, who is due to be in New York this week for a session of the United Nations General Assembly.
“I do want to recognize the hard work he has been doing. He is very engaged on the issue ... we are hoping to meet in New York this week and I think that’s a good thing,” she told an event hosted by the Council on Foreign Relations in New York.
http://almasdaronline.com/articles/158738
My comment: Canada bending the knees, after Germany did (Above cp11 and Yemen War Mosaic 462, cp11).
cp13a Waffenhandel / Arms trade
Siehe / Look at cp11
(? B E K P)
Warum ein Geschäftsmann fast 200 Millionen Dollar erhielt
Abbas Ibrahim Yousef Al Yousef gilt als einer der reichsten Männer der Emirate. Beim Verkauf von Panzern kassierte er eine abenteuerliche Provision - die ihm noch zu wenig war.
Im Sommer vor drei Jahren kamen die Panzer zu ihrem ersten Einsatz im Krieg. Anfang August 2015 rollten sie im Jemen auf der Schnellstraße N1 nach Norden, zum Luftwaffenstützpunkt Al-Anad. Dort sollten sie den Truppen der Regierung helfen, Rebellen in die Flucht zu schlagen.
Nur wenige Tage dauerte die Schlacht um den Stützpunkt, dann vermeldete die sunnitische Regierung den Sieg über die schiitischen Huthis. Den Erfolg verdankten sie auch ihren Helfern aus dem Ausland: Die Vereinigten Arabischen Emirate hatten eine Brigade mit Panzern vom Typ "Leclerc" geschickt, um die Huthi-Rebellen aus Al-Anad zu vertreiben (nur im Abo)
cp13b Wirtschaft / Economy
(* B E)
Who Will Benefit From Yemeni Oil Exports?
Yemen is fracturing into microstates. Localism is driving politics in the country more than ever before. Unanswered questions about who in Yemen will benefit from the local production of oil in southern Yemen will heavily influence the future of the country, potentially as a failed state where local notables take charge of politics.
Although Yemen’s oil wealth has never compared to that of the rich Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, the impoverished Arabian country’s oil sector has been important to the overall economy.
Yemen has been heavily reliant on oil-export revenues since the early 1990s.
Retrospectively, 2012 turned out to be the crucial year for Yemen’s energy industry and, consequently, for the unity of the state. That year, Yemeni leadership decided not to extend the Production Sharing Agreements (PSAs) for the development of the two most productive fields in Masila Basin with then-independent Canadian producer Nexen.
The current Canadian-Saudi diplomatic spat is tied to Ottawa’s desire to return to Yemen’s energy market. But Riyadh and Abu Dhabi don’t want to weaken their control over Yemen’s current and future energy market.
French Total and Austrian OMV dominated the Yemeni upstream industry along with Engie, Eni, and Schlumberger before the civil war.
Yet the risky return of the Austrian energy company has already yielded early results which in turn helps to pay a debt to Kuwait Energy, which is still due revenue from Block 5. On July 29, OMV’s first oil cargo left Yemen’s Bir Ali port in Gulf of Aden to East Asia, the usual destination for Yemen’s crude oil exports. The consignment had been pumped from S2 block in the Aqla area in Shabwa.
Chinese Companies in Yemen
Chinese energy giants started showing interest in Yemen’s energy industry in the early 2000s when Chinese companies, supported by their government, embarked on assertive overseas upstream oil and gas investment projects.
Localism Matters
Yemen’s energy industry is indeed localized now and under the watchful eyes of Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Although Riyadh and Abu Dhabi are attempting to rebuild the south in their own image, local Yemeni notables also benefit from energy exports, including the governors of both Marib and Hadhramawt, and their aides.
