Dec. 22, 2019: Fractions in Southern Yemen – Oman’s role in the Yemen conflict – Detentions and torture prisons in Marib, Southern Yemen (in German) – Poverty in Saudi Arabia – 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
cp2a Allgemein: Saudische Blockade / General: Saudi blockade
cp3 Humanitäre Lage / Humanitarian situation
cp4 Flüchtlinge / Refugees
cp5 Nordjemen und Huthis / Northern Yemen and Houthis
cp6 Separatisten und Hadi-Regierung im Südjemen / Separatists and Hadi government in Southern Yemen
cp7 UNO und Friedensgespräche / UN and peace talks
cp8 Saudi-Arabien / Saudi Arabia
cp9 USA
cp9a USA-Iran Krise: Wachsende Spannungen am Golf / US-Iran crisis: Mounting tensions at the Gulf
cp11 Deutschland / Germany
cp12 Andere Länder / Other countries
cp12a Katar-Krise / Qatar crisis
cp12b Sudan
cp13a Waffenhandel / Arms Trade
cp13c 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
cp1 Am wichtigsten / Most important
(** B K P)
Yemen’s Fractured South: Aden, Abyan, and Lahij
In Yemen, more than five years of conflict have contributed to an extreme fragmentation of central power and authority and have eroded local political orders. Local structures of authority have emerged, along with a plethora of para-state agents and militias at the behest of local elites and international patrons. According to the UN Panel of Experts, despite the disappearance of central authority, “Yemen, as a State, has all but ceased to exist,” replaced by distinct statelets fighting against one another (UN Panel of Experts, 26 January 2018).
This is the third and final report of a three-part analysis series (ACLED, 9 May 2019**; ACLED, 31 May 2019) exploring the fragmentation of state authority in Southern Yemen, where a secessionist body – the Southern Transitional Council (STC) – has established itself, not without contestation, as the “legitimate representative” of the Southern people** (Southern Transitional Council, 7 December 2018). Since its emergence in 2017, the STC has evolved into a state-like entity with an executive body (the Leadership Council), a legislature (the Southern National Assembly), and armed forces, although the latter are under the virtual command structure of the Interior Ministry in the internationally-recognized government of President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi. Investigating conflict dynamics in seven southern governorates, these reports seek to highlight how Southern Yemen is all but a monolithic unit, reflecting the divided loyalties and aspirations of its political communities.
This third report focuses on the port city of Aden, a governorate in itself, and the neighboring Abyan and Lahij governorates. They are notorious for being the operating area of the primary military wing of the STC: the Security Belt forces (SBF). They have recently been at the center of tensions within the anti-Houthi front and the Saudi-led coalition, but have since 2015, the date where ACLED’s data collection for Yemen begins, experienced different dynamics. Aden, the interim capital of the internationally-recognized government of President Hadi, has notably had a very volatile political and security environment, leading to several outbursts of violence. Abyan and Lahij, despite the western and northern border fronts of Lahij, have encountered lower levels of violence, mostly driven by the fight against militant jihadi groups. Conflict and protest events in the three governorates within the wider Yemeni context are visualized in the introductory map below.
Conclusion
Along with the fight against militant jihadi groups, the main feature of political violence in most of Southern Yemen in the last five years has been the emergence of pro-STC and UAE-backed armed forces, which effectively operate as paramilitary forces despite being formal state actors of the Hadi government. The establishment of these forces, however, has encountered mixed results depending on local contexts. As seen in this piece, SBF, for instance, have gone rather unchallenged in Lahij, where they seem to enjoy considerable support from political elites and the population. In Abyan, the province of origin of President Hadi, they have, on the other hand, been faced with opposition by pro-Hadi forces. In Aden, they seem to have gained significant influence — they managed to overtake the city twice in the past two years — but this has been restrained by Riyadh, which cannot afford to see the Hadi government ousted from the country’s interim capital after it already lost Sana’a in 2014.
In Shabwah, if the Shabwani Elite Forces have managed to become primary actors of the governorate based on the fight against militant jihadi groups, underlying tensions with pro-Hadi forces led to outbreaks of violence in August 2019. These can arguably be explained by the economic significance of the governorate, which, in addition to housing its own oil and gas fields, also acts as a crucial gateway for the gas coming from neighboring Marib, delivered at the controversial Balhaf facility (L’Observatoire des armements, SumOfUs and Les Amis de la Terre France, 7 November 2019). Control over Shabwah therefore yields economic power.
On the other hand, clashes did not erupt in neighboring Hadramawt, where Hadrami Elite Forces (HEF) also established themselves as primary actors after ousting AQAP from its capital Mukalla in April 2015. Unlike in Shabwah, a tacit understanding seems to exist between pro-Hadi and HEF in Hadramawt. Despite recurrent calls from the STC leadership for the takeover of inland Hadramawt by the HEF, the latter remains focused on the coastal regions, while pro-Hadi forces operate mostly in Hadramawt Valley and the upper desert areas. Arguably, the strong subnational Hadrami identity also prevents a splitting up of the governorate.
In Socotra and Mahrah, the establishment of local pro-STC forces has been much less successful. Despite initial reports on the formation of ‘Socotri Elite Forces’, pro-STC forces on the island are now referred to as SBF. If their successes in establishing positions and gaining popularity is yet not entirely clear, a spike in protests calling for the dismissal of the local governor has been registered by ACLED since June 2019, coinciding with the arrival of SBF on the island. In Mahrah, initial reports of the formation of Mahri Elite Forces in February 2019 never materialized. All Saudi-led coalition activity in the governorate is being faced with strong popular opposition, which is likely, at least in part, instrumentalized by neighboring Oman. Former Deputy for Desert Affairs Ali Salim Al-Hurayzi, for instance, announced the creation of the Southern National Salvation Council in October 2019 as a rival to the STC, which he accuses of being a foreign agent in Yemen (Masa Press, 6 November 2019).
If similarities can be found across most governorates, the above shows that Southern Yemen cannot be addressed as a monolithic unit of study. Despite actors such as the STC claiming to be the sole representative of the Southern people, the specificities of each local context needs to be taken into account in any attempt at stabilizing Southern Yemen.
https://www.acleddata.com/2019/12/18/yemens-fractured-south-aden-abyan-and-lahij/
(** B P)
Analysis: Oman’s role in Yemen: Balancing international neutrality and local interests
For Yemen's warring parties, Oman holds the keys to negotiating a peaceful resolution–but the Sultanate has its own demands too
Oman plays an important role in backing efforts to resolve the conflict in Yemen under the auspices of the United Nations and its envoy to Yemen Martin Griffiths. The country is ideally positioned for this role, given its geographic proximity and its decision from the beginning to remain out of the Saudi-led coalition in favor of maintaining its proclaimed neutrality in regional crises. Furthermore, Muscat maintains good relations with the various local parties to the conflict and their external supporters.
This report provides an in-depth look at Oman’s approach to Yemen since the beginning of the coalition intervention in 2015, including its political and diplomatic relations, and its policy of opening its doors to Yemenis of all backgrounds, including high-level political elites from different parties, and ordinary civilians seeking refuge by land. The report concludes by highlighting how the above strategies have benefited Muscat, and the ways in which these approaches–particularly Muscat’s professed neutrality–are becoming increasingly challenged or difficult to maintain.
Extensive diplomatic and political relations
Oman’s foreign policy is self-described as being based on the principle of "neutrality and non-interference in the affairs of others,” and as a result did not participate in the Saudi-led coalition formed in March 2015 at the request of President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi. This stance was justified as "not wanting to go to war with anyone," according to Foreign Minister Yusuf Bin Alawi, who spoke with Saudi newspaper Okaz in October 2016 about his country's position toward the war in Yemen.
Though militarily uninvolved, Muscat has lent considerable backing to the political efforts led by the UN Special Envoy to Yemen, Martin Griffiths, and his predecessors. Foreign Minister Bin Alawi has characterized Oman’s role in supporting peace efforts in Yemen as that of a facilitator, rather than a mediator.
In recent years, Muscat has hosted many meetings between Yemeni parties and Western officials, and provided logistical support for a variety of different meetings and travel to and from Sana’a. In an effort to facilitate discussions toward reaching a peaceful resolution to the conflict, Muscat hosted a meeting between US Secretary of State John Kerry and the Houthi delegation in November 2016. The meeting resulted in the so-called "Kerry initiative," which provided for a truce, the formation of a national unity government with the inclusion of the Houthis, and the handover of their weapons, including ballistic missiles, to a third party. However, the government of President Hadi, which did not participate in the talks, rejected this initiative and it did not progress.
According to Omani academic Dr. Abdullah Al-Ghailani, who spoke to Almasdar Online about his country’s focus on Yemen, all these efforts remain within the framework of playing a supporting role and providing logistical support, but Muscat “does not have a full-fledged project” toward the Yemen issue.
Increased openness to Yemeni parties
Oman has a good relationship with all Yemeni parties, from the internationally recognized government led by President Hadi, to the Houthis and the General People's Congress (GPC) by virtue of their long standing relationship with former president Ali Abdullah Saleh, who signed the land border demarcation agreement between the two countries in November 1992 in Sana'a. Moreover, Muscat maintains relations with southern forces it sponsors in Al-Mahra, giving them further influence in helping to facilitate any upcoming settlement.
However, what is important here is Oman’s relationship with the broader array of actors involved in the conflict, beyond government representatives and formal diplomatic relations. Muscat’s relationships with these actors has been strengthened in recent years and rather than being limited to a certain ideology or geographic region in Yemen, this extends to include a broad spectrum of actors, the most important of whom are listed below.
A reliable border crossing for Yemeni travelers
With the closure of most civilian airports in Yemen, except for Aden and Seyoun airports, and difficulties transiting through Saudi Arabia to reach Yemen by road, the land border point in Shehn, linking Oman and Al-Mahra governorate, has become a major entry and exit point for Yemeni travelers. Omani authorities have allowed for Yemenis to cross the border on a basic transit visa that takes only a few days to procure, making this crossing the preferred transit route for thousands of Yemenis every month.
Yemeni medical patients, students, and expatriates, in addition to others, are increasingly using flights through Salalah Airport in Oman
Impact of heightened influence on neutrality
Over the past few years, Oman has not been physically affected by any repercussions of the war due to its distance from the frontlines in Yemen. However, with the emergence of clear foreign interests along Oman’s border in Al-Mahra, most notably from Saudi Arabia and the UAE, tensions have flared near the border, especially when tribes protested as Saudi Arabia sought to bolster its military presence in the governorate. As a result, Muscat has concerns that instability could spread along its border with Yemen.
Saudi Arabia has strengthened its grip on Al-Mahra, including by controlling its air and seaports and border with Oman. Tribal leaders opposed to Saudi Arabia’s growing presence continue to voice their grievances
Muscat has long considered Al-Mahra as a natural extension of its national security concerns, and the tribes and residents of the Omani governorate of Dhofar have social and cultural ties with those of Al-Mahra. Oman has encouraged and fostered these linkages.
Given Muscat’s crucial importance as a facilitator in the ongoing peace efforts, and a link between all the various players, it likely that it will continue to be positioned as a neutral player in the region. The power struggle in Al-Mahra between Riyadh and Muscat is likely to go on, but will take place within clear parameters in order to avoid any real confrontations in the governorate. Rather, each party will use its available tools, which for Riyadh means expanding under the cover of legitimacy, and for Muscat means asserting its influence through local tribal leaders and others who have a strong influence in the community.
https://al-masdaronline.net/national/198
(** B P)
In Marib-Gefängnissen ... Eine Hölle voller Leiden
Mehr als tausend und 200 Menschen wurden entführt, die meisten von ihnen sind Patienten, Studenten, Kaufleute und Reisende, die von den Straßen verhaftet wurden.
Sie leben in der Hölle als Folge einer unmenschlichen Behandlung, die außerhalb der Werte und Normen in den Gefängnissen der Aggressionskräfte in der Stadt Marib liegt.
Während psychische und physische Folter nach Angaben von Menschenrechtsorganisationen in den Gefängnissen der Unterdrückung und Folter in Marib zum Tod von mehr als 30 Inhaftierten führte.
Verschiedene Arten von Folter sind schwer zu beschreiben, und selbst gewöhnliche Menschen können sich nicht vorstellen, dass sie von Menschen begangen werden, die von den Gefangenen gegen die Häftlinge eingesetzt werden, denen Essen und Trinken, Folter, das Aufhängen von Händen und Füßen und manchmal die Amputation zum Tode als Foltermethode gegen Gefangene, die sich weigern, ihre Würde und Menschlichkeit zu verletzen.
Und nachdem die Zahl der Gefängnisse in der Stadt Marib die beiden vor der Aggression nicht überschritten hatte, überwachten die Führer des Sicherheitsapparats der Reformpartei heute mehr als 14 Gefängnisse in der Stadt und führten sie mit beispielloser Brutalität, um die Gefangenen einzuschüchtern und die schlimmsten Formen der Folter zu praktizieren, nachdem sie ihre Würde geltend gemacht hatten.
Neben der Folterung von Gefangenen ist die Entführung von Bürgern von Kontrollpunkten, Straßen, Plätzen und Märkten in den Gouvernoraten von Marib, Al-Jouf und Schabua eine wesentliche Aufgabe für den Sicherheitsapparat der Muslimbruderschaft, da sie in diesen für Folter bestimmten Gefängnissen zusammengeschlossen und gezwungen sind, erfundene Anklagen anzuerkennen.
Die Inhaftierung erfolgt in den meisten Fällen aufgrund des Nachnamens, der Region und anderer Umstände, lediglich aus dem Verdacht heraus, dass die Entführer ohne Gerichtsverfahren Jahre hinter Gittern und unter Folter verbringen und sogar in ihren Familien abwesend sind.
Am auffälligsten in den Gefängnissen, die vom Sicherheitsapparat der Muslimbruderschaft geführt werden, ist es vielleicht, den Familienangehörigen der Entführten nicht zu gestatten, ihre Angehörigen zu besuchen, sie zu überprüfen oder mit ihnen zu kommunizieren, wo sie jahrelang gewaltsam versteckt sind, ohne ihre Angehörigen über ihre Haftorte zu informieren.
Es gab viele Fälle von Entführungen von Frauen
Der befreite Gefangene Dara`an Al-Saqqaf erzählte schreckliche Aspekte des Leidens der Häftlinge in den Söldnern der Söldner-Aggression in Marib, wo er etwa zwei Jahre lang im Gefängnis saß und gefoltert wurde.
"Sie bestehen darauf, uns zu foltern und an dicht verschlossenen Orten zu werfen, an denen die intensive Hitze nicht in die Luft eindringt, die Decke niedrig ist und der Schweiß von unserem Körper vom Nachmittag bis nach Mitternacht beständig anschwillt", sagte Dara`an.
"Das Essen, das sie uns geben, war auf Vier Stücke Brot pro Tag beschränkt, Bohnen und Wasser, das nicht trinkbar ist, und wir müssen Tuaiman durchführen, um zu beten, weil es in vielen Fällen an Wasser mangelt."
Dara`an wies darauf hin, dass viele seiner inhaftierten Kameraden und Häftlinge infolge von Folter starben und einige von ihnen ihre Gliedmaßen verloren, weil sie nicht die notwendige medizinische Versorgung erhielten.
Er wies darauf hin, dass die Gefängnisse mit Häftlingen aus verschiedenen Gouvernoraten überfüllt sind, darunter viele Bewohner von Marib, die von Straßen und Märkten entführt und beschuldigt wurden, Ansar Allah zu gehören.
https://www.saba.ye/de/news3082309.htm
Mein Kommentar: Marib wird von der Hadi-Regierung und der mit ihr verbündeten Islah- (Reform-)partei kontrolliert. Dieser Bericht stammt von der Nachrichtenagentur der Huthi-Regierung. Dasselbe – willkürliche Entführungen, Foltergefängnisse – werfen die Gegner der Houthis diesen auch vor.
English version: https://www.saba.ye/en/news3081988.htm
(** B H P)
Vision 2030 and poverty in Saudi Arabia
MBS's Vision 2030 will not alleviate poverty among Saudis and its austerity plan could lead to upheaval.
Growing up in Saudi Arabia in the 1990s, I was acutely aware that Saudi society was divided along class lines. There was the royal family and the super-rich, the middle class and the poor masses - all strictly segregated socially and culturally.
Like many other Saudi cities, Jeddah, where I lived and worked as a journalist between 2005 and 2010, was divided in two: the northern part of the city was reserved for royalty and upper middle-class families, while the southern part was where migrant workers, undocumented migrants and poor and middle-class Saudis lived.