Yemen’s energy industry is still operational—hovering around 44,000 barrels per day—although at levels below actual capacity. Naturally, the multi-tiered civil war in Yemen forced an exodus of foreign companies, which allowed local politicians and notables to pick up the pieces in coordination with their sometimes allies in Riyadh and Abu Dhabi. Given the trajectory of politics in southern Yemen, those who own the energy taps will be the dominant local players in Yemeni politics – by Rauf Mammadov and Theodore Karasik
https://lobelog.com/who-will-benefit-from-yemeni-oil-exports/
(* A E)
Yemeni rial fell to a new record low on Thursday trading at 685 to the US dollar.
https://twitter.com/FuadRajeh/status/1045259861385195522
(A E P)
Central Bank announces new procedures to start funds and transfer funds to Yemeni banks
The central bank in the interim capital of Aden (southern Yemen) on Thursday announced the funds that completed its measures from the Saudi deposit for the second installment after receiving all approvals and transferring funds to the beneficiary Yemeni banks.
The central bank said in a statement that the number of applications approved had reached 20.
http://almasdaronline.com/articles/158820
My comment: Hadi’s central bank at Aden. The effect on currency decline will be: zero.
(A E)
Exchange and remittance shops close in Shabwah to protest riyal collapse
The money exchange and remittance shops in the city of Ataq have closed the center of the southeastern province of Shabwah, announcing the strike in protest at the rapid deterioration of the Yemeni riyal versus foreign currency.
http://almasdaronline.com/articles/158804
Remark: Southern Yemen.
(* A E)
Today #Yemeni rial reaches 670 to $. Will policy drive to push commodity imports through central bank work? Is there enough trust in the CBY to attract $ from importers? Why do oil revenues remain a mystery & does this underline distrust? (iamge9
https://twitter.com/Wesamqaid/status/1044674210562486272
(A E P)
Economic Commission approves a set of measures to reduce exchange rate collapse
Yemen's Economic Commission on Wednesday approved a number of measures, saying it would help reduce the exchange rate collapse.
According to the official News agency Saba, many measures have been adopted to deal with these consequences and reduce the effects of speculation in the market, the most important of which is that the central bank quickly open the documentary credits that traders submit to commercial banks during the month of September and next month October
http://almasdaronline.com/articles/158761
Remark: Hadi government.
And
(A E P)
#Yemen Central Bank in Aden today devalued the Yemeni riyal to USD$1 rate by a whopping further 21% to 595 YR today, just one week after devaluing it over 20% to 495 YR. Not working still : USD$1 selling at 660YR at least at most money exchanges in Sanaa & Aden.
These recent Central Bank moves appear to be intentionally aimed at causing certain deleterious effects on Yemen's currency value.
https://twitter.com/BaFana3/status/1044970856668168192
cp14 Terrorismus / Terrorism
(A T)
Finally, #poetry to counter violent extremism in #Yemen...except this anti-#ISIS poem (2016?) is being circulated by #alQaeda. Verses include Daesh messed with the texts Hurtled into aberration & disobedience Lost the way, fell in the gutter Took pleasure in disgrace & depravity (text in image)
https://twitter.com/Dr_E_Kendall/status/1045714281554223105
(A T)
#IslamicState in #Yemen claims it pushed back a Houthi night attack lasting several hours in al-Zahra area of Qayfa. Last similar claim was 13 Sept so one wonders what they've been doing for the past 2 weeks (If their 3 Sept video is anything to go by... male bonding & cooking) (image)
https://twitter.com/Dr_E_Kendall/status/1045074823045681158
cp15 Propaganda
(* A P)
The UAE and the Washington Post: Democracy dies in hypocrisy
If I was the Washington Post’s Ishaan Tharoor I would be a trifle annoyed.
smack dab in the middle of his column on 25 September, was an advertisement with the headline “Partners for a peaceful, prosperous Middle East”. The advert came with an acknowledgement that the content was courtesy of the UAE Embassy in Washington; it further noted that the UAE, “a dependable ally, works with the US to create a better future.”
Open it up and you are told that “with common values and a shared outlook… the UAE and the US are working together to promote regional security, create economic prosperity and address pressing global challenges.” A plethora of infomercials follows, dozens of them gathered under the rubrics of “United in Security” (where you will find a piece explaining the UAE crackdown on terror funding), “United in Prosperity” (with details on topics like renewable energy and the UAE mission to Mars) and “United in Outlook” (extolling the “shared Principles of Tolerance and Inclusion” while putting in a plug for New York University Abu Dhabi).
Unsurprisingly, given the source, the UAE Ambassador to Washington, Yousef Al-Otaiba, figures prominently throughout.
Now I do understand that this is an advertisement so, of course, there is no mention of the UAE’s dark side, but “common values”? Even in the America that Trump is shaping, a prominent human rights activist would not be seized by security forces and held for several months in an unknown place before being put on trial and convicted on evidence that every indication says strongly was secured under torture.
And that line about “Partners for a peaceful, prosperous Middle East”? The UAE, together with Saudi Arabia, has conducted a war in Yemen that is now into its fourth year. The devastation thus caused of the Middle East’s poorest country is appalling by any yardstick.
Moreover, just how is the UAE promoting regional security in the Gulf? Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince, Mohammed Bin Zayed, has played a leading role in the land, air and sea blockade of fellow Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member Qatar.
Finally, the New York University Abu Dhabi complex was built on the backs of migrant workers who live in squalid compounds, are forced to labour in often dangerous circumstances and are paid a pittance.
(A P)
Houthi Militias Waging Barbaric War, only, to Cherish Racist, Sectarian Project -Yemeni Premier Says
Yemeni Premier Ahmed Obeid bin Daghr has said the Houthi militias is waging a brutal war against the motherland and the people, on the backdrop of their sheer racist and sectarian project.
According to the Yemeni news agency reports, the actions of the Houthi militias constitute a full coup against the Yemenis agreed upon outputs, reached, at the national dialogue conference and the federal state proposal, rejected by the racist militias.
https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=1820160
(A P)
“Two Branches of the Same Root”… When Two Friends – Hidden Enemies – Initiate Foreign Agendas: Understandings of The Reform and Al-Houthis… for What?
Some Muslim Brotherhood leaders are in pursuit of creating understandings between the Reform Party and Al-Houthis in Yemen through initiatives and calls National Reconciliation with Al-Houthi militias.
After the expulsion of Qatar from the Arab Coalition because of terrorist-supporting policies, those Qatari-allied Reform leaders tried to create a reproach with Al-Houthis to work against the coalition.
Confirming the dual role of the Yemeni reform party, Tuakol Karman, who also held the Qatari nationality, called for a National Reconciliation between her party and Al-Houthis.
A Saudi newspaper indicated last Tuesday that an agreement is done between the Reform and Al-Houthis to freeze military operations in some fronts.
My comment: Southern separatists’ propaganda of the type: My foes are evil; they approach to each other, this makes them even more evil.
(A P)
Emirates Red Crescent provides aid to Yemen's remote areas
The UAE is the second-largest donor of humanitarian assistance to Yemen
The Emirates Red Crescent on Thursday sent an aid convoy to villages in Yemen's Al Mallah district in the Lahej governorate.
Director General of the district, Anis Mohammed Nasser, welcomed the ERC team and thanked them for being the first NGO to reach the remote area.
The ERC has also continued its food distribution in Hadramaut governorate in a bid to restore secure living conditions to the area.
More than 200 food baskets were distributed to 1,250 people in Harheer, Shahar District, and Ba'alal, Tarim District.
(A P)
Al Houthis face stark choices
If the militiamen are serious about peace, then they need to act without waiting for orders from Tehran
Given the chaos wrought by Al Houthis in overthrowing the legitimate government of Yemen more than three years ago, the suffering of our Arab brothers seems set to continue until such a time as the rebels come to their senses. Make no mistake, the international coalition of Arab nations, led by Saudi Arabia and in which the UAE is playing a key role, is acting on a United Nations Security Council resolution and will complete its mission one way or another. The choice then facing Al Houthis, who represent just 5 per cent of the Yemeni population, is clear. If they are indeed truly invested in building a Yemen that offers security and stability, then it needs to be part of the peace process. And to be part of the peace process means that the group must act in the interests of the Yemeni people, not the regime in Tehran who have armed the ragtag gangs with sophisticated weaponry, missile systems, heavy artillery and sea mines.
Through their fruitless campaign, Al Houthis have brought suffering and pestilence upon their people, have created the conditions where cholera, malnutrition and other ills are commonplace, and where terrorist cabals such as Al Qaida and Daesh fill the vacuum created on the ground.