Not being a member of the wealthy class, I too lived in the southern neighbourhoods.
For decades, successive Saudi governments have done little to alleviate the suffering of their country's poor. They have been reluctant to openly talk about their existence because recognising poverty necessitates recognising income inequality and the unfair distribution of wealth in the oil-rich country.
Under King Salman and the reform project of his son, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the situation is no different. Vision 2030 not only us unlikely to help uplift the poor, but the austerity measures it comes with are likely to push parts of the middle class into poverty.
Addressing poverty with charity
Throughout Saudi history, charity has been the central approach to addressing the issue of poverty. Being a Muslim country and the custodian of the two holy mosques, Saudi Arabia obliges every individual and corporation to donate 2.5 percent of their wealth to the government as part of the Islamic system of zakat. The government, in turn, is supposed to distribute it to poor families.
Needless to say, this approach was never successful in addressing the root causes of poverty in the kingdom.
According to a 2017 UN report, the anti-poverty measures taken by the Saudi government over the past decade were "inefficient, unsustainable, poorly coordinated and, above all, unsuccessful in providing comprehensive social protection to those most in need".
At the same time, the Saudi authorities continued to ignore the problem and keep public attention away from it.
In 2014, the government played down a report by Sami bin Abdul Aziz Al-Damigh, a professor at King Saud University in Riyadh, on the poverty problem in the kingdom. Al-Damigh proposed setting a poverty line for the country, which the government rejected.
Vision 2030
When King Salman came to power in 2015, the Saudi economy was going through the shock of a major oil price slump. In a matter of months, the oil price had gone done from $100 to $50 per barrel, cutting in half oil export profits, which accounted for about 87 percent of Saudi budget revenues.
The kingdom needed to take major austerity measures and the king decided to empower his son, Mohammed bin Salman (also known as MBS) to spearhead them. In 2016, the then deputy crown prince announced Vision 2030, a reform project drafted by the controversial US-based consulting company McKinsey.
Vision 2030 is supposed to transform Saudi Arabia by weaning it off oil. It proposes ambitious steps to diversify its economy by growing the private sector and scaling down the public one. The main pillar of the project is the privatisation of Aramco, the Saudi state oil company, which has garnered much attention internationally.
But the less-publicised economic initiatives include privatising important public service institutions, like hospitals and schools, slashing public sector employment and increasing taxation. Currently two-thirds of employed Saudis work for the state; under Vision 2030, it is supposed to go down to 20 percent.
Soon after the project was announced, MBS started to implement some of its harshest provisions. In September 2016, the government announced pay cuts for public sector employees. In 2017, it released a timetable for decreasing subsidies for fuel, natural gas, electricity and water over the next few years. In 2018, the government introduced a value-added tax of 5 percent on most goods and services.
These economic decisions sent prices of basic commodities, including fuel, soaring, which not only hit hard the Saudi poor, but also affected middle classes, who have been dependent for generations on state largesse. All of a sudden, middle-income households found themselves unable to pay for housing and their basic necessities. This caused a wave of public anger and capital flight; many Saudis decided not only to transfer money out of the country but also to emigrate.
In 2016, the government estimated that as many as one million Saudis had left the country to seek livelihoods abroad in a short period of time. The crackdown on dissent that the government unleashed under the guidance of MBS further worsened the situation.
MBS's anti-poverty measures
Despite purporting to transform Saudi Arabia, Vision 2030 does not mention in any significant way the issue of poverty in Saudi Arabia. Among its many different programmes, there are only two which seem to focus to some extent on socio-economic ills.
For now, repression and monetary handouts might work to suppress public anger but they will not do away with it.
And there are already cracks showing. The Saudi middle class, which has long been a supporter of the political status quo, is increasingly dissatisfied. The austerity measures could impact significantly its political orientations, and lead to political and economic unrest. One form this dissatisfaction is taking is the increasing number of Saudis fleeing the country and some of them are already starting to organise politically in exile.
If Vision 2030 is not revised to address major socio-economic ills and poverty, inequality and injustice will continue to grow and Saudi Arabia will likely face major political instability in the future – by Hana Al-Khamri
https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/vision-2030-poverty-saudi-arabia-191210115057234.html
cp1a Am wichtigsten: Seuchen / Most important: Epidemics
(* B H)
Film: Dengue fever project a bacterial attack on Taiz residents
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7c36K-XVP4
(* B H)
Film: Dengue fever finds breeding ground in Yemen
A rising number of Yemenis are battling dengue fever - a potentially fatal disease that's thriving in the unsanitary conditions and decimated infrastructure of the conflict-hit country.
(* B H)
35 Yemenis died of rabies, and 4400 cases were recorded
Number of cases registered with rabies epidemic increased to (4450) cases since the beginning of this year 2019, and until Saturday 14 December, said Dr. Abdo Ghorab, the official of the rabies control unit at the Republican Hospital in the capital, Sanaa.
Dr. Abdo Ghorab told “new Yemen” that the number of deaths from these injuries reached (35) cases, most of them arrived at the hospital in a late case.
In an indication of an unprecedented outbreak of the epidemic, the medical official of the Ministry of Public Health and Population indicated that they are received daily in the rabies control unit of the Republican Hospital for a number of (30) to (40) cases per day, and the appropriate treatment is provided to them despite the scarcity of treatment due to the war and the blockade Imposed on Yemen since March 2015.
In a related context, local sources in the Bani Matar district, Sana’a governorate (southwest of the capital, Sanaa), revealed the death of 3 rabies cases in the village of “Waqash” last week.
Rabies is a fatal viral disease that affects a person when he is exposed to a bite from an infected animal. Doctors recommend quick first aid and vaccination for the injured at the
The campaign for the stray dogs continues, for the third week in a row, implemented by the Cleanliness and Improvement Fund and the Cleanliness Project in the Secretariat with the participation of four field teams from the Department of Control and Spraying, where the campaign managed during the past two weeks to eliminate 3032 dogs, according to statistics issued by the campaign leadership, and the capital Sanaa had witnessed In late November, the launch of an enlarged campaign to combat stray dogs in all districts of the capital’s secretariat, and to limit its spread, especially after it became a threat to the lives of the people, due to the aggression countries and their mercenaries ban of entering the toxins required for combating stray and rabid dogs throughout the past periods.
https://newyemenen.com/35-yemenis-died-of-rabies-and-4400-cases-were-recorded/
(* B H)
WHO: Zahl der registrierten Cholera-Fälle stark rückläufig
Die Zahl der gemeldeten Cholera-Fälle weltweit ist nach Angaben der Weltgesundheitsorganisation (WHO) im vergangenen Jahr deutlich gesunken. 2018 lag die Zahl 60 Prozent niedriger als 2017, berichtete die WHO.
Die Lage habe sich vor allem im Bürgerkriegsland Jemen sowie im Kongo, in Somalia und im Südsudan verbessert. Die Zahl der registrierten Cholerafälle schwankt jedoch stark, so gab es 2017 außergewöhnlich viele. Damals wurden mehr als 1,2 Millionen Fälle gemeldet, nach weniger als 200.000 im Jahr davor.
(* B H)
Drop in cholera cases worldwide, as key endemic countries report gains in cholera control
The number of cholera cases decreased globally by 60% in 2018, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced in a report that points to an encouraging trend in cholera prevention and control in the world’s major cholera hotspots, including Haiti, Somalia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
“The decrease we are seeing in several major cholera-endemic countries demonstrates the increased engagement of countries in global efforts to slow and prevent cholera outbreaks and shows the vital role of mass cholera vaccination campaigns,” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “We continue to emphasize, however, that the long-term solution for ending cholera lies in increasing access to clean drinking water and providing adequate sanitation and hygiene.”
There were 499 447 cases of cholera and 2990 deaths in 2018, according to reports from 34 countries. While outbreaks are still ongoing in various countries, the case load represents a significant downward trend in cholera transmission that has continued into 2019, according to data collected by WHO.
and full report: https://extranet.who.int/iris/restricted/bitstream/handle/10665/330003/WER9448-eng-fre.pdf?ua=1
(A H)
Die Kampagne zur Beseitigung von Bilharziose richtet sich an 154.000 Kinder innerhalb von drei Tagen in Saada
Nationale Kampagnenteams zur Beseitigung von Bilharziose im Gouvernement Saada haben in den letzten drei Tagen 154.000 Kinder in der Altersgruppe von 6 bis 18 Jahren angesprochen.
Dr. Abdul-Ghani Ali Zafran, der Leiter des zentralen technischen Supports im Gesundheitsministerium, sagte gegenüber der jemenitischen Nachrichtenagentur (Saba), dass die Kampagne 154.000 von insgesamt 300.000 Kindern medizinische Leistungen erbrachte.
https://www.saba.ye/de/news3082258.htm
Mein Kommentar: Impfung?
(* B H)
Film: Dengue Fever Strikes Thousands in Conflict-Torn Yemen
Yemenis are facing a new battle: Dengue Fever, a potentially fatal illness that spreads in the unsanitary conditions and decimated infrastructure of their conflict-torn country. The World Health Organization says nearly 59,500 suspected cases, including 219 deaths, were recorded in the first 11 months of 2019. VOA’s Mariama Diallo reports on this new challenge for a country that has endured five years of war that have killed thousands and pushed millions to the brink of famine.
https://www.voanews.com/episode/dengue-fever-strikes-thousands-conflict-torn-yemen-4126356
(A H)
[Sanaa gov.] Minister of Health Directed Raises Emergency Level to Maximum Preparing for H1N1
The Minister of Public Health and Population, Dr. Taha Al-Mutawakil, directed all public and private hospitals to raise their facilities capacity to maximum and to prepare isolation rooms to deal with H1N1cases. This came during visiting a number of hospitals in Sana’a to see the isolation and care rooms for H1N1 cases. The Minister of Health called on all hospitals, whether public or private, to receive all suspected cases of this disease.
Dr. Al-Mutawakkil emphasized the readiness of the medical and health sector in the various governorates to confront this disease, pointing out that this seasonal flu occurs every year, especially in cold days and cold areas.
The Minister of Health noted that 1,600 cases of seasonal flu have been recorded, including only 8 confirmed cases of H1N1 flu. He pointed out that the cure rate of this disease is very high, reaching 99 percent if the case is treated immediately upon suspicion.
https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=10318
and also https://www.uprising.today/health-ministry-enacts-state-of-emergency-to-deal-with-swine-flu-virus/
(A H)
‘Swine flu’ Spreading in Yemen Last week, one of my family members passed away of what we later discovered was Swine Flu. She was sick for only three days. The hospital didn’t diagnose the disease well in the beginning. Her name was ‘Ebtisam,’ which means a ‘smile’.
https://twitter.com/Afrahnasser/status/1207045678607798272
(A H)
First death from dengue fever reaches Ibb governorate
Several others in Ibb are infected and receiving treatment for the mosquito-borne viral illness without major complications, a medical official said
https://al-masdaronline.net/national/196
(A H)
Dengue fever reaches the south, killing two people and afflicting more than a hundred others in Aden.
https://twitter.com/FuadRajeh/status/1207358689176432640
cp1b Am wichtigsten: Kampf um Hodeidah / Most important: Hodeidah battle
(A K pH)
US-Saudi Aggression’s Daily Update for Saturday, December 21st, 2019
https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=10371
(A K pS)
Video: Damage caused by the Houthi militia's bombing of citizens ’properties in Al Tahita
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjEVjjr758g
(A K pH)
weitere Verstöße in Hodeida
https://www.saba.ye/de/news3082350.htm
(A K pH)
US-Saudi Aggression’s Daily Update for Friday, December 20th, 2019
https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=10352
(B K pS)
Since signing of Stockholm agreement, Houthi militia commits 16,500 violations in Hodeidah
However, a year has passed since the signing of the UN-sponsored agreement, which represented a glimmer of hope for millions of Yemenis, but nothing achieved on the ground because of the Houthis procrastination and their daily military attacks against National army forces and residential areas in the city of Hodiedah.
The Houthi rebels didn’t fulfill any of its promises, starting with handing over of Hodeidah ports and withdrawal from the city.
In the first month of the agreement January 2019, the Houthi militia’s violations of the Hodeida’s ceasefire reached 883 breaches, resulted in the killing of 60 civilians, including 18 children and 14 women and wounding 389 others, mostly women and children.
The Iran-backed Houthi militia has been committing heinous crimes and brutal massacres against civilians since the first moment of signing the UN-sponsored agreement until the present moment.
Hodeida Governor Hasan Taher has revealed that the Iran-backed Houthi militia has committed more than 11,000 violations since the signing of the Stockholm agreement in December 2018.
(A K pS)
13 Houthi fighters killed in 3 days south of Hodeidah
http://en.adenpress.news/news/15088
(A K pS)
Houthis destroy farmers' properties in al-Tuhita, south Hodeidah
http://en.adenpress.news/news/15087
(A K pS)
Video: Damage caused by the Houthi militia's bombing of citizens ’properties in Al Tahita
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjEVjjr758g
(* B K P)
A YEAR AFTER THE STOCKHOLM AGREEMENT: WHERE ARE WE NOW?
How is the implementation of the Stockholm agreement progressing?
On Hudaydah:
The Hudaydah agreement averted a potentially catastrophic offensive on the city and ports. The ceasefire, which entered into force on 18 December 2018, contributed to a safer environment for civilians. It is estimated that 150,000 people that had left the city have returned after the agreement was put in place with the ceasefire still largely holding.
The work of the UN Country Team and others has also expanded in the Governorate since the ceasefire came into effect seeing increased humanitarian flows reaching those in need.
A UN mission was established (UNMHA) in Hudaydah to support the parties in their implementation of the Hudaydah Agreement. This includes UNMHA Head of Mission’s chairing the Redeployment Coordination Committee through which the parties work jointly towards upholding their commitments as stipulated in the Stockholm agreement.
The parties have established a Joint Operations Centre at the UNMHA headquarters to support the Ceasefire Enhancement and De-escalation mechanism. This is the only venue where the parties work jointly on maintaining the ceasefire in Hudaydah. Liaison officers from each party are now physically present on a 24/7 basis inside this joint structure.
Five joint Observation Posts were established on the ground to monitor the situation and prevent further military escalation which resulted in significant reduction in the overall level of violence and the number of security incidents in the city frontlines.
The parties agreed on a mechanism to deposit the port revenues into a special account in the Central Bank branch in Hudaydah under UN supervision to pay for the salaries of the civil servants in Hudaydah and elsewhere.
While full redeployment has not yet taken place, the agreement and the UN presence in Hudaydah has directly contributed to a reduction in hostilities and the improvement of the humanitarian situation, while also providing opportunities for increased confidence in the prospect for the conflict to end.
A major challenge to the work of UNMHA is the restrictions on the freedom of movement. UNMHA counts on the commitment of the parties to overcome this challenge.
https://osesgy.unmissions.org/year-after-stockholm-agreement-where-are-we-now
(A K pS)
Houthi naval mine kills whale in Red Sea
A Houthi naval mine killed a whale off the Red Sea town of Meedi in northwest Yemen, military and civilian sources said.
https://www.alsahwa-yemen.net/en/p-36923.
https://twitter.com/RepYemenEnglish/status/1208062512719179777
Film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26dxADL4iZE
(A K pS)
Film: Military engineering teams cleared around 5000 landmines, unexploded projectiles and Katyusha rockets. They were removed only from southern districts of #Hudaydah Governorate, #Yemen.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrxZt5BFrjQ = https://twitter.com/MinesInYemen/status/1207762114909265920
(A K pH)
US-Saudi Aggression’s Daily Update for Thursday, December 19th, 2019
https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=10330
(A K pS)
Film: Houthi militia shelling on separate areas in Al-Derahimi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcrIeFgVAqQ
(* A K pH)
Film: The international exploitation of the city of Al-Duraimi continues to continue without the cessation of the suffering of citizens
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9m_iW9N8J9k
(A K pH)
Fortgesetzung Verletzungen der Aggressionstruppen in Hodeidah
https://www.saba.ye/de/news3082252.htm
(* A P)
Ending 7th Joint Meeting between National Team and Representative Party of US-Saudi Aggression
On Thursday, the seventh joint meeting between the National Team and the representative party of the aggression of coalition ended on board the United Nations ship in international waters. A source clarified on the joint meeting familiar with Almasirah channel that the mechanism for opening the humanitarian corridors for civilians and corridors for food convoys was presented at the closing session of the seventh joint meeting.
The source confirmed that the National Team welcomed the concept of operations presented by the head of the international team to implement the redeployment without any time intervals and the other party continues to procrastinate. The source indicated that the concept of redeployments in its first and second stages was approved on February, 7th, and the other party is still refusing to implement.
https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=10331
and
(* A K P)
Warring sides reach humanitarian agreement on key Yemen town
Yemen's warring parties agreed Thursday to create humanitarian corridors in the key port city of Hodeida, which remains the main entry point for food and aid in a country witnessing the world's worst humanitarian crisis.
The agreement follows two days of U.N.-mediated talks between the Houthi rebels and the Saudi-led coalition. A coordinating committee sanctioned by the world body said in a statement that both parties were working on redeploying forces to improve humanitarian access and enable movement of civilians.
The port handles 70% of Yemen's food imports and aid.
This week's talks focused how both sides would redeploy forces from strategic areas in Hodeida, which has seen some of the war's worst fighting. The talks also addressed who will oversee administration of the country's most important shipping port. They come amid a renewed push for peace.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/ap/article-7810565/Warring-sides-reach-humanitarian-agreement-key-Yemen-town.html = https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/dec/19/warring-sides-reach-humanitarian-agreement-on-key-/
and also https://www.uprising.today/negotiations-bear-fruit-humanitarian-convoy-corridors-to-be-set-up/
(* B K pH)
Official statistics show the extent of destruction wrought on Hodeidah
Hodeidah province utterly ravaged by Saudi invaders
The Tihamah Organisation for Human Rights and Heritage has on Wednesday said that 7,217 civilians have been killed or wounded in the Hodeidah province since the start of the Saudi-led coalition aggression against Yemen in March 2015.
A statistic released by the organization showed that 3,481 citizens, including 693 children and 305 women, were killed, and 3,736 citizens were injured, including 486 children and 219 women, up until December 13, 2019.
The aggression coalition destroyed two airports in the province, 19,948 houses, 12 ports, 86 hospitals and health centers, 78 telecommunication networks and stations, 3,530 schools and media, commercial, educational, sports and tourist facilities.
The organisation’s statistics indicated that the coalition furthermore targeted 68 popular markets, 1,723 agricultural fields, 581 water reservoirs and networks, 928 roads and bridges, 445 fishing boats, 84 fuel stations, three ships, 125 electric stations and generators, 263 mosques, 105 factories, 31 archeological monuments, 67 fuel tankers and 19 cemeteries.
The coalition also targeted 238 food trucks, 274 food stores, 18 camps, 38 agricultural equipment, 79 poultry and livestock raising farms, 1,174 cars, 22 international and local organizations and 17 checkpoints and outlets in several districts of the province.
https://www.uprising.today/official-statistics-show-the-extent-of-destruction-wrought-on-hodeidah/
(A K pH)
US-Saudi Aggression’s Daily Update for Wednesday, December 18th, 2019
https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=10312
(* B K P)
Sana’a National Team: UN’s Obligations under Stockholm Agreement Not Met
The head of the national team in the Joint Coordination Committee, Major General Ali Al-Mushki, confirmed, Wednesday, that the responsibilities of the United Nations in the Stockholm Agreement did not implement anything including the rehabilitation of the ports. The inspection teams exited from Hodeidah, under pressure, after the UAE objected to their activities.
"We continue to see daily casualties in various areas of Hodeidah due to the hostile bombing one year since the Stockholm Agreement," AL-Mushki said, confirming that the US-Saudi aggression launched more than 72 raids on Hodeidah, 34 of which were during the visits of of General Abhigat Juha.
He explained that the Yemenis are denied entry to more than 450 commodities through the port of Hodeidah, and the siege of Ad-durayhimi, by the forces of aggression, continues . "We were waiting for the Red Cross to distribute medicine and food to the people of Addurayhimi ", he added.
Al-Mushki indicated that whoever goes out to the Yemeni sea is killed or imprisoned after being taken to Jizan by the forces of aggression.
https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=10314
and
(B K P)
[Sanaa gov.] Yemeni delegation has document proposing detailed peace process
Chief negotiator for Yemen to present detailed plan to invaders
Major General Ali al-Mushki, head of the national Yemeni delegation at the Coordination and Redeployment Committee in Hodeidah, said on Tuesday that the team has set up a national document that could establish a peaceful process in Yemen.
“We were able to create a national document to establish the peace process in Yemen, if the aggression forces have real intention to peace,” Major General al-Mushki said in a statement to Al-Masirah TV Channel during a press conference held in Hodeidah province.
He confirmed that the aggression countries have not presented anything for the Stockholm Agreement since its signing, and even the United Nations has “neither acted nor fulfilled its obligations.”
https://www.uprising.today/yemeni-delegation-has-document-proposing-detailed-peace-process/
cp2 Allgemein / General
(* A K P)
Interactive Map of Yemen War
(* A K)
MILITARY SITUATION IN YEMEN ON DECEMBER 21, 2019 (MAP UPDATE)
https://southfront.org/military-situation-in-yemen-on-december-21-2019-map-update/
MILITARY SITUATION IN YEMEN ON DECEMBER 19, 2019 (MAP UPDATE)
https://southfront.org/military-situation-in-yemen-on-december-19-2019-map-update/
(* B K P)
‘Tactical defeats’ plus ‘political confusion’ behind Saudis’ transient tone change in Yemen: expert
Professor of political science Colin S. Cavell says what has temporarily relaxed the Saudi war on Yemen is defeats of the coalition on the ground combined with political confusion among the coalition’s leaders.
In an interview with Mehr News Agency, Colin S. Cavell, a full professor of political science at Bluefield State College in Bluefield, West Virginia, talked about the latest developments in Yemen.
Here is the full text of the interview:
CSC: Tactical defeats on the ground combined with logistical infighting and political confusion have temporarily relaxed the Saudi war on Yemen while the aggressor regroups its forces. The Saudi-UAE designed pincer movement was to divide Yemen and allow forces from both the south and the north to bring the Yemeni people to submission. While establishing the so-called Southern Transitional Council (STC) in the south in April of 2017, the KSA continued its attacks on Yemen from the north, which they have done since the commencement of this war in March of 2015. The pincer movement was not working but, rather, impeding their war on the Yemeni peoples led by the Houthi liberation movement. Thus, recently, on November 5, 2019, the STC signed an agreement in Riyadh to merge with the Saudi-installed president, Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi.
With the reunification of the pro-Riyadh forces in addition to the continuing US buildup of its military forces in the Persian Gulf and surrounding region, as well as the upcoming November 2020 US presidential campaign, one should expect to see renewed major attacks by the Saudi vassal regime forces of Hadi in the new year, albeit the Saudi forces will continue their indiscriminate aerial bombardment of Yemen in addition to their arbitrary detentions, torture, and selected disappearances of Yemenis in the meantime.
https://en.mehrnews.com/news/153553/Tactical-defeats-plus-political-confusion-behind-Saudis
(? B K P)
In Yemen, Saudi Arabia Takes the Path of Pragmatism
With Iran a bigger threat than the Houthis, Riyadh is shifting its Yemen strategy to calm the war to its south (subscribers only9
https://worldview.stratfor.com/article/yemen-saudi-arabia-takes-path-pragmatism-houthi-iran
(A P)
Film: A call for solidarity with Yemeni women We, Yemeni #women, are failed by all. It is time to take our rights. All women in this world show us solidarity and support!
https://twitter.com/BelqeesRights/status/1208061908206661639
(* A P)
Saudi Arabia Preparing for Phase of Eliminating Hadi
One of the media workers in the so-called Al-Sharia channel, a Saudi-funded channel, revealed that he was fired after new directives issued by the Saudi administration to the channel to attack the former president Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi, who resigned in 2014 and later fled to the Saudi capital.
The media personnel Omar Abdel-Aziz Al-Morshed said that he was dismissed after he rejected the new instructions.
He added that Sultan Al-Jofi the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Saudi 24 Group, which operates the channel, has directed to dismiss Al-Morshed after rejecting the new instructions and removed all his previous episodes from YouTube.
The incident met a great reaction on social media, activists launched an attack on the resigned Hadi, saying he has no dignity and being the biggest misfortune in Yemen.
They were surprised by his silence on all this subjection and humiliation to which he is exposed, while others said he is enjoying insult, adding that it is a strange and unprecedented situation in the history of mercenarism.
Meanwhile, media professionals said that Saudi Arabia is preparing for the phase of eliminating Hadi by directing media affiliated with legitimacy to attack him.
https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=10340
(* B K P)
Is Saudi Arabia on the Verge of Striking a Deal with Yemen’s Houthi Rebels?
The failure of the two parties to stick to 5 December 2019 as the deadline to form the power-sharing administration and withdraw forces from Aden was not a surprise to most Yemenis, who have become used to such broken promises.
“The Riyadh Agreement erected a whole set of deadlines that, for starters, rely on very different Yemeni parties being wholly sincere in wanting and being able to share power in Aden,” Neil Partrick, a London-based Middle East analyst, told AFP.
“It’s hugely ambitious just to hope to get a power-sharing deal to meaningfully hold up in Aden,” he continued. “But to see this as a basis for the sharing of power throughout the south and for then taking on the Houthis in the north is possibly not even that serious.”
Meanwhile, it is becoming apparent that the Saudis are excessively burdened by the war in Yemen, especially in the aftermath of the devastating drone attack on major Saudi oil facilities in September.
The Saudis are now clearly considering other ways forward. Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir said in a press conference in early December that all Yemenis, including the Houthis, could have a role in the future of the country, and added that there could be a settlement, which would precede a solution to the ongoing conflict. “There is a possibility to calm down the situation that will be followed by a settlement in Yemen,” he said.
Even before that, the Saudis were not discreet about their indirect contact with Houthis in Oman.
In September, Foreign Policy magazine noted that the Houthis and Saudis have made unusually positive public signals indicating interest in de-escalation,
(* B K P)
Between hope and fear: Fresh prospects for a resolution of the Yemen conflict?
During the last few weeks there has finally been some movement in the entrenched conflict. Germany is supporting the return to the political process.
Shift in attitude of the parties to the conflict
To date, neither the internationally recognised Government of Yemen nor the Houthi rebels have been able to gain the upper hand militarily. Since the summer, a shift seems to be taking place in the Arab coalition led by Saudi Arabia, which supports Yemen’s Government: no party to the conflict still believes that the conflict can be resolved by military means.
Further fragmentation of the country prevented
In November, Saudi Arabia had mediated an agreement between Yemen’s Government and the Southern Transition Council (STC),
Revival of the political process
The aim now should be a nationwide ceasefire to mark the start of the resumption of a political process.
Stockholm Agreement: Not yet fully implemented, but partial successes
Humanitarian disaster
What is Germany doing to help?
Germany is supporting the UN’s efforts to find a political solution financially, politically and in humanitarian terms.
https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/aussenpolitik/laenderinformationen/jemen-node/-/2289416
My comment: Be honest, Germany is inflating the war by selling arms to warring parties in the Yemen war.
cp2a Saudische Blockade / Saudi blockade
(A K P)
Sayyed Abdulmalik Calls for Lifting of Air Embargo on Sana’a Airport, End to Saudi-Led Attacks
Sayyed Abdulmalik Al-Houthi has called on the United Nations to work out effective mechanisms aimed at ending the air embargo on Sana'a airport, which has already taken its toll on the Yemeni civilian population, as well as the devastating Saudi-led military campaign against the country.
https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=10329
cp3 Humanitäre Lage / Humanitarian situation
(* B H)
Islamic Relief Deutschland
Hunger im Jemen - 75 Prozent sind auf humanitäre Hilfe angewiesen
Nach dem Stand vom 20. September 2018 sind mehr als 22 Mio. Jemeniten auf humanitäre Hilfe angewiesen und Opfer der weltweit schlimmsten humanitären Krise geworden. 75 Prozent der Bevölkerung sind auf humanitäre Hilfe angewiesen. Spenden Sie jetzt an die Menschen, die im Jemen dringend Hilfe benötigen.
Seit Beginn des Konflikts im Jahr 2015 wurden 3 Mio. Menschen aufgrund der steigenden Gewalt vertrieben. Das Land verzeichnet auch dutzende an Toten und hunderte von Verletzten, darunter auch Zivilisten, die dem Krieg zum Opfer gefallen sind.
ÜBERSICHT DER HILFE VON ISLAMIC RELIEF
Islamic Relief Jemen ist aktuell in elf Provinzen im Jemen aktiv und leistet wichtige Not-, Lebensmittel-, und Einkommenshilfe sowie WASH (Wasser- und Hygienemaßnahmen) und medizinische Versorgung. Die Verteilung der Hilfsgüter erfolgt zum Teil vor Ort gemeinsam mit lokalen Partnern.
Islamic Relief ist seit über 20 Jahren im Jemen tätig und hat seine lebensrettende Arbeit vor Ort während des katastrophalen Konflikts fortgesetzt. Mit Büros in Sanaa, Hodeida, Saada, Amran, Raymah, Aden, Marib, Dhamar und Taiz leisten unsere Helfer und Freiwilligen wichtige humanitäre Hilfe - oft auch in lebensgefährlichen Situationen.
https://www.islamicrelief.de/hungersnot-im-jemen/
(B H)
Relief and Development Peer Foundation: Yemen: Monthly Situation Report No. 11 (November 2019)
An expanded range of health services is accessible by the highly vulnerable people through our supported 3 health facilities in Al-Qafr District of Ibb Governorate.
A number of 97,400 CU2 and PLW are benefitted from the support of BSFP over seven districts of Ibb and Taizz Governorates.
Distributing food rations to severely food insecure families, benefitting a total number of 53,410 individuals in 3 districts of Al-Bayda Governorate.
https://reliefweb.int/report/yemen/yemen-monthly-situation-report-no-11-november-2019
(* B H)
Save a Family in Yemen!
Human Needs Development-HND, is a Yemeni nonprofit organization based in the capital of Yemen, Sanaa.
HND aims to prevent and alleviate the suffering of the most vulnerable people in Yemen in the face of absence of most human basic life’s needs such as foods, water, education and health.
For more information about HND please visit our FACEBOOK OR TWITTER !
We at HND launching "Save a Family in Yemen" campaign to collect funds to feed the hungry families and children in our Yemen, world's worst humanitarian crisis.
We help Yemeni people regardless their different religions, sects, colors and regions.
1- WHAT IS SAVE A FAMILY IN YEMEN?
“SAVE A FAMILY YEMEN” is HND's relief campaign that aims to help the most war affected families in Yemen with food baskets.
ONE food basket each family.
Every food basket costs “$30” and will be sufficient ONE month.
Every food basket contains the following:
25 kg of wheat, 5 kg of rice, 5 kg of sugar and 2 liters of cooking(vegetable) oil.
https://fundrazr.com/SaveAFamilyInYemen?ref=ab_58NLg8_ab_8tQcG4nY3oE8tQcG4nY3oE
(* B H)
[Sanaa gov.] Human Rights Ministry launches its report on human rights in Yemen
Ministry of Human Rights in Sanaa on Saturday launched its national report on the reality of human rights in Yemen during 1,700 days of the aggression led by the US-backed Saudi-led coalition.
The report confirmed the killing and injuring of 43,345 people, including women and children, in direct military operations carried out by the Saudi-American aggression aircraft during the period from March 26, 2015 until the end of November 2019.
The aggression countries deliberately used bacteriological weapons, including cluster bombs and chemical ammunition, and they prevented arrival of ships carrying food, drug and oil derivatives and gas, which caused the death of large number of patients suffering from chronic diseases, because hospitals and health centers in Yemen were unable to save their lives, according to the report.
The report indicated that the coalition aggression has caused more than 9,835 civilians to be disabled with various disabilities, including 800 children, while 80,000 children have been afflicted with multiple mental and neurological conditions as a result of five years of direct bombing on homes and places of civilians gathering.
The report revealed that 476,197 civilians were killed by indirect military operations.
"The coalition aggression has caused a rise in the maternal mortality rates at birth by 160 percent from what it was before the aggression," the report said, noting that 60 newborns die out of a thousand live births.
In return, 65 children under the age of five die out of a thousand children, while 2,900,000 children out of 5,366,767 children were malnourished, of whom 400,000 children under five died from severe malnutrition.
The report noted that a child dies every 10 minutes due to diseases associated with malnutrition and epidemics. The data indicate that 86 percent of children under five suffer from anemia and 46 percent of children under five suffer from stunting.
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3082383.htm
(* B H)
80,000 Yemeni children suffer from persistent trauma, psychological disorders: Ministry
Yemen’s Ministry of Human Rights has warned that the ongoing Saudi-led military onslaught against the impoverished and conflict-ridden Arab country has taken heavy toll on Yemeni children's mental wellbeing, saying tens of thousands of minors suffer from persistent trauma and psychological disorders there.