There is a clear course of action open to Al Houthis. If they want to stop bloodshed, then they must be willing to talk peace in a meaningful and constructive manner. And that means putting their phones aside long enough to act independently rather than follow the orders issued by Tehran and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard.
https://gulfnews.com/opinion/editorials/al-houthis-face-stark-choices-1.2283731
My comment: Propaganda of the more absurd type.
(A P)
America’s Conscience and the Crisis in Yemen: Robert Nicholson Takes on Nicholas Kristof
Yesterday, Nicholas Kristof launched a blistering attack against the Trump administration for crimes against humanity—yes, crimes against humanity—in Yemen.
The truth is that the US is not killing or maiming innocent people in Yemen. The US is supporting the elected government of Yemen as it tries to take back the country from a Shi’ite political sect called Ansar Allah (commonly called the “Houthis” after their founder Hussein Badreddin al-Houthi) that overran the capital and the northern part of the country in 2014.
The Islamic Republic of Iran supports Ansar Allah, which is similar in many ways to the Iranian-backed Hezbollah faction in Lebanon. Lest anyone be confused about its ideology, Ansar Allah has helpfully emblazoned its less-than-subtle manifesto on its flag.
Next Steps for the US
The US has legitimate objectives in Yemen: Restoring an elected government that was unlawfully overthrown. Thwarting a violent Islamic sect that seeks to kill those who don’t abide by its theology. Countering Iran’s regional expansion. Preventing territorial safe havens for ISIS and al-Qaeda fighters who have profited from state collapse. All of these harmonize with our values and interests.
Kristof’s moralistic sermonizing and reductionism won’t do anything except aggravate partisan squabbling in the States. To say that Americans “are willing to starve Yemeni schoolchildren” because “we dislike Iran’s ayatollahs” is so simplistic as to be immoral in itself. That kind of sentimental, grade-school analysis of complex events gets us no closer to discerning a just course of action – by Robert Nicholson, executive director of the Philos Project and a co-editor of Providence
https://providencemag.com/2018/09/america-conscience-crisis-yemen-robert-nicholson-nicholas-kristof/
My comment: US extremism again. The usual Iran bullshit again. The publisher: https://theird.org/ and https://philosproject.org/about/our-vision/ .
“The truth is that the US is not killing or maiming innocent people in Yemen“: No, exactly this is NOT the truth, unless you are formalist and not realist. – „The US has legitimate objectives in Yemen“: No, it has not. Yemen is a soverign country. – „Kristof’s moralistic sermonizing and reductionism“: War hawks detest when they are reminded of moral; the best way to repel this ist o smear it, as here. – „To say that Americans “are willing to starve Yemeni schoolchildren” because “we dislike Iran’s ayatollahs” is so simplistic“: Kristof simply here puts in a nutshell the US anti-Iranian paranoia and aggressive policy with the consequences of US support for the Saudi ostensible anti-Iranian war in Yemen.
(A P)
What Should America Do in Yemen?
The U.S. has strategic interests in the conflict, namely blocking Iran's attempt at hegemony.
The Yemeni civil war is a humanitarian disaster — one that is completely man-made. Let’s stipulate that fact up front. It’s really a proxy war, with one side consisting of Gulf States like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates backing the Yemeni government, and the other being Iran, which backs Houthi rebels.
America is also involved in this conflict. We’re supporting the Saudis with aerial refueling, and we’re also selling them precision-guided weapons. That’s because Yemen is on one side of the Bab el Mandab, a relatively narrow strait that connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. This is what is known as a chokepoint. Ships have to pass through to get to that destination — or accept a longer journey around Africa. We all know that time is money.
In essence, that location is a perfect place to set up an ambush, either with planes, missile-equipped ships, or shore-based missiles. Having this in the hands of Iranian stooges is bad news
Well, the Saudi-led coalition (with American support) has been making progress against the Iranian stooges.
Nobody wants civilian casualties. But at the same time, giving Iran any sort of foothold in Yemen — or anywhere else — is not a good idea.
Furthermore, the Bab el Mandab is crucial — it offers a back door maritime route to Israel that bypasses the Mediterranean and the Suez Canal.
https://patriotpost.us/articles/58517-what-should-america-do-in-yemen
My comment: This is US propaganda bullshit in a nutshell. “We are the masters of the universe” is what the world is told.