The ministry announced in a report published on Saturday that almost five years of continuous conflict in Yemen have left a devastating impact on the mental health of children, and that 80,000 kids suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other related issues.
The report added that 9,835 civilians, including 800 children, have been paralyzed as a result of direct targeting of their houses and places of residents by Saudi-led military aircraft.
The Yemeni ministry further highlighted that while 24 million and one hundred thousand people are in dire need of assistance, including food, healthcare, water, accommodation and education, more than 70 thousand civilians, who are suffering from conditions that cannot be treated inside Yemen, cannot receive required medication as the Saudi-led coalition does not allow the opening of a humanitarian air bridge from Sana'a International Airport.
The report stated that 8,000 family households in al-Durayhimi city of the western coastal province of Hudaydah urgently need food and medical supplies as they are under siege by the Saudi-led alliance.
The Yemeni ministry concluded by putting the poverty rate at around 85 percent, noting that 65 percent of the Yemeni labor force is unemployed as well.
Yemeni Minister of Public Health and Population Taha al-Mutawakel, citing a new report by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), stated on December 12 that 300 Yemeni children suffering from various diseases, including cancer, lose their lives every day.
(B H)
5 TONS OF FOOD AID DELIEVERED TO 1000 FAMILY IN YEMEN BY IBC
International Blue Crescent (IBC) continues it relief projects in Yemen.
In October and November, 5 tons of emergency food aid was delivered to 1000 families under the coordination of IBC Yemen. In 2019, IBC's emergency food aid in Yemen exceeded 30 tons.
https://www.ibc.org.tr/EN/1212/5-tons-of-food-aid-delievered-to-1000-family-in-yemen-by-ibc
(B H)
Film: FOOD JOURNEY Yemen
This is the story of UN WFP food aid reaching Yemen
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIpo3dCXhC8
(B H)
FAO launches third edition of Food Security Analysis Training Workshop in Yemen
A training workshop organized by FAO in collaboration with the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) National Technical Working Group (NTWG) aims to provide trainees with skills and information on food security phase classification, information analysis, tools, procedures, key standards, and how to analyze the food insecurity situation and severity in Yemen.
(* B H)
Film: Global Programme, Food and Nutrition Security, Enhanced Resilience - Yemen (GPFNS)
Cash for Work is one of the measures to create quick employment opportunities for the food insecure households and improving access to safe water for drinking and domestic use and access to market, public facilities and state services through building and rehabilitation of community assets in Yemen, implemented by GPFNS / 2016 - 2019 The Cash-for-Work measures are used to build and rehabilitate community assets, which makes a short-term contribution to social security in addition to the long-term results. It aims at strengthening the resilience of families and communities at risk of food and nutrition insecurity through providing cash assistance against work on building and rehabilitation of community assets, improving access to safe water for drinking and domestic use and improving access to market, public facilities and state services.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5OF_QGvxu4
(* B H)
Food, a deadly weapon of war for people of Yemen this Christmas
Oxfam Ireland's Colm Byrne reflects on the crisis in Yemen after visiting the country last summer
Warring parties have intentionally blocked food, fuel and essential aid from entering the country and restrictions have been placed on private importers of food and fuel, pushing prices even higher.
At the same time, the economy is collapsing, and people are losing their jobs, income and ability to provide for their families. Airstrikes and fighting across the country have wiped-out farms and factories, destroying both sources of food and people’s livelihoods.
This summer I visited our team in Yemen. For the first time in my career, security guards check underneath our car for bombs as we enter the office compound. This was a stark reminder of the risks our staff face every day. I was relieved to learn that airstrikes had reduced from almost every day to about three times per month; but still there was no complacency.
The main street was twice as wide as any street in Ireland (surprisingly, half the number of potholes). Many of the businesses which lined it are now closed. Oxfam estimates that as many as 35% of businesses have been forced to shut down because of the war and beyond the sale of scrap metal, the odd electronics shop, and the occasional cluster of food stalls selling the most basic of foods, it is hard to comprehend how anyone makes a living. Poverty does not discriminate in Yemen.
Nowhere, and I mean nowhere, was there a sense of affluence.
While understanding why, I am forever conflicted by the fact that by withholding the true horrors of war, we miss the opportunity to mobilise the power of humanity against it. At the same time, I fear that the more we do present reality, the more people become immune to it. Nonetheless, this is a reminder that our conversation is about the lives, and deaths, of real people.
I visited the Khudesh Camp, home to about 1,200 of the 3.3 million people displaced by this conflict. It didn’t fit the conventional idea of a camp. Shelters, made of loosely stacked palm leaves, were dotted across barren land - People are afraid to cluster their shelters for fear of becoming an easier target for deliberate airstrikes. While the sense of security people feel is paramount, this presents a challenge for humanitarian agencies like Oxfam. Rather than providing a small number of shared water and sanitation facilities, the need is for services at a household level.
(* B H K)
Audio: Kollateralschäden des Krieges in Jemen
Im Jemen-Krieg starben bereits tausende Menschen. Die Uno spricht von der schlimmsten humanitären Krise der Welt. Es gibt zwar Entwicklungen, die auf Deeskalation hindeuten. Die Menschen leiden jedoch weiter. Wie ist die Lage im Moment? Frage an Raffaele Rosso, Chirurg bei «Ärzte ohne Grenzen».
https://www.srf.ch/play/radio/echo-der-zeit/audio/kollateralschaeden-des-krieges-in-jemen
(* B H K)
Film: Stories Scattered by War
When we break down the larger story, known as “the war in Yemen” into smaller stories, we end up having the stories of individuals, individuals from flesh and blood who were stormed with events that changed their present and future forever. Then all the slogans raised by politicians are diminished especially those speeches about good and evil, right and wrong. This video features stories of some Yemenis that the war resulted into losing their loved ones, and losing their homes. It made them face poverty, displacement and the loss of dignity. The absent security that the video talks about includes physical security, psychological security, security of endangered moral values, and the security of a generation that is vulnerable to loss in a future that seems lost with the cycles of war.
https://almadaniyamag.com/2019/08/20/stories-scattered-by-war/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUYW4sP9wpo
(* B H K)
“The war destroyed our dreams”: Four mothers in Yemen speak out
Four mothers in Yemen who have received medical and nutrition assistance from the IRC talk about how the crisis has impacted their families:
Adeeyah
We witnessed death. We used to escape the shelling by hiding in the roots of the trees, airstrikes above us and Houthis’ rockets in front of us... My children used to get up at night screaming in fear... We were frequently unable to cook food due to the danger of having open gas cylinders during bombardment. I used to dream of having my own house... the war destroyed our dreams and [our] future. Now I only dream of peace and safety.
Airstrikes and shelling have killed civilians at schools, markets and hospitals—even at funerals. But the most likely location for a Yemeni to be injured or killed at the end of 2018 was in their own home.
Nadia
The plane shelled close to us. We fled because we were afraid for our children ... Our life was miserable even before the war … We depend on livestock. I just sold a sheep to buy flour and sugar. I do not cook anything but bread and tea … My baby was close to death a few days ago. He had fever and seizure. I was holding him and crying to my mother.
The United Nations estimates 500,000 more Yemenis will die if fighting lasts until 2022, including 300,000 from hunger and/or lack of health care. The IRC operates a mobile clinic that reaches vulnerable families displaced by conflict like Nadia's who cannot afford to access medical services (with photos)
https://www.rescue.org/article/war-destroyed-our-dreams-four-mothers-yemen-speak-out
(B H)
Film: Taizans implement community initiatives aimed at improving basic services
In the absence of the state, and humanitarian organizations and the worsening situation in Taiz province in southern Yemen due to the five-year-old siege imposed on it due to the war in the country, residents of the villages of Mashera and Hadnan in Taiz have begun to implement community initiatives in their villages, which lack most basic services such as water, health, and education.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laZhrgs7wj8
(* B H)
Film: Thousands of hospitals would’ve ran out of oxygen cylinders if AlMaher oxygen factory closed!! It was at risk due to #conflict in #Yemen! Can u imagine its 1 of 2 companies that produce oxygen! The factory is back to the field now, STRONG! How?
https://twitter.com/SMEPSYEMEN/status/1207381381459980290
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7tImlHAMRQ
cp4 Flüchtlinge / Refugees
(B H)
Film: Abs, Hajjah: As a result of the aggression targeting their homes and the almost complete absence of organizations, they learned about the suffering of the IDP camp in Hajjah
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzPekmtMA7k
(B H)
International Organization for Migration: IOM Djibouti’s First 'Fab Lab' Offers Young Migrants Tech and Support
Young people in Djibouti today marked International Migrants Day with the launch of an UN Migration-supported youth-led fabrication lab or “fab lab” which will provide training and access to computer-assisted equipment like 3D printers and laser cutters for returnee migrants, refugees and the local community.
My comment: Obviously there are other much more urgent needs.
(B H)
UN High Commissioner for Refugees, CCCM Cluster, Shelter Cluster: Yemen: Shelter Cluster Dashboard - November 2019
https://reliefweb.int/report/yemen/yemen-shelter-cluster-dashboard-november-2019
cp5 Nordjemen und Huthis / Northern Yemen and Houthis
(A P)
Houthis shoot dead young man for killing a dog in Saada
Earlier in the day, an argument had broken out between the young man and Houthi loyalists after he killed a dog in the market
https://al-masdaronline.net/local/202
(A P)
Houthis deny entry to three members of the UN committee
The Iran-allied Houthi rebels have denied entry to three members of the UN Committee in Yemen and ordered them head back to Jordan, where they came from.
Spokesperson of the Yemeni Joint Forces on the West Coast Colonel Waddah Al-Dabish said in a press statement that the militia prevented on Thursday three UN workers from entering the rebel-held capital Sana’a.
“Three members of the UN Committee who are tasked to monitor the implementation of Stockholm Agreement in the port city of Hodeidah were asked to depart Sana’a Airport three hours after their arrival,” Col. Al-Dabish said.
https://republicanyemen.net/archives/22362
(A P)
Repräsentantenhaus erörtert in Anwesenheit des Präsidenten und Mitglieder der Rettungsregierung eine Reihe von Fragen
https://www.saba.ye/de/news3082423.htm
(A P)
Parliament discusses several issues in presence of PM, Gov't members
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3082411.htm
(A P)
Houthis officials loot medical aids in Ibb
Local officials affiliated to the Houthis group in Ibb, central Yemen looted on Thursday medical aids in the city and sold them to a local private firm, local sources said.
The 220 Kg-stolen medical aids were provided by the United Nations World Health Organization (WHO).
https://www.alsahwa-yemen.net/en/p-36926
(* A P)
New income taxes have been imposed by the Houthi group on doctors for each operation they perform in private hospitals; 4% tax on each operation the doctor performs if he has a tax ID and 15% tax if the doctor doesn't have a tax ID.
https://twitter.com/BelqeesRights/status/1208417057563447298
(A P)
[Hadi gov.] Education Ministry condemns murder of teacher in Houthi-held Sana’a
Escorted by bodyguards, influential figure Naser Jubran al-Fakih stormed the High School and assaulted Faysal al-Raymi, a teacher in the school, for allegedly beating his son, a student in the school the day before. While the teacher confirmed reprimanding but denied beating the naughty student, al-Fakih and his bodyguards continued beating the teacher with planks and rifle butts until he died.
(A P)
Interior Ministry refutes enemy claims of abductions in Sana’a
Rumours of series of abductions of girls in capital are baseless, Ministry states
The Ministry of Interior in the National Salvation Government has on Thursday denied the validity of what is being reported by media outlets and websites on a reported series of abductions of girls in Sana’a.
“What is circulated by some suspicious media about the existence of what they called the phenomenon of abduction of girls in the capital Sana’a are baseless rumours,” the ministry said in a statement.
The ministry added that this is “one of rumors promoted by media loyal to the aggression coalition in order to distort the stable security situation in all free provinces run by the Supreme Political Council.”
“The total amount of cases of disappearance of girls recorded in the capital Sana’a during December was three, and all of the girls were found the same day of reporting,” the ministry explained.
The Interior Ministry concluded its statement by saying: “the Yemeni people know the source of these rumors and the purpose with which they are being published.”
https://www.uprising.today/interior-ministry-refutes-enemy-claims-of-abductions-in-sanaa/
(* A P)
Teachers' union: Houthis organized more than 4,000 recruitment events in Sana’a schools this year
Teachers who refused to participate in the propaganda events were threatened with dismissal, a union spokesman said
Houthi authorities have held thousands of mandatory propaganda events for teachers and students in Sana’a governorate aimed at mobilizing large groups of fighters, according to Yahya Al-Yana’e, media officer at the Yemeni Teachers’ Union.
In a statement to Almasdar Online, Al-Yana’e said the teachers’ union has monitored 4,168 such events in the last 10 months, and teachers who refused to participate in the events were threatened with dismissal from their positions.
The Houthis have held 362 of these recruitment events Sana'a schools in the last week alone, he said.
“(Houthis) continue seriously and systematically to employ the education sector to serve its military and intellectual agenda, targeting the education sector and its curricula and activities, which have for decades entrenched the values of equal citizenship and melted class and dynasty differences in the country,” Al-Yana’e wrote.
https://al-masdaronline.net/local/201
(* A P)
Currency wars: Houthis ban banknotes issued by government-controlled central bank in Aden
Houthis pledged to compensate those who hand in the newly-minted banknotes, but an official in Aden said it's a ploy to steal cash from citizens
The Houthi-controlled branch of Yemen's central bank in Sana'a has given merchants, money changers, banks and citizens 30 days to hand over newly-minted currency from the central bank's government-controlled branch in Aden.The Houthis have pledged to compensate those who, according to the group, have been “deceived” by the Adeni central bank.
The Houthi-run branch issued a statement on Wednesday claiming that the trading or possession of what it called "illegal currency” is “seriously damaging the national economy, the legal currency and the supreme national interest."
The currency handover measure is necessary "in the face of the systematic destructive policies of the (Aden) bank branch against the national currency,” the statement continued, arguing that the current measures are in the “public interest to curb the hyperinflation that will hit the national economy and will lead to widespread famine and suffering as each batch of this currency enters market trading.”
Houthi authorities said they have approved compensation for private citizens with electronic cash or in the existing national currency. The deadline for the handover of the “illegal currency” is one month from Dec. 19.
An official in the central bank's Aden branch told Almasdar Online that the Houthis are using this policy decision to legitimize the theft of large sums of cash from private entities, such as exchange shops, banks and trading firms. In 2018 alone, the Houthis confiscated upwards of 150 million riyals (about $300,000) from traders and exchange shops, and have yet to return them, the official said.
When the Aden branch began distributing new 500 riyal banknotes in 2017, and new 1,000 riyal banknotes in early 2018, the Houthis banned the money and launched campaigns to confiscate it from
https://al-masdaronline.net/national/199
referring to
(A P)
Central Bank gives citizens 30-day deadline to replace illegal currency
The Central Bank of Yemen in Sanaa on Wednesday gave a 30-day deadline starting from December 19, 2019 to the citizens who posses illegal currency to change it with the national currency.
This came in a statement issued by the Central Bank, in which it considered trading or possession of the illegal currency a gross damage to the national economy, the legal currency, and the supreme national interest.
The Central Bank decided to compensate citizens other than merchants, banks and money changers with electronic cash or the legal national currency for the illegal currency in their possession according to the approved ceiling via the electronic cash wallets agents specified by the bank.
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3082171.htm
and
(A P)
[Hadi gov.] Info. Minister warns of biggest Houthi looting of Yemeni citizens’ savings in history
Minister of Information Muammar al-Eryani warned on Saturday of the Houthi Houthi militia’s confiscation of Yemeni citizens’ savings “in the biggest organized looting” of its kind in history.
In a statement to Yemeni News Agency, Saba, al-Eryani said the Sana’a-based militia is now forcing the citizens in their areas of control to turn in the newly printed Riyal banknotes in their possession under the pretext of that money’s illegality in return for the empty promise of recompensing them with electronic money instead.
“The militia’s distribution of Compensation for Illegal Banknotes forms is meant to get the citizens to turn in all their savings in return for e-money has no legal or financial credibility,” he said.
(A P)
#Houthis went to clothes stores in #Sanaa, collecting women's abaya waist belts and then burning them on the ground that abayas with these belts attract and corrupt the young people!! (photos)
https://twitter.com/Alsakaniali/status/1207404598610276356
and
(A P)
Film: Houthis didn’t only abduct, threaten, harass & accuse women of prostitution, promiscuity & immortality using derogatory terms but also are now raiding women’s abaya stores & burning colorful abayas
https://twitter.com/Afrahnasser/status/1207384226590609410
(A E P)
Yemen Petroleum Company confirms Sana’a has sufficient fuel
Company refutes claims of growing shortage in Yemeni heartland
In a statement, the company denied the validity of rumors of supply bottlenecks, saying that it is promoted by black market brokers and coalition arms.
“We assure the citizens of the stability of the supply situation, the continued operation of 126 petrol stations in the capital’s secretariat and the expansion of the number of stations in the provinces,” the statement read.
https://www.uprising.today/yemen-petroleum-company-confirms-sanaa-has-sufficient-fuel/
(* A P)
Sayyid Abdul-Malik al-Houthi: Our faith is our greatest bulwark
The Leader of the Revolution, Sayyid Abdul-Malik Badreddin al-Houthi has reminded the world that the Prophet Muhammad himself loved Yemen, and referred to its people with the words: “The Yemeni people are a people of faith.”
The move came in a speech by the Sayyid during a meeting with scholars, social figures and state officials, entitled “Faith of Yemen”, on Wednesday.
The Leader pointed out that Allah promised to those who are characterized as believers victory and success, when He said that “God defends those who believe.”
The Sayyid stressed that the sincerity of faith is seen in a practical commitment.
“We must be aware that nothing will preserve our existence like the sincerity of belonging. We are now facing a cultural and intellectual war, and the enemy is trying to influence us with things beyond our identity.”
Sayyid Abdul-Malik al-Houthi explained that the “cultural vacuum” will allow the enemy to succeed in the cultural invasion because the individual will be immune to confront it. Once the cultural immunity of the young person is broken, he will be automatically affected.
https://www.uprising.today/sayyid-abdul-malik-al-houthi-our-faith-is-our-greatest-bulwark/
(* A P)
Mohammed al-Houthi proposes confiscation and sale of houses belonging to Yemenis working for invaders
Sale of traitors' residences to be used for funding salaries of Yemeni state employees
Mohammed Ali al-Houthi, a member of the Supreme Political Council, has suggested a proposal to the Yemeni Parliament regarding the payment of salaries to state employees, which has been interrupted by the continued blockade and the economic war waged by the Saudi-led aggression against the Yemeni people.
Al-Houthi said in a tweet on Tuesday: “Those who have looted and stolen the country’s wealth, and went to the enemy side to be mercenaries, are part of the problem of salaries. They have legislated the Saudi-led aggression crimes against Yemen.”
He added: “I propose to the House of Representatives to make a law that allows the sale of their homes in order to pay salaries to employees, starting with Hadi and his deputy and down to the last mercenary official.
and also https://al-masdaronline.net/national/197
(A K P)
Supreme Political Council Warns against US-Saudi Forces Continued Mobilization
https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=10313
(A P)
Parliament approves its budget for 2020
The Parliament, in its meeting on Wednesday headed by Speaker Yahya Ali al-Ra'i, approved its budget for 2020.
In its meeting, the Parliament also listened to the response of Minister of Oil and Minerals Ahmed Daress, to the question addressed to him by the parliament member Abdulrahman al-Jumai about the causes of recurrent oil crises and the measures taken by the petroleum company
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3082168.htm
(A P)
Mother of abducted journalist dies after five-year wait for son
Houthi militants abducted Hassan Annab, along with nine other journalists, in Sanaa in 2015
https://al-masdaronline.net/humanrights/181
(B P)
Film: When political affiliation is punished with death in prisons.. Watch this video
https://twitter.com/BelqeesRights/status/1208405010616389632
cp6 Südjemen und Hadi-Regierung / Southern Yemen and Hadi-government
Siehe cp1 / Look at cp1
(A K P)
Abyan .. Violent clashes erupted in Shokra between the Brotherhood’s militias
Local sources said in the coastal city of Shakra in Abyan that a group of Al-Islah Brotherhood militia, related to the so-called legitimate government , withdrew from the city of Shokra and headed to Ataq the capital of Shabwa governorate after violent clashes inside Sakam camp in Shokra with other elements of the same militia who have come from Marib governorate.
The sources added that violent clashes took place between members of the Muslim Brotherhood’s militia coming from Marib and Shabwa, following a dispute with the commander of the Sakam camp called “Bin Ma’ili, one of the sons of Shabwa, who launched an attack on the districts of Ahour and Al-Mehfid.
https://en.smanews.org/abyan-violent-clashes-erupted-in-shokra-between-the-brotherhoods-militias
(A P)
Flags of the South state are present strongly in the Yearbook of Imam Al-Habashi “Matlae al-Motalie” ( The Beginning of Knowledgeable) in # Seiyun # Hadramout
(A P)
Southern rebels abduct government security official in Aden
Southern gunmen affiliated to the Southern Transitional Council (STC) abducted on Thursday’s afternoon a government’s official of the interior ministry before headquarters of the Central Bank of Yemen (CBY) in Aden.
https://www.alsahwa-yemen.net/en/p-36925
(* A K P)
Violent Confrontations Between "Southern Transitional" Militia and “Hadi” Forces in Socotra
The confrontations has been renewed between the militias of the so-called Southern Transitional that follows the Emirates and the forces of Hadi pro-government on the island of Socotra in southern Yemen.
Local residents said that the city of "Hadibo", the capital of Socotra witnessed violent clashes late on Thursday evening, after the UAE-backed Director General of the traffic police, Ahmed Al Qaddoumi, refused to hand over the traffic camp to the new director.
Citizens reported that Al-Qaddoumi, who is considered one of the most prominent mercenaries of the Emirates in Socotra, took advantage of his position as a security official and to carry out suspicious actions that serve their interests.
https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=10361
(A P)
Info Minister: Iran’s participation in Kuala Lumpur meeting a disregard for spilled blood in Yemen
(A K)
Security Forces Discover A Secret Cell for Manufacturing Explosive Devices
http://en.adenpress.news/news/15083
(* A K P)
Separatist blocking much-needed transports from reaching Aden
STC bloakces Aden from necessary supplies in order to pressure Hadi forces into submission
The UAE-baked Southern Transitional Council (STC)’s Security Belt militias have continued on Thursday, for the sixth consecutive day, to prevent the movement of trucks from and to Aden province, southern Yemen.
“Dozens of trucks and cars are still parked at the moment, in a line extending from al-Alam checkpoint located at the entrance of Aden province to Zinjbar city, the capital of Abyan province,” sources told Yemen Press Agency.
This move by the Council’s militias came with the aim of pressuring Hadi’s forces into releasing prisoners affiliated with the STC, whom have been held in Shabwah since last August, the sources explained.
The sources added that truckloads of vegetables and goods have rotted as a result of being held for a week and prevented from passing, causing major financial losses to their owners.
The Security Belt militias only allow the entry of trucks and cars that pay large sums as royalties, according to the sources.
https://www.uprising.today/separatist-blocking-much-needed-transports-from-reaching-aden/
(* A K P)
Large Emirati reinforcements arrive in Shabwah and Abyan
UAE still holding on to strategic locations in southern Yemen, refusing to make way for Hadi troops
Over the past two days, the UAE has pushed significant reinforcements into its areas of control, in the occupied provinces of Shabwah and Abyan southern Yemen, Aden News Agency sources reported.
According to military sources, Emirati troops have arrived in the Balhaf area of Shabwah province to reinforce their forces, which have been there for years. This is done despite Emirati claims of withdrawing completely from Yemen.
The new reinforcements, which the UAE pushed to Balhaf, include modern weapons and military mechanisms, located at a UAE military base in the region.
The military base has been established inside the Balhaf gas facility, with the forces there still refusing to leave and hand it over to Hadi loyalists.
The same sources confirmed that the reinforcements also went to al-Alam camp, located east of the city of Ataq, the capital of Shabwah province.
This camp is one of the largest camps belonging to the UAE forces, where the UAE have installed the launcher pad of drones and thermal missiles.
The sources warned of the UAE moves, pointing out that the UAE is arranging an imminent battle against Hadi’s forces.
In the past few days, UAE forces have smuggled terrorist elements into Camp Al-Alam, as well as distributing weapons and ammunition to them in preparation of attacking Hadhramaut and Shabwah provinces, according the sources.
https://www.uprising.today/large-emirati-reinforcements-arrive-in-shabwah-and-abyan/
and also https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=10350
(A P)
The commander of the Arab Coalition in # Aden confirms the implementation of Riyadh Agreement Terms with determination and firmness
My comment: Reality seems to be far away of this.
(A P)
Shatara praises STC's openness to opinion-makers
Member of the Presidency of the Southern Transitional Council (STC), Lutfi Shatara highly commended the opening of the Council to Arab and foreign influential thinkers.
Shatara expressed in a post on Facebook, his pleasure to see a meeting bringing together the Saudi-born British thinker and former editor-in-chief of Alsharq Alawsat, Othman Al Omeir and the vice president of the STC, sheikh Hani bin Brik in London.
http://en.adenpress.news/news/15076
My comment: STC and “Openness”?? This is mixing ox and opera.
(A P)
Al-Zubaidi renews STC's keenness to fully implement Riyadh Agreement
http://en.adenpress.news/news/15077
(A P)
A mass demonstration in Shabwa demanding the return of the Shabwani elite.
The demonstrators [Separatists’ supporters] raised pictures of the President of the Transitional Council, Aidaroos Al-Zubaidi, and the flags of the South demanding the necessity of the return of the elite forces [separatist militia] to secure the province from the tamper of the Islah terrorist militias
https://en.smanews.org/a-mass-demonstration-in-shabwa-demanding-the-return-of-the-shabwani-elite
(A P)
Yemen [= Hadi gov.] calls on UN to pressure Houthi rebels to spare economy the conflict
Yemen has called upon the UN particularly the UN peace mediator to Yemen Martin Griffiths to pressure Houthi rebels into sparing the national economy the ongoing conflict the armed militia is fighting with the government.
In a statement to Saba, Information Minister Muammar al-Eryani warned of “the Iran-backed militia’s recent decision to ban and criminalize the circulation of the (newly printed) banknotes in the militias area of control.”
My comment: “to spare economy the conflict”: what a joke when considering Saudi coalition air raids.
(A T)
Imam assassinated in Hadhramaut
Violence holds eastern city in its grasp
Local sources in the city said that two gunmen in a Hilux car opened fire on a mosque in the city of al-Qatten, killing the imam before fleeing the scene.
https://www.uprising.today/imam-assassinated-in-hadhramaut/
(A P)
Murder and suicide rampant in Aden
According to a report issued by the Health Office in the city, four separatist militiamen assaulted Finance Director Abdullah Saeed Aqlan in the roundabout of Bir Fadel in Dar Saad district, and looted his personal bag and license plate.
Meanwhile, violent clashes erupted on Wednesday evening between gunmen belong to the UAE-Backed Southern Transitional Council militias and local forces in Aden, sources said. The clashes erupted behind governmental Aden hospital in Kreeter area, the sources added.
At least two gunmen were injured in the clashes and they were taken to a hospital in the city for treatment.
https://www.uprising.today/murder-and-suicide-rampant-in-aden/
(A P)
Lamlas: The belief in a possibility to create a reality contrary to what is in Riyadh agreement is an out of reach illusion and I call on the wise in the government to determine their position of the rebels
The Secretary-General of the Presidency of the Transitional Council, Mr. Ahmed Hamed Lamlas, called on the wise in the government to determine their position of the rebels of the Riyadh agreement if they are keen on making the agreement a success, and if they are serious about moving the situation in the country to a new stage that extracts it from its wounds, pain, and tragedies ..
Lamlas said in a post on “Twitter” that just thinking and believing that there is a possibility to turn the table upside down and create a reality different of what has been stated in the Riyadh agreement is a dream and an out of reach illusion..
(A K P)
To extend its control over the wealth of the south, the Muslim Brotherhood’s militias looted a commercial company in Shabwa.
(* A K P)
Saudi Arabia suspends payment of Southern Transitional Council mercenaries
STC losing out on significant amounts of money as Riyadh stops its funding
A source in the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council confirmed that Saudi-led coalition suspended payment of the salaries of its forces in Aden on Wednesday.
Our source said that the Saudi committee stopped the works of the Department of Finance and Personnel in the UAE-backed security Belt in Aden and ordered to suspend the payment of its salaries.
He pointed out that the Saudi-led coalition stipulated the delivery of weapons in exchange for salaries.
The move comes in a series of escalation from the coalition against the STC.
Over the past few days, a number of security belt commanders were exiled and prevented from coming back to the southern port city of Aden.
The suspension of salaries payment is not limited to the STC’s Forces, but also includes Hadi forces that carried out demonstrations in Shabwah on Tuesday, after excluding the Hadi-held areas from the salaries of the Ministry of Interior.
The Saudi-led coalition demands the STC to hand over its weapons and Hadi’s forces to withdraw from Abyan and Shabwah in compliance with the Riyadh agreement signed by the two parties last November.
(A P)
Human rights minister criticized for honoring Aden security chief
Rights activists blame Major General Shallal Shaye'a for much of the bloodshed in Aden since the war broke out in 2015
prompting outrage and anger by human rights activists, including the head of the Mothers of Abductees Association, and government officials who blame the military leader for much of the bloodshed in Aden since the war broke out in 2015.
al-masdaronline.net/humanrights/172
cp7 UNO und Friedensgespräche / UN and peace talks
(* A P)
Warring Yemen parties carry out prisoner swap in front-line Taiz
Warring parties in Yemen’s Taiz governorate have exchanged dozens of prisoners in a locally-mediated swap, the Iran-aligned Houthi movement and government sources said on Thursday.
The local deal coincided with renewed diplomatic efforts by the United Nations this week and as Saudi Arabia carries out informal talks with the Houthis about a possible ceasefire.
Seventy-five detainees affiliated with the internationally-recognized government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi were released, local government sources said. In exchange, 60 people affiliated with the Houthi group were also released, according to Houthi-run al-Masirah TV and the local sources.
and also https://www.uprising.today/60-yemeni-prisoners-released-by-local-prisoner-exchange-deal/
http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2019-12/19/c_138643869.htm
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3082342.htm
https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=10354
Photos: https://twitter.com/Ndawsari/status/1207712961231544320
https://twitter.com/HanaalShowafi/status/1208035518174375936
Films: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8fNwAyFRng
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3eIiQFhFqKQ
https://twitter.com/Ndawsari/status/1207749119365861376
Comment: 75 abductees mostly civilians snatched from homes, checkpoints or roads by Houthis were swapped for 60 Houthi POW in Taiz. It is a fact that in prisoner swaps Houthis trade civilians they abduct for their fighters captured in the battlefield.
https://twitter.com/Ndawsari/status/1207613747629608960
and
(* A P)
Houthis, Yemeni Government Free 135 in Prisoner Swap
The Yemeni government and Houthis exchanged 135 prisoners through a tribal mediation in the country's southwestern province of Taiz on Thursday, officials from both sides said.
Mediator Abdallah Shadad told Asharq Al-Awsat that the deal was achieved solely through local efforts and resulted in the release of 75 hostages in exchange for 60 Houthi rebels.
Shadad revealed that released hostages were aged between 17 and 50 and some of whom had spent five years in Houthi jails. He added that another 300 Taiz civilians remain detained in Houthi prisons. There are 80 more Houthi war captives who remain in the Yemeni pro-government forces’ hold.
According to Shadad, a new deal will be brokered soon involving those who remain captive. The swap took place in al-Akrouth area of the al-Misrakh district in the southeast of Taiz.
Shadad explained that the detainees who were exchanged were in a fairly good health condition, except for three detainees from the government side whose health condition was deteriorating due to the injuries that were neglected and untreated.
https://aawsat.com/english/home/article/2044681/houthis-yemeni-government-free-135-prisoner-swap
and
(* A P)
Releasing 60 Prisoners Affiliated to Yemeni Army in Exchange Deal
The head of the National Committee for Prisoners Affairs Abdulqader Al-Murtadha announced , Thursday, the liberation of 60 prisoners affiliated to the Army and Popular Committees after great efforts that lasted for months.
"After great efforts that lasted for months, an exchange deal was completed today in Taiz through local mediation," Al-Murtadha said in a tweet.
Al-Murtada thanked everyone who contributed to the success of this deal.
Local sources said that in exchange to the 60 released people, 75 detainees affiliated with Hadi's former administration were also released.