(A P)
Saudi's Al Jubeir: We are committed to a political solution in Yemen
Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al Jubeir said his country is committed to finding a political solution to the Yemen war, reaffirming support for UN Envoy to Yemen Martin Griffiths.
Addressing the Council of Foreign Relations in New York on Wednesday, Mr Al Jubeir said "once this war is over, and it will be over, we will go back and reconstruct Yemen". He said that the $10 billion set aside for reconstructing Yemen will be doubled to $20 billion.
Saudi Arabia also believes that "the Houthis have every right to be part of the political system, but have no right to dominate it," according to Mr Al Jubeir. He expressed hope that the Houthis "come to the table to make a deal they could have made three years ago".
Voicing frustration at how little international criticism is directed at the Houthis, whose coup d’etat four years ago led to the unravelling of a peaceful political transition in Yemen, Mr Al Jubeir said "we lost the communication battle at the beginning".
(A P)
Saudi Arabia's ambitious modernisation plan: Get on board
"I hope that everybody benefits from change while respecting our religion first of all," said a woman whose face was covered by a niqab, sitting with her husband and three kids. "It's a big change here, with women driving and everything," said a 10-year-old girl. "I can't believe I'm in Saudi Arabia!"
(A P)
Ending Houthi control of port city Hodeidah could lead to peace in Yemen
Ending Houthi control of Hodeidah must be a first priority to alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people and provide new momentum for finding a long-term solution to the conflict. With the failure of peace talks, critics of the offensive have yet to suggest an alternative.
Iran’s use of Yemen as a southern gateway to attack Gulf states via Houthi missile attacks, primarily aimed at the UAE and Saudi Arabia, has been one of the most concerning developments of the conflict. Their ability to wage proxy war on the region, which has seen nuclear power plants, civilian airports and oil tankers all targeted, may well be curtailed by the capture of Hodeidah.
The removal of the Houthis’ ability to illegally import arms and heavy weaponry from Iran via the port will add a further incentive for the Houthis to finally take peace talks seriously, ending a military lifeline that has enabled them to prolong the fighting.
As with a similar effort two years ago, the Houthis have shown a complete disinterest in achieving peace – by Julie Lenarz, Executive Director of the Human Security Centre
https://reaction.life/ending-houthi-control-port-city-hodeidah-lead-peace-yemen/
My comment: Yawning. The old propaganda for the 1,133th time – now from the US. – For Human Security Centre look at http://www.hscentre.org/
(A P)
Yemeni FM Warns UN Organizations From Falling for Houthi Exploitation
Yemeni Foreign Minister Khaled al-Yamani warned international aid agencies and organizations against succumbing to any pressure exerted by Houthis, saying these militias exploit UN and international organizations’ keenness to coordinate with local authorities.
Yamani, in his meeting with UN humanitarian coordinator Lise Grand in New York, stressed the need for international organizations to expose Houthi violations.
(A P)
Yemen Peace Talks to Be Useless Until Hodeidah Liberated - Deputy Minister
- Peace talks between the government of Yemen and Houthi rebels are unlikely to be useful until the liberation of Yemen’s port city of Hodeidah, Hamzah Alkamaly, Yemen’s deputy minister of youth and sport, told Sputnik on Wednesday.
"I believe that even if we go to the peace talks just before the liberation of Al Hudaydah it will not be useful at all because the Houthis until now are not willing, they do not believe in peace because they have opportunities to survive on the ground," Alkamaly said.
The Yemeni official added that the liberation of Hodeidah would serve as a stimulus for Houthis to come to the negotiating table.
https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201809261068366438-yemen-hodeidah-peace-talks/
My comment: The same propaganda bullshit as ever. Translated into reality, he says: We only accept peace talks when the Houthis are so down that they have no more opportunities to survive on the ground. Then, they must accept all our preconditions, the first one: They must capitulate. Well, peace is only when we are winning by 100%.
(A P)
EALL calls for firm stance against Houthi threat to maritime navigation
The Emirates Association for Lawyers and Legal, EALL, called on the international community and relevant United Nations, UN, organisations to take immediate steps to confront the criminal practices of the Iranian-backed Houthi militias and their threat to maritime navigation in Yemen.
In statements to the Emirates News Agency, WAM, Zayed Al Shamsi, Chairman of the EALL, said that World Maritime Day, which will take place tomorrow, is an opportunity to call on international human rights and legal organisations to take a clear stance against the international violations of the militias.
He explained that the acts of the militias in the Red Sea and the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait clearly violate international agreements related to international humanitarian law and maritime navigation, such as the "United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea" and the "San Remo Manual on International Law Applicable to Armed Conflicts at Sea."
http://wam.ae/en/details/1395302710421
My comment: repeating the usual odd propaganda; the main threat to maritime navigation in the Red sea are Saudi coalition naval and air raids against the Yemeni coastline; Hodeidah city; fishing boats and refugee boats in the sea.
(A P)
UAE Ambassador to Washington: Yemen is the most logical and easy place to confront Iran
The Emirati ambassador to Washington, Yusuf Al Otaiba, said Yemen is the most logical and easy place to confront Iran.
Al Otaiba added to a conference in New York entitled "United Against Nuclear Iran", in which the Israeli Mossad shares that the Gulf States and Israel have an interest in confronting Iran's threats.
"Iran's influence in the region has been expanding in the past 20 years," Al Otaiba said in a speech to the conference, in which his country, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Yemen, Israel, and the United States are participating, adding that it is important that Iran's behavior in the region be a price.
He noted that Tehran's behavior has not changed following the implementation of Iran's nuclear deal, and the Emirati ambassador in Washington stressed that any change in Iran's foreign policy will be achieved only with external pressure.
http://almasdaronline.com/articles/158766
My comment: Obviously, this is bullshit.
(A P)
Iran likely to retaliate against Saudi and UAE using Yemen’s Houthi to target strategic assets for Ahvaz assault
Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said on 24 September 2018 that an attack by four gunmen in the predominantly Shia Arab Iranian city of Ahvaz was carried out by agents paid by the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia (paywalled)
My comment: This obviously is propaganda nonsense; the Houthis are no Iranian tool.
cp16 Saudische Luftangriffe / Saudi air raids
(A K pH)
One Citizen Killed in US-Saudi Aggression Raid on Hajjah
According to Al-Masirah Net correspondent, the aerial aggression targeted a citizen’s car in Al-Shorfa village, Haradh district, which led to his death.
https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=3015&cat_id=1
(A K pS)
14 Houthi, including field commander, killed in Hodeidah air raid
According to a statement issued by the government giants brigades, the air raid on the al-Houthi site in Kilo 10 resulted in the killing of the elite leader of Houthis, Ali Ahmed al-Mu'aidhi Abu-Meqdam and 14 of his escorts.
http://almasdaronline.com/articles/158813
(A K pH)
Film: Air aggression targets bridges between the directorates of the province of Hajjah
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLDBfeH8whE
(A K pH)
Aggression’s Daily Update for Wednesday, September 26th, 2018
In Hodeidah, a citizen of Durahmi was killed by US-Saudi Aggression artillery shells targeted citizens houses. The US-Saudi Areal Aggression launched several raids on different areas of the governorate.
In Sa'ada, the aggression launched six raids on different areas of Baqim border district, three raids on Shida, two raids on Republican Camp north of the city, and two raids on Kahlan camp in the city.
https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=2996&cat_id=1
(* A K pH)
Three civilians killed in Saudi-led coalition air strikes over 24 hours
Four citizens were killed and a child was wounded in 19 Saudi-led coalition's fighter jets air strikes on three Yemeni province over the past 24 hours, a security official Saba on Wednesday.
In Saada province, a child was injured when the warplanes waged 16 strikes on al-Dhaher and Baqim districts.
In Hodeidah province, three citizens were killed in two air strike on the road linking between districts of Zabid and al-Jarahi.