Al-Mortada, has recently blamed Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates for obstructing prisoner swaps under an agreement reached during UN-sponsored peace negotiations in Sweden last year, arguing that Riyadh is insisting on the release of Saudi troopers only.
He further highlighted that the fate of an estimated 15,000 people from both Saudi-mercenaries and the Army and Popular Committees remains unclear, stating that they are believed to either have gone missing in action or been kept as prisoners (photo)
https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=10338
(A P)
Tribal mediators secure release of Houthi, government prisoners in Shabwa
Four government troops were exchanged for 10 Houthi fighters in Bayhan Tuesday
https://al-masdaronline.net/national/195
(A P)
Lowcock Praises KSrelief's Assistance to Yemen and Syria
Advisor to the Royal Court and Supervisor General of King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Rabeeah received in Riyadh on Wednesday, the UN Undersecretary General for Humanitarian Affairs, and Head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Mark Lowcock.
Lowcock praised what the Kingdom, represented by KSrelief, provides to affected countries and peoples around the world, looking forward to continuing this distinguished partnership and coordination between the two sides to serve humanitarian works in many countries, especially in Yemen and Syria.
http://en.adenpress.news/news/15074
My comment: The UN as the killer’s toady for his blood money.
(B P)
Peace in Yemen does not need an agreement imposed by Saudi Arabia or proposed by the UAE after the Arab coalition turned into a sabotage faction that does not hesitate to weaken the government and support the militias at the expense of the government it allegedly intervened to regain. Peace here needs a purely Yemeni reconciliation project.
https://twitter.com/FuadRajeh/status/1207406205150400522
(B P)
The world is preoccupied with the illusion of a political solution at a time when the humanitarian crisis is worsening silently.
https://twitter.com/FuadRajeh/status/1207358689176432640
cp8 Saudi-Arabien / Saudi Arabia
Siehe / Look at cp1
(A P)
Saudi EDM festival MDL Beast welcomes thousands in its opening night - in pictures
The event features a dream line up of dance acts including Martin Garrix, David Guetta and Steve Aioki
The region’s biggest dance music festival is under way in Saudi Arabia.
Running until Saturday, December 21 in Riyadh, MDL Beast Fest’s opening night saw more than 60,000 people partying to the sounds of some of the world’s leading DJs.
Headlining the first day was a string of electronic dance music stars (EDM) such as Dutchmen Martin Garrix and Tiesto, as well as South Africa’s Black Coffee. They were supported by Cosmicat, who organisers described as the first female DJ from Saudi Arabia.
Spanning five stages in the heart of the Kingdom’s capital, over two dozen DJs is set to take the decks over the next two days.
and also https://mdlbeast.com/
I’m almost going to puke from all the PR stunts #Saudi is pulling with its #MiddleBeast event. They hired social media influencers to showcase a fake sense of openness & tolerance. When in fact we still have families that have been torn apart from their loved ones like Loujain’s.
https://twitter.com/amani_aal/status/1208500795559120896
Don’t believe what you’re seeing in social media influencers feed partying at #Middlebeast. A majority of women reported being sexually assaulted last night. Some were cornered by groups of men who grabbed & undressed them
https://twitter.com/amani_aal/status/1208561296586629121
(* A P)
Twitter removes 5,929 Saudi accounts it deems state backed
Twitter says it has removed nearly 6,000 accounts it deemed tied to a state-backed information operation in Saudi Arabia.
In a blog post Friday, Twitter said the removed Saudi accounts were amplifying messages favorable to Saudi authorities, mainly through “aggressive liking, retweeting and replying.” While the majority of the content was in Arabic, Twitter said the tweets also amplified discussions about sanctions in Iran and appearances by Saudi government officials in Western media.
The 5,929 accounts removed are part of a larger group of 88,000 accounts engaged in “spammy behavior” across a wide range of topics. But Twitter isn’t disclosing all of them because some might be compromised accounts.
https://apnews.com/7c9fd798212cac63925d205142e811ea
referring to
(* A P)
New disclosures to our archive of state-backed information operations
State-backed information operations originating in Saudi Arabia
Today, we are sharing comprehensive data about 5,929 accounts which we have removed for violating our platform manipulation policies. Rigorous investigations by our Site Integrity team have allowed us to attribute these accounts to a significant state-backed information operation on Twitter originating in Saudi Arabia.
These accounts represent the core portion of a larger network of more than 88,000 accounts engaged in spammy behaviour across a wide range of topics. We have permanently suspended all of these accounts from the service. In order to protect the privacy of potentially compromised accounts repurposed to engage in platform manipulation, and in response to researcher feedback requesting that we pre-filter unrelated spam, we have not disclosed data for all 88,000 accounts. In the interest of offering meaningful transparency, the dataset we are disclosing includes a representative, random sample of the fake and spammy accounts associated with this broader network.
We have also shared information about this activity with our peer companies to enable investigations of related activity on their services, and the relevant law enforcement entities.
Here are some additional distinct features of the accounts we’re disclosing today:
(* B P)
AP Interview: Saudi prince says sports is a tool for change
A world class tennis exhibition, an international golf tournament, a Formula series car race and the world heavyweight boxing championship share a peculiar commonality: They’ve all played out in Saudi Arabia this year.
By hosting major sporting events, Saudi Arabia aims to draw attention to the sweeping social changes underway in the country and encourage Saudis to turn their attention to sports. Yet some big-name athletes have stayed away amid criticism the events are also an effort in “sportswashing” by diverting attention from the kingdom’s human rights record.
“We will face criticism whether we do something or we don’t,” Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Faisal, the 36-year-old royal who heads the kingdom’s General Sports Authority, said.
The prince leads the GSA’s spending spree to revolutionize sports in Saudi Arabia.
“Saudi Arabia is going through a transformation,” Prince Abdulaziz said.
“We were always criticized that we are not opening up to the world, we’re not doing anything in the kingdom, we’re not opening up to tourism.” he said. “Now that we’re doing it, they’re calling it ‘sportswash’.”
The prince spoke with The Associated Press at a tennis exhibition in Saudi Arabia
“For us, we have a plan and we have a strategy that we’re going to move forward with,” he said.
https://apnews.com/2f18d80deff1cfe1f403a61275a1bff7
My comment: Well, opening for sport is not enough. Otherwise, sport would be little more than a tool for securing autocratic rule.
(B P T)
Saudi concert stabbing suspect took orders from al Qaeda in Yemen: state TV
A man arrested for stabbing three performers at a live show in Saudi Arabia’s capital Riyadh last month was operating under orders from al Qaeda in Yemen, state television said on Thursday without citing evidence.
The trial of the suspected assailant, previously identified only as a 33-year-old Yemeni resident, had begun, the broadcaster added.
The Nov. 11 attack occurred at King Abdullah Park, one of several venues hosting a months-long entertainment festival as part of government efforts to open up Saudi society and diversify its economy away from oil.
(* B E P)
Saudi Aramco stock bonanza is boosting the crown prince – for now, at least
Saudi Aramco's value surged to $2 trillion two days after it went public on December 10, making it the world's most valuable company.
The record valuation, which defied sceptics' predictions that the stock price would wallow, cheered Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MbS), who had championed the public offering.
The crown prince's decision to extend the OPEC+ arrangement with Russia has led to higher global oil prices, shoring up Saudi Arabia's finances and international geopolitical stature.
MbS has had mixed success as Saudi Arabia's leader, so the stock surge was a badly needed victory.
Although MbS has unbridled power at the moment, history has shown that even the most ruthless rulers can be ousted if they go too far.
So what is the crown prince's current scorecard? And what does his continuing rule portend?
Foreign policy
MbS's foreign-policy initiatives have included Saudi Arabia taking steps to become the Middle East's de facto leader. The Saudis' effort to flex their muscles in the region played well with the United Arab Emirates, with which it became closer. But it turned off gas-rich Qatar, leading to a 30-month rift between the two.
Energy and economic-diversification policy
MbS grabbed power in the three years or so, when the US shale revolution was creating a price-depressing global oil glut.
Since most of Saudi Arabia's revenue is from oil and gas, its economy wobbled.
In response, the crown prince offered his Vision 2030 programme – a road map to making the economy more resilient and diversified.
The Saudis needed an oil-revenue rebound to finance diversification – and MbS's backing for OPEC+ has helped achieve that.
Why OPEC remains the Saudis' trump card
Although the money from the Saudi Aramco public offering is crucial to MbS's Vision 2030, the kingdom's ability to continue being the kingpin in setting oil prices is more important to Saudi Arabia's geopolitical ambitions.
cp9 USA
(* A P)
US adds Yemen's Houthis to list of groups violating religious freedoms
The Houthi movement has long been criticised for its treatment of Yemen's Bahai religious minority
The United States has designated Yemen's Houthi movement as an "Entity of Particular Concern" for violations against religious freedom, the State Department said in a press release.
The Houthi movement, along with ten other groups, such as the Nusra Front, the Islamic State (IS) group and Boko Haram, were added to the list on Friday by the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), the State Department said.
The commission, established by Congress in 1998, is charged with monitoring, analysing and reporting threats to religious freedom abroad. Being listed under this designation opens the door to US sanctions.
While the State Department on Friday did not explain why the Houthi movement was added to the list, the US, along with international rights groups, have voiced concerns in the past over the movement's treatment of the Bahai minority living in the region.
In October, the USCIRF said it was alarmed over reports that a Houthi court in Yemen might deport and confiscate the assets of its Bahai citizens.
At the time, USCIRF Commissioner Andy Khawaja called on Congress and the Trump administration to "sound the alarm over the ruthless targeting" of Yemen's Bahais.
The USCIR also linked the Houthis' treatment of Bahais to Iranian influences.
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/us-adds-houthi-movement-list-groups-violating-religious-freedoms
(* B P)
My remark: The USCIRF list: https://www.uscirf.gov/all-countries/countries-of-particular-concern-tier-1
The A to Z of Things Trump Could and Should Have Been Impeached For
YEMEN
In Syria, Trump dropped bombs without congressional approval. In Yemen, the scene of the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, Trump has helped Saudi Arabia to continue to drop bombs despite explicit opposition from both chambers of Congress. As an analyst in The Guardian argued, Trump’s decision to veto a bipartisan bill calling for an end to U.S. military involvement in the Saudi air war amounted to “flagrant defiance of the 1973 War Powers Act that checks a president’s ability to engage in armed conflict without express consent of Congress.”
https://theintercept.com/2019/12/19/a-z-trump-impeachment/
(* A P)
Trump’s most consistent foreign policy: Defending Saudi Arabia
President Trump enters the last year of his term with an erratic record on foreign policy. He launched trade wars on allies and went soft on strongmen. He talked tough about the primacy of American might but stood aside as other powers reshaped the strategic landscape. He has done some wheeling and tried some dealing. In short, it’s been a bit of a muddle.
The events of recent weeks, though, remind us of one of the most consistent planks of his foreign policy: a firm and enduring embrace of Saudi Arabia.
The bulk of legislation vetoed by Trump during his presidency has involved congressional attempts to censure Saudi Arabia.
And when Trump is not axing legislation he deems hostile to Saudi concerns, he’s speaking on the kingdom’s behalf. That was on show this month after a gunman who was a Saudi national killed three people at a naval base in Florida. Trump — who is so quick to cast aspersions on Muslim assailants and the dangers of the lands where they or their parents came from — conspicuously leaped to Riyadh’s defense.
Trump, of course, places a high priority on the U.S.-Saudi relationship. He sees the kingdom as an eager customer for American arms and a useful proxy in Washington’s confrontation with Iran. He made Riyadh the first official foreign destination of his presidency, where he helped unveil a “counterterrorism” center run by the Saudis. His son-in-law, Jared Kushner, has built up a thicket of personal and political contacts with prominent Saudi royals and, in particular, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
“Trump decided some time ago that he would be in their corner,” Jon Alterman, director of the Middle East Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told my colleagues this month. “And I don’t think that there’s any circumstance under which he would feel the need to rethink that.”
That includes bipartisan outrage over the crown prince’s apparent role in the murder of Saudi dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Contradicting the assessments of his own intelligence community and the views of otherwise loyal Republican lawmakers, Trump has expressed doubt about Mohammed’s culpability in the abduction and murder of Khashoggi
For all the protection Trump has offered Riyadh, he has secured only modest tangible benefit – by Ishaan Tharoor
(B P)
CAP Publicly Distanced Itself From the UAE. 8 Months Later, It Was Still Meeting with UAE Lobbyists.
A foreign policy expert at the influential think tank remained close to UAE lobbyists.
This January, the Center for American Progress (CAP) declared it would no longer accept funding from the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The pledge came amid public outcry over Saudi Arabia’s murder and dismemberment of Jamal Khashoggi
But CAP appears not to have taken all steps to rid itself of UAE influence. According to Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) records, which disclose lobbyists’ financial relationships with foreign governments, a high-level CAP staffer continued meeting with a UAE lobbyist for at least eight months after CAP pledged to stop taking UAE donations.
(* B P)
Film: The United States Congress just passed a $738 billion giveaway for arms manufacturers, Pentagon lobbyists, and unconstitutional wars. @RepRoKhanna is right—this is not what resistance to Donald Trump looks like.
https://twitter.com/SenSanders/status/1207033675344498689
(* A B P)
UAE hires its second former Samantha Power aide to defend itself at UN
The United Arab Emirates’ mission to the United Nations has brought on its second former Samantha Power aide as the country faces pressure over alleged human rights abuses in Libya and Yemen.
Max Gleischman, a former director of communications for President Barack Obama’s UN ambassador, is listed as the account lead on a newly disclosed $400,000 contract with the Glover Park Group. The contract was signed Nov. 19 and runs for four months.
The communications and strategic counsel work “may include specific assignments with regard to representatives of media organizations and/or other activities of interest to the foreign principal, including global security, development assistance and other related issues,” according to a Justice Department filing. The firm will also provide “website development services” for the mission.
The UAE previously retained the services of another ex-Power aide, communications director Hagar Chemali, from September 2016 until September 2018, as the country faced increasing criticism over its role in fighting the Iran-backed Houthi rebels. Leaked emails published by The Intercept between Chemali and UAE Ambassador Youssef al-Otaiba show that Chemali sought to discredit “without UAE fingerprints” a critical nongovernmental organization — the Arabian Rights Watch Association — as a Houthi front.
Power, a vocal human-rights defender, has been a strong critic of US involvement in the Saudi-led intervention against the Houthis under President Donald Trump but was largely silent when the policy began under Obama.
The hire comes as the UAE faces pressure on multiple fronts at the UN – by Aaron Schaffer
(* A P)
Human Rights Watch: US: Extend Temporary Protected Status for Yemen
Protect Yemenis from Return to War, Humanitarian Crisis
The United States government should ensure that the approximately 1,250 Yemenis currently living in the US are not deported to their war-torn country, Human Rights Watch said today. The government should extend and redesignate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Yemen, which expires on March 3, 2020.
The US has contributed to the dire situation in Yemen by continuing to supply weapons to the Saudi Arabia-led coalition responsible for numerous violations of the laws of war in Yemen.
“Given the US role in the Yemen conflict, it would be particularly cruel not to extend TPS for Yemenis in the US,” said Andrea Prasow, acting Washington director at Human Rights Watch. “Washington needs to make clear that it won’t send people back to a country wracked by war and famine.”
https://www.hrw.org/news/2019/12/20/us-extend-temporary-protected-status-yemen
(* A P)
Democrats urge Trump administration to extend protections for Yemenis
House Democrats are urging the Donald Trump administration to extend protections for Yemenis living in the United States set to expire early next year that could force thousands of exiles back to the war-torn country.
Approximately 1,200 Yemenis are living in the United States under temporary immigration status afforded to foreign nationals from 10 war-torn countries around the world, including Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen. The Trump administration has until early January to decide whether or not to extend the authorization.
Democrats insist that extending the protection is vital to the safety of this group as the United States has sought to help broker a deal to end the five-year war
https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2019/12/democrats-urge-trump-extend-protection-yemen.html
cp9a USA-Iran Krise: Wachsende Spannungen am Golf / US-Iran crisis: Mounting tensions at the Gulf
(A P)
Kuala Lumpur Islamic Summit ends with powerful statement
Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad calls for self-reliance of the Islamic world in the face of sanctions
Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said at the closing ceremony of the Summit of Islamic States (Kuala Lumpur) that sanctions against Iran and Qatar” could also be applied against us.”
He added that Qatar “has been subjected to a blockade like Iran, but succeeded in getting up and overcoming it. However, such a blockade may not be limited to Iran and Qatar, in a world where countries impose punitive unilateral measures and resolutions.”