In Taiz province, the fighter jets launched an air raid on Haifan district.
http://www.sabanews.net/en/news509449.htm
cp17 Kriegsereignisse / Theater of War
(A K pS)
Al Ahmar visits Sa'ada and raises the flag of the Republic in the "Marran " Stronghold of the leader of the Houthi group
The Vice-President General, Ali Mohsen al-Ahmar, visited Sa'ada Governorate, the stronghold of the al-Houthi militia, and attended a symbolic military parade of the government forces ' al-Orobah brigade.
Al-Ahmar raised the Republican flag in the district of Marran, which is the stronghold of al-Houthi leader Abdulmalik al-Houthi, saying, "We renew the pledge and the promise made by His Excellency President Hadi to raise the Republican flag in the Maran mountains, and to return Sa'dah to the incubator of the Republic and the State and the direction to build the six Territories and here you are today close to the accomplishment of this promise. "
Government forces control parts of the district of Marran as well as some areas in Sa'dah Governorate and are advancing towards the largest sites of the Houthis.
http://almasdaronline.com/articles/158853
(A K pS)
Saudi-led coalition's air defences shot down a missile over the southern city of #Aden, a day after six others fired by #Houthis were intercepted over the city of Marib #Yemen
https://twitter.com/saeedalBatati/status/1045362546109296642 referring to http://adengad.net/news/339521/
(A K pS)
Local sources: A civilian was killed in front of his house in Bait Al-Omairy area and another was seriously injured after they were shot by Houthi militia snipers positioned in Tabat Al-Qasha'a, in Taiz city.
https://twitter.com/BelqeesRights/status/1045078092681826309
(A K pH)
Aggression’s Daily Update for Wednesday, September 26th, 2018
In Sa'ada, The Saudi enemy targeted by rockets and artillery shells various areas in the border districts, causing destruction and material damage to the citizens homes and farms.
https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=2996&cat_id=1
(A K pH)
Film: crimes of aggression and mercenaries in the provinces of Taiz and Hodeidah 26-09-2018
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88NxCLdLK38
(A K pS)
Coalition defenses intercept a number of ballistic missiles launched by the Houthis on Marib
The air defenses of the Arab Alliance intercepted a number of ballistic missiles fired by Houthi militants on the city of Marib, east of Sanaa, a government military source said on Wednesday.
http://almasdaronline.com/articles/158754
(* A K)
Yemen Missile War Update: September 13-26
Between September 13-26, at least six Houthi-launched missiles targeting Jizan and Najran were intercepted by Saudi air defense forces. Pro-Houthi media reported another five missile attacks targeting Asir, Najran, and Zahran, but these could not be corroborated by Coalition or independent reports. There were no confirmed reports of Houthi-launched missiles striking their intended targets during this period.
Below is a summary of each confirmed Houthi-launched missile event during the September 13-26 period:
https://missilethreat.csis.org/yemen-missile-war-update-september-13-26/
cp18 Sonstiges / Other
(C)
Today marks the anniversary of the September 26 Revolution and establishment of the Yemeni republic
On September 26, the people of Yemen commemorates the September 26 Revolution of 1962, when the monarchy of North Yemen was overthrown and replaced by the Yemen Arab Republic.
(B H)
Yemeni amputee weightlifter aspires to compete for country
A Yemeni man who lost his legs a decade ago in a traffic accident hopes one day to be able to compete in international weightlifting competitions for his country, despite facing a lack of funding, an epa-efe photojournalist reports.
Akram Abdu al-Shaabi, 28, migrated to Saudi Arabia at the age of 15, where he found work in the farming sector, but after he was involved in a traffic accident in 2008 and had to have both legs amputated, he returned to his home country where he became suicidal.
"I felt like I had lost my life and tried to commit suicide three times after my legs were amputated," al-Shaabi told epa-efe. "Two years after the accident happened, I began to think seriously why I was trying to commit suicide, why don’t I adapt to my new condition?"
Vorige / Previous:
https://www.freitag.de/autoren/dklose/jemenkrieg-mosaik-462-yemen-war-mosaic-462
Jemenkrieg-Mosaik 1-462 / Yemen War Mosaic 1-462:
https://www.freitag.de/autoren/dklose oder / 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.htm
http://yemenwarcrimes.blogspot.de/
und alle Liste aller Luftangriffe / and list of all air raids:
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