“Malaysia and other countries should remember that such measures may also be imposed on us. This calls for self-reliance.”
https://www.uprising.today/kuala-lumpur-islamic-summit-ends-with-powerful-statement/
(A P)
Iran welcomes Japan plan not to join US-led naval coalition in Persian Gulf: Rouhani
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani says the Islamic Republic welcomes Japan's decision not to join a US-led naval mission purportedly aimed at protecting shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf.
Speaking to reporters in Tehran on Saturday upon his arrival from a five-day trip to Malaysia and Japan, Rouhani added that security of energy and shipping is an important issue for all big Asian and European countries whose energy requirements are tied to this region.
https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2019/12/21/614245/Rouhani-Japan-US-naval-coalition-Persian-Gulf-HOPE
(A P)
Iran: ’Fiendish’ Pompeo Doesn’t Fit Mold of a Foreign Minister
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi says US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo does not fit for his office because he lacks the typical features of a foreign minister.
"Pompeo, who came to the US Department of State from a hellish, deceitful, putschist and torturer organization and brought his fiendish ideas to the field of diplomacy which is a civilized domain, does not fit the mold of a foreign minister and has no standing in this field," Mousavi said.
"Foreign ministers are typically the harbingers of peace, reconciliation, dialogue and respect, while Mr Pompeo is the megaphone for bullying, deceit, humiliation and insult with the language of anger, aggression, ignorance and extremism," Mousavi said.
https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=10344
and also http://irangov.ir/detail/332183
(A P)
Film: Secretary Pompeo Speech on “Human Rights and the Iranian Regime"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtclpjNaAQI
(A P)
Malaysian PM Welcomes Rouhani’s Cryptocurrency Proposal Alternative to US Dollar
Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has said that he agrees with Iran’s suggestion on using cryptocurrency as an alternative to the US dollar.
“We are hearing this for the first time — that Iran and Turkey are of the opinion that we should use an alternative to the US dollar," the prime minister said.
“We can use our own currencies or have a common currency,” he said.
“It looks like sometimes when we use the US dollar, there are sanctions that can curb economic development,” he added.
https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2019/12/20/614144/Malaysian-PM-welcomes-Rouhani&
(* A P)
UN experts call on Iran to release detained protesters
A group of independent experts appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council called Friday for Iran to release all people detained during recent unrest. They said they are “shocked” by reports that suggest prisoners are being tortured or otherwise abused.
In a joint statement issued by more than a dozen of the human rights experts, the group said that of an estimated 200,000 people who took part in recent protests in Iran, some 7,000 are believed to have been arrested and that thousands remain in detention.
“We are shocked at reports of the ill-treatment of those detained,” the experts said.
https://apnews.com/9ffe100861be7daf74e5e8c15b961f91
(* B P)
Kuala Lumpur Summit
The Kuala Lumpur summit has made fault lines in the Muslim world very obvious and visible and instead of providing unity it has divided countries into certain blocs. The summit, though attended by more than 420 officials, scholars and leaders from the entire Muslim world, sans Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and the UAE, has created a Malaysia-Turkey-Iran-Qatar bloc, challenging the hegemony of Saudi Arabia-led KSA-UAE-Arab countries bloc. The summit is significant for Pakistan as it was embarrassingly forced by Saudi Arabia to stay away from the event. The summit was the brainchild of Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and Prime Minister Imran Khan mainly to fight Islamophobia and to “do something” to improve the lives of Muslims. Good intentions, however, are not more powerful than petro-dollar lending countries’ egos and power politics.
https://dailytimes.com.pk/523357/kuala-lumpur-summit-daily-times/
(A P)
US sanctions against Iran aimed at collectively punishing ordinary people: UN ambassador
Iran's ambassador to the United Nations has severely censured the United States’ sanctions against ordinary people as well as different sectors of the Iranian economy, including oil and banking, arguing that the measures are negatively affecting the daily lives of millions of Iranians.
Speaking at a United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York on nuclear non-proliferation and implementation of Resolution 2231, which backed the 2015 Iran nuclear deal – officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, Majid Takht-Ravanchi stated that the US sanctions "are neither short of war nor better than or an alternative to war," and that they are actually tantamount to war "but by other means and names."
He further noted that Washington has extended its sanctions against Iranians through weaponizing food and medicine, and in total disregard of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling on October 3, 2018.
The United Nations' highest court ordered the US at the time "to lift sanctions linked to humanitarian goods and civil aviation imposed against Iran."
(A P)
Iran’s Rouhani in Japan to meet Japan PM amid nuke impasse
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani renewed his condemnation of the U.S. for withdrawing from a nuclear agreement and asked for Japan’s help in efforts to maintain the deal as the two leaders met in Tokyo amid a continuing impasse between Tehran and Washington.
Rouhani, the first Iranian president to visit Japan in 19 years, told Prime Minister Shinzo Abe that the nuclear agreement with world powers remained crucial.
“The nuclear deal is an extremely important agreement, and we strongly condemn the U.S. withdrawal, which was one-sided and irrational,” Rouhani said. “We hope that Japan and other countries in the world will make efforts toward maintaining the agreement.”
https://apnews.com/aae19997269d525d6940fa2e49c8e312
and also https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2019/12/20/614145/Iran-Japan-nuclear-deal-JCPOA-Abe-Rouhani
(* A P)
US will `curb malign Iranian behavior’ if it doesn’t stop
The United States renewed its offer to engage in talks with Iran on Thursday but warned it will do everything in its power “to curb malign Iranian behavior” if Tehran continues to destabilize the Middle East.
The U.S. ambassador at the United Nations, Kelly Craft, said the Trump administration also “rejects Iran’s use of nuclear brinkmanship to normalize its destabilizing behavior.”
She commented at a U.N. Security Council meeting on implementation of a resolution endorsing the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and key world powers.
Iranian Ambassador Majid Takht Ravanchi called the U.S. offer of unconditional talks “disingenuous.” The U.S. wants to enter dialogue from a position of strength from maintaining sanctions and maximum pressure, “and not based on equal footing,” he said.
“Iran does not negotiate under the threat of a sword,” Ravanchi said.
He said U.S. implementation of the council’s 2015 resolution endorsing the international Iran nuclear deal “will pave the way for a genuine dialogue to start.”
Ravanchi said that in negotiations on the nuclear deal, Iran rejected attempts to include its legitimate defense capabilities and its role in the region. He said that “under no circumstances will Iran compromise on its security.”
https://apnews.com/060f7eccc872ebe292ae7a7eca4b7934
(* B P)
UN reiterates that it can't verify US allegations against Iran in Aramco attacks
The UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo has reiterated earlier remarks by the UN General Secretary that the body cannot verify US claims blaming Iran for attacks on Saudi Arabia's Aramco oil facilities.
DiCarlo made remarks during a UN Security Council briefing on the eighth report of the Secretary General on the implementation of resolution 2231 which endorsed the Iran nuclear deal in 2015.
"At this time, we are unable to independently corroborate that the cruise missiles, or the recovered components we inspected, are of Iranian origin," she said speaking of alleged missile debris related to the September 14 attack on the oil facilities.
"We have recently received confirmation that some of the cruise missile components were, in fact, not made by the identified manufacturers but could have been copies," she added.
DiCarlo also said the Secretariat is "unable to independently corroborate" whether drones used in the operation were of "Iranian origin".
https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2019/12/20/614142/UN-can&
(* B P)
Exclusive: U.S. probe of Saudi oil attack shows it came from north - report
The United States said new evidence and analysis of weapons debris recovered from an attack on Saudi oil facilities on Sept. 14 indicates the strike likely came from the north, reinforcing its earlier assessment that Iran was behind the offensive.
In an interim report of its investigation - seen by Reuters ahead of a presentation on Thursday to the United Nations Security Council - Washington assessed that before hitting its targets, one of the drones traversed a location approximately 200 km (124 miles) to the northwest of the attack site.
“This, in combination with the assessed 900 kilometer maximum range of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), indicates with high likelihood that the attack originated north of Abqaiq,” the interim report said, referring to the location of one of the Saudi oil facilities that were hit.
It added the United States had identified several similarities between the drones used in the raid and an Iranian designed and produced unmanned aircraft known as the IRN-05 UAV.
However, the report noted that the analysis of the weapons debris did not definitely reveal the origin of the strike that initially knocked out half of Saudi Arabia’s oil production.
“At this time, the U.S. Intelligence Community has not identified any information from the recovered weapon systems used in the 14 September attacks on Saudi Arabia that definitively reveals an attack origin,” it said.
The new findings include freshly declassified information, a State Department official told Reuters.
U.S. Special Envoy for Iran, Brian Hook, told Reuters that the newly-declassified information was more evidence that Tehran was behind the attack. “The UAVs flew into Saudi Arabia from the north, and the recovered debris is consistent with Iranian-produced materiel,” he said.
“As many nations have concluded, there are no plausible alternatives to Iranian responsibility,” he said.
The United States presented its findings to a session of the U.N. Security Council on Thursday as it hopes to mobilize more support for its policy to isolate Iran and force it to the negotiating table for a new nuclear deal.
“The damage at the oil facilities shows that the attack came from the north, not from the south, as you would expect if the Houthis were responsible,” U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Kelly Craft told the Security Council on Thursday.
Iran’s U.N. Ambassador Majid Takht Ravanchi addressed the Security Council and categorically rejected the accusations against Tehran over attacks on Saudi oil facilities. He described U.S. sanctions on Iran as “economic terrorism” and said that “Iran does not negotiate under the threat of a sword.”
and also https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/attack-saudi-oil-facilities-came-north-report
(A P)
Iran’s Rouhani to visit Japan in hope of easing nuke impasse
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani is visiting Tokyo to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Friday, in hopes of easing a nuclear impasse between Tehran and Washington and reduce tensions in the Middle East.
The visit is the first by an Iranian president in 19 years and comes just before Japan is expected to announce a plan to deploy its troops to the region to ensure the safety of Japanese vessels transporting oil.
https://apnews.com/aae19997269d525d6940fa2e49c8e312
(A P)
US denounces Iran rights abuses, imposes sanctions on judges
The United States is imposing sanction s on additional senior Iranian officials for human rights abuses as the Trump administration increases “maximum pressure campaign” on the Tehran government.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo denounced the recent violent crackdow n by Iranian authorities against widespread protests, and the Treasury Department on Thursday targeted two top Iranian judges with penalties. Pompeo assailed Iranian officials for “hypocrisy” by depriving citizens, particularly ethnic and religious minorities of their constitutional rights.
Pompeo said he had redesignated Iran as a “country of particular concern” for religious freedom, a status that adds a layer of potential sanctions against the government. He also said the administration would enact travel bans on officials found to have violated human rights, as well as their families.
“The United States has stood, and will stand under President Trump, for the Iranian people,” Pompeo said in a speech at the State Department. “The appeasement of the regime simply will not work.”
https://apnews.com/b8ca26933ac5005573fa73fd10b49381
My comment: Nobody must like the Iranian regime. But obviously, the US is blatantly interfering into Iran’s internal affairs, and the only reason are the US’ worldwide hegemonial claims.” “The United States has stood, and will stand under President Trump, for the Iranian people,”, is a blatant lie. The Us stands for US hegemony and for exploitation only.
(A P)
Iran leader urges deeper Muslim links to fight US ‘hegemony’
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani urged Muslim nations on Thursday to deepen financial and trade cooperation to fight what he described as U.S. economic hegemony, using an Islamic conference in Malaysia as a platform to decry American sanctions against his country.
Rouhani proposed an Islamic financial payment with Muslim countries trading in local currencies and the creation of a Muslim cryptocurrency to cut reliance on the U.S. dollar and weather the effects of market fluctuation.
He repeated his assertion that the U.S. has used economic sanctions as the “main tools of domineering hegemony and bullying” of other nations.
https://apnews.com/b8bab8c75cff1580d28e03c7536a25f8
(A P)
Iran president says country testing new advanced centrifuges
Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani said his country’s nuclear experts are testing a new type of advanced centrifuges, remarks likely meant to rally support for the Iranian leader as his nation struggles under crushing U.S. sanctions.
Rouhani spoke during a meeting Wednesday with Iranian expatriates in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where he also used an Islamic conference on Thursday as a platform to decry American sanctions against Iran.
“We have had great achievements and
https://apnews.com/6b6541184b35ded84c0513b50b234f34
(A P)
Iran’s President: Muslims Cooperation Plays Key Role in Resisting US Pressures
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has underlined the need for cooperation among Muslim countries to fend off pressures by big powers, particularly the US.
It is necessary for Muslim countries to cooperate in order to counter pressures by big powers, Rouhani said on Wednesday during a meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir bin Mohamad in Kuala Lumpur, Presstv Reported.
“Many problems facing Muslims are due to the interference of the US, including the sanctions against Iran,” he added.
http://www.iran-daily.com/News/263163.html
(A P)
Iran rejects US threat to invoke JCPAO’s snapback mechanism to reinstate UN sanctions
Iran rejects as “shameless” the US claim that it can invoke a mechanism in the 2015 nuclear deal to reinstate UN sanctions on Tehran, arguing Washington ceased participation in the accord last year.
cp11 Deutschland / Germany
(* A P)
(* A K P)
BERLINER JEMEN-KONFERENZ 2019
Themen:
Der Jemenkrieg – vom Ursprung zur jetzigen Situation (Stand November 2019)
Die Rolle der USA und Europäischen Union im Jemenkrieg
Die Zukunftsaussichten des Jemen nach Beendigung des Krieges
Redner:
Präsentationen zu den Vorträgen:
Stop the WAR in Yemen - Einleitung zum Vortrag
Der 1. Weltkrieg mit seinen barbarischen Verwüstungen und etwa 20 Mio. getöteten Soldaten und Zivilisten, dauerte 1.567 Tage. Wir hier und die Menschen im Jemen erleben heute den Kriegstag 1.724! Ein Vernichtungskrieg, den Saudi Arabien und beteiligte Kriegsländer mit Unterstützung der USA/NATO- und EU-Staaten inkl. Deutschlands gegen die Zivilbevölkerung des Jemen führt.
Denke ich heute an den Jemen, so versagen die Regierungskoalitionen inkl. deren Parteimitglieder und Wähler von CDU/CSU und SPD aufgrund der genehmigten Exporte deutscher Waffen an die übelsten Diktaturen dieser Welt, wie Saudi Arabien, den VAE, Ägypten, Sudan, Katar, Kuwait, Bahrain usw..
Jakob Reimann - JusticeNow!: Die Rolle der USA und der EU im Jemenkrieg
Mohammed Abo Taleb - INSAN e.V.: Auswirkungen des Krieges und der Blockade auf die jemenitische Bevölkerung
https://www.krieg-im-jemen.de/berliner-jemenkonferenz-2019/
Filme: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOkNvhXk8nI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8CSVRywjJY
(A P)
Berliner Jemen-Konferenz fordert die westlichen Länder auf, Krieg und Waffenexporte an Koalitionsländer zu stoppen
Die Berliner Jemen Konferenz forderte die Regierungen der westlichen Länder auf, ihrer humanitären Verantwortung nachzukommen und sich dafür einzusetzen, den Krieg zu beenden, die Belagerung des Jemen aufzuheben und Waffenexporte an den koalitionsländer zu stoppen.
https://www.saba.ye/de/news3082269.htm
(* B K P)
Audio: JEMENKRIEG: WARUM DIE DEUTSCHE POLITIK SICH MITSCHULDIG MACHT – MATHIAS TRETSCHOG IM NUOVISO TALK
Die Rüstungsexporte der Bundespolitik sind offiziell streng geregelt: Eigentlich dürfen Kriegswaffen nicht an Länder geliefert werden, die sich im Krieg befinden. Wie wenig davon in der Realität umgesetzt wird, zeigt der Studio Talk mit dem Journalisten und Friedensaktivisten Matthias Tretschog: So wurde erst Anfang Oktober 2019 bekannt, dass der Bundessicherheitsrat, der von Kanzlerin Angela Merkel geleitet wird, grünes Licht für den Export von Stromaggregaten in die Vereinigten Arabischen Emirate gegeben hat. Die von der Firma Jenoptik Power Systems hergestellten Produkte werden für „Patriot“-Batterien des US-Rüstungsriesen Raytheon gefertigt.
cp12 Andere Länder / Other countries
(A P)
Now the #Boycott_expo_2020 campaign is launched. An important appeal from the people of #Yemen to businessmen and businesswomen around the world: Your money is used by Mohammed bin Zayed and his regime to buy weapons to kill the children of #Yemen
https://twitter.com/AhmadAlgohbary/status/1208130998598356993
referring to https://twitter.com/AhmadAlgohbary/status/1208130998598356993
by Anis Mansour, Consulting Journalist for Yemeni Embassy in Riyadh Chairman of Aden Centre for Studies, https://twitter.com/anesyem
and
(A P)
Do you know why you must boycott Expo 2020 in #UAE? Thread: -The #UAE is still involved in killing Yemenis and Libyans by supporting extremist terrorist groups in #Yemen. -UAE is the country of adulterated goods. -#UAE turned the city of #Aden into the city of death.
-UAE is killing children, women and men in #Yemen. -UAE air strikes targeted schools, hospital, companies, governmental buildings, farms, and civilian houses. -The UAE caused the deterioration of the economic situation in our country by occupying ports, islands, oil &gas sources.
-#UAE is Establishing armed militias outside the framework of the state and supporting them with money and weapons -Control of ports, islands and turning them into military barracks. -Managing the assassinations. -Stealing dragon trees from #Socotra island.
https://twitter.com/AhmadAlgohbary/status/1208532899068350464
The Emirate's Red Crescent became Emirate arm's intelligence in #Yemen. Secret prisons, sexual harassment, arrests, information collecting.
https://twitter.com/AhmadAlgohbary/status/1208525984510750721
(* B P)
Russia’s Multidimensional Approach to the Yemen War
In contrast with its assertiveness in Syria, Russia’s role in most conflicts in the MENA region consists of proclaiming its non-alignment and keeping all actors content. Moscow does not shy away from casting itself as a true power-broker in the region. It acts as an allegedly impartial mediator that gets along with all actors and respects each country's sovereignty, while trying to find a middle ground, or at least facilitate dialogue, between the stakeholders it deems reliable and important enough. Yemen, in that regard, represents a conflict-resolution opportunity in which other countries have failed and some of Russia’s allies seem trapped.
Russia is not an actor new to the Yemeni scenario, which epitomises Moscow’s ‘resurgence’ in the Middle East. Agreements signed between the Marxist-oriented People’s Democratic Yemeni Republic and the USSR allowed the soviet colossus to exercise considerable influence in the region and secured its position in the Red Sea. The events in the 1990s led to Russia abandoning its bases in Yemen, and to a loss of geostrategic influence in favour of the US. Those precedents partly illuminate one of Russia’s primary goals in Yemen: not just to counter Western influence, but to regain its military and geostrategic power in the Red Sea as well.
Stability in the Persian Gulf is critical for Russia’s strategic interests. This summer’s escalation represented an opportunity to broaden the country’s influence. Yemen plays a role in Russia’s collective security plan for the Gulf, perceived as a possible outline of the country's strategic – maybe also ideological – vision for the region, in opposition to the US-articulated ‘Arab NATO’, and therefore including Iran.
Russia’s strategy in Yemen runs simultaneously at three levels: local, regional and international.As it does with other regional conflicts, Moscow does not see the situation in Yemen as an actual regional war, but as a local conflict with regional dimensions.
https://www.ispionline.it/it/pubblicazione/russias-multidimensional-approach-yemen-war-24697
(A P)
Putin comments on Yemen crisis
Russia is ready to help settle the crisis in Yemen
The road to peace in Yemen lies through a wide national dialogue and Russia will be prepared to promote a settlement of the conflict in that country, if need be, Russian President Vladimir Putin said
https://tass.com/politics/968673
cp12a Katar-Krise / Qatar crisis
(* B P)
A ‘cold peace’ on Qatar?
Bahrain and Egypt cutting their relations with Qatar could derail relations in the region
Hopes of a breakthrough in the crisis over Qatar faded after the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit meeting in Riyadh last week, even if the overture provided an opportunity for Doha to reiterate its position and return to its traditional practices.
The main gain, according to observers, was for Qatar to claim that “we’ve done nothing wrong, and anyone who wants to change his position can contact us.” The warm welcome that was given by Saudi King Salman to the Qatari Prime Minister who replaced Qatari Emir Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani at the summit confirmed leaks that contacts have been taking place over recent months to reconcile the Gulf countries.
Saudi Arabia has softened its stance on the crisis in Yemen, and it has been opening up to Qatar with the possibility of preparing for negotiations with Iran when conditions allow. Qatar has been cozying up to Iran and Turkey, both of which are at odds with Saudi Arabia and the other three countries boycotting Qatar.
For now, Saudi Arabia wants peace with its adversaries but not necessarily a warm one. Other countries, including Egypt and Bahrain, would also not object to a cold peace as long as Qatari policies of supporting the Muslim Brotherhood and Iran and Turkey stop.
Nobody can guarantee that this will happen, however, not even Saudi Arabia if it chooses more than a cold peace with Qatar on its own and without the rest of the quartet, as many observers think it might.
The “cold peace” approach to the Qatar crisis could thus derail the strong relations among the countries of the region. That could lead to a heyday for the Muslim Brotherhood and other Qatar-supported groups, leading to more instability in the region.
http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/357982.aspx
cp12b Sudan
(A P)
Sudan government off of U.S. religious freedom blacklist
The United States dropped Sudan from its list of nations that severely violate religious freedoms, signaling increased support for Sudan’s newly created transitional government.
In a statement, the U.S. State Department said it upgraded Sudan to a special watch list for religious freedom, citing “significant steps taken by the civilian-led transitional government.”
https://apnews.com/9cf3a471b335907ced6fad069ba78a07
(A P)
Year on, Amnesty urges Sudan deliver on protesters’ demands
Amnesty International on Thursday urged Sudan’s new transitional government to deliver on popular demands for sweeping change as the country marked the first anniversary of mass protests that led to the ouster of former president and longtime autocrat Omar al-Bashir.
The anniversary drew teeming crowds to the streets in several cities and towns across the country, with people singing, dancing and carrying flags.
The relaxed, festive atmosphere on Thursday presented a sharp contrast to demonstrations last year
https://apnews.com/27f650bdee52184d6d0924cc95d2e413
cp13a Waffenhandel / Arms trade
(* B K P)
Audio: Kiosk - S02 E13 - Lo scandalo del traffico d'armi dalla Serbia allo Yemen
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3imt70mgMI
(B K P)
Beihilfe zu Kriegsverbrechen durch (legale) Waffenlieferungen?
Eine Anzeige wirft deutschen Unternehmen, deren Waffen im Jemen-Krieg eingesetzt werden, Beihilfe zu Kriegsverbrechen vor. Ist das überhaupt möglich, wenn die Exporte von deutschen Behörden genehmigt wurden?
Wenn also ein Rüstungsunternehmen alle Genehmigungserfordernisse einhält, also innerstaatlich legal produziert und erlaubt (genehmigt) exportiert, ist das an sich gefährliche Verhalten – Inverkehrbringen von Kriegswaffen – nach den allgemeinen Regeln der Lehre von der objektiven Zurechnung als ein erlaubtes Risiko zu bewerten und damit der Zurechnungszusammenhang (mit Blick auf eventuelle, mit den Kriegswaffen begangene Verbrechen) grundsätzlich unterbrochen. Dies wirkt sich auch auf eventuelle Beihilfehandlungen, die, wenn doch nicht als „neutral“, so doch zumindest ebenso als erlaubt gelten müssen.
Mein Kommentar: Das wäre eine abenteuerliche Argumentation. Die Anzeige ging beim Internationalen Strafgerichtshof ein. Es würde hier also nicht nach deutschem, sondern nach internationalem Recht verhandelt. Sonst könnte jedes Land seine eigenen internationalen Gesetze machen. Waffenlieferungen in Kriegsgebiete sind im Übrigen auch nach deutschem Recht illegal. Wenn die Bundesregierung sie für „legal“ erklärt, verstößt sie gegen deutsche Gesetze. Und in einem internationalen verfahren würden nicht nur die Rüstungsfirmen auf der Anklagebank sitzen, sondern wegen dieser illegalen Genehmigungspraxis eben auch die Bundesregierung.
Und
(* B K P)
Es gibt keine Ausrede
Saudi-Arabien kämpft mit viel Kriegsgerät aus deutscher Produktion in Jemen. Doch eine Exporterlaubnis aus Berlin steht nicht über dem Völkerrecht.
Es ist eine militärische Kampagne, zu der die meisten westlichen Regierungen so beschämend schweigen wie zu vielem, was das saudische Regime über die Jahre getrieben hat.
Es ist eine militärische Kampagne, die von ständigem Nachschub aus Europa lebt. Deutsche Technik steckt in den Kampfflugzeugen, sie steckt in den Bomben. Deutsche Geschäftsleute hätten es mit in der Hand, diese furchtbaren militärischen Abläufe zu stoppen oder sie wenigstens aus dem Tritt zu bringen. Stattdessen weisen manche schlau die Verantwortung von sich.
Aber warum sollten die Menschen, die in der deutschen Zentrale den Kurs vorgeben, nicht mitverantwortlich sein dafür, was in den Tochterfirmen für eine Geschäftspolitik verfolgt wird? Ein Wort aus der Zentrale - und es wäre Schluss damit.
Ja, das europäische Exportrecht hat all diese Waffenlieferungen bisher erlaubt. Aber die Völkerrechtsverbrechen, um die es in Jemen geht, sind so deutlich und so oft und akribisch dokumentiert, dass kein Staat sie mit seinem innerstaatlichen Rüstungskontrollrecht weißwaschen könnte. Diesen Grundsatz des Völkerrechts sollten deutsche Waffenhersteller bedenken, wenn sie im Ringen mit der Bundesregierung Hintertüren und Ausnahmeklauseln in Exportstopps durchsetzen: Wer sich an Kriegsverbrechen beteiligt - und sei es durch Beihilfe -, der kann sich nicht darauf herausreden, eine Regierung habe ihm dies erlaubt.
Das gilt auch für sogenannte Defensivwaffen wie das Artillerie-Ortungsradarsystem Cobra – von Ronen Steinke
https://www.sueddeutsche.de/politik/waffenexporte-es-gibt-keine-ausrede-1.4720335
(B E K)
Report: UAE still occupies 9 economic sites in Yemen
The exertion of UAE control in key strategic sites in war-torn Yemen, has been detrimental to the Yemeni economy.
According to a report by Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, five years of Emirati “occupation” has led to an almost complete disruption of the production and export of oil and gas in addition to disruption of port activity and airport operations.
According to observers and officials, the nine sites controlled by Abu Dhabi are Mukha, Bab El-Mandab, Aden, the port of the interim capital, Aden airport, Rayyan airport in Mukalla, Socotra, Mayon Island and Balhaf port in the oil producing Shabwa governorate in southern Yemen.
A consequence of this, is that Yemen has lost more than $5 billion directly
https://newyemenen.com/report-uae-still-occupies-9-economic-sites-in-yemen/
cp13b Wirtschaft / Economy
(* B E P)
[Sanaa gov.] Economic Committee to UN: Deficit Needed to Cover State Employees Salaries Must be Paid from Hijacked Revenues
On Tuesday, the Supreme Economic Committee, in Sana'a, met with the UN Deputy Envoy, Mueen Shuraim, discussed the practical steps to pay the salaries of state employees. They pointed out that employees are subjected to collective punishment, for more than 3 years, from the pro-US-Saudi aggression party without any justification.
The committee informed the UN deputy envoy about the details of the initiative of the Supreme Political Council. The payment plan came in accordance with the Stockholm agreement and the Resolution No. 49 of 2019, issued by the Salvation Government. It states that an account will be created, in the central bank branch in Hodeidah, for deposited revenues which will be used to pay the salaries of employees. They stressed the importance to pressure the pro-aggression party to cover the deficit needed to cover the salary cost and that the balance can be accumulated, according to the initiative.
https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=10316
cp14 Terrorismus / Terrorism
(A T)
#ISIS in #Yemen claims its 2nd attack on Houthis in a week (following a month of no attacks on Houthis). Clashes allegedly occurred Wednesday using machine guns in al-Zahra region of Qayfa, killing 3 Houthis & injuring 2
https://twitter.com/Dr_E_Kendall/status/1208134787304701956
(A T)
#ISIS weekly bulletin rounds up latest #Yemen ops -Rare bombing of Houthi vehicle in Ibb by Green Brigade (12/14) -Direct hit on #AQAP in Qayfa with B10 recoilless gun (12/11) -3 further ops against AQAP in al-Bayda' are not dated & look to be re-hashed from last week's bulletin
https://twitter.com/Dr_E_Kendall/status/1207777149802942472
cp15 Propaganda
(B P)
What the United Arab Emirates can teach resource-rich countries in Africa
By now, many observers are familiar with the broad outlines of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) economic story: a relatively small country rising above its region as a stand-out economic performer. By almost every major index — including the World Economic Forum Competitiveness Index, the World Bank’s Doing Business Index, and the Global Innovation Index — the UAE stands at or near the top of its region.
The UAE’s long-term economic strategy — with its four-pillar approach —could serve as a model in some ways for African economies, including at the city, regional, and national level. The scope of this analysis is on possible economic lessons, not political ones; importantly, countries in Africa should keep seeking accountable governance, in addition to growing their economies.
Comment: Brookings has received at least $4 million from the UAE in the last five years. Is it too much to ask that be disclosed in a piece so flattering of the UAE?
https://twitter.com/BenFreemanDC/status/1208051391324983298
(B P)
RIP THE CARTER DOCTRINE, 1980-2019
Donald Trump has torn up a foundation of U.S. foreign policy and is causing irreparable damage to the Middle East—and world order—in the process.
In the summer of 2019, President Donald Trump tossed the United States’ alliances with Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states into the flames of his own inadvertent bonfire. By withdrawing from the Iran nuclear deal and imposing “maximum pressure” on Tehran economically, Trump provoked the Iranians to begin attacking the Gulf states and their oil exports. May, June, and July 2019 saw attacks on six oil tankers, the seizure of two more, rocket and missile attacks from Iraq and Yemen, and drone attacks on Saudi airports. Through it all, the United States did next to nothing. Worse, Trump and his senior subordinates publicly insisted that they did not consider Iranian attacks on our Gulf allies to be threats to the United States’ vital interests.
By calling into question the United States’ long-standing commitment to the security and stability of the region, Trump’s approach to Iran and the Gulf will have grave consequences. It threatens to destabilize an already volatile region, undermine the U.S. diplomatic position vis-à-vis Tehran, and increase the very threats the administration is now trying to ignore.
Indeed, Trump’s desertion of the Carter Doctrine is making it more likely that Tehran will achieve its greatest strategic victory since the Islamic Revolution—a victory that is still very much in the United States’ interest to deny. If the United States demonstrates that it will avoid a direct confrontation with Iran even after a significant provocation, Tehran will be able to blackmail its Arab neighbors. The attacks on Abqaiq and Khurais and the lack of U.S. response sent the message to Iran and Washington’s Gulf allies that the United States is no longer interested in upholding the rules of conduct it once established and formerly enforced in the region. In the course of a single morning—and with about two dozen cruise missiles and drones—the Iranian leadership took a giant step toward achieving what it has sought for so long: resetting the balance of power in their favor in the Persian Gulf – BY HAL BRANDS, STEVEN A. COOK, AND KENNETH M. POLLACK https://foreignpolicy.com/2019/12/15/carter-doctrine-rip-donald-trump-mideast-oil-big-think/
My comment: The authors whitewash US interference in the Middle East and ask for more … confrontation and war!
(A P)
Saudi Press: KSA Plays Pivotal Role in Serving of Islam
Al-Bilad newspaper said in its editorial that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has played a pivotal role in serving of Islam along with promoting and supporting of Islamic solidarity and the unity of Muslims in facing the challenges, in addition to disseminating the values of tolerance and moderation, rejecting extremism and terrorism. The paper added that the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz has affirmed that the Kingdom spares no effort in achieving cooperation, unified views, peace and security in Muslim world.
https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2012963
(A P)
Yemen PM to in’tl community: Listen not to Houthis’ words, look at their ferocious acts
Yemen’s Prime Minister has called upon the international community to “not look to the Houthis’ words, but to look at their ferocious acts on the ground instead.”
(A P)
More Saudi coalition „We are benefactors“ propaganda
https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2013644
https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2013643
https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2013641
https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2013636
https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2013161
https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2013154
cp16 Saudische Luftangriffe / Saudi air raids
(* A K pH)
Saudi coalition air raids and shelling day by day
Dec. 17. https://www.facebook.com/lcrdye/photos/pb.551288185021551.-2207520000../1515388408611519/
(A K pH)
More Saudi coalition air raids recorded on:
Dec. 22: https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=10371 Saada p.
cp17 Kriegsereignisse / Theater of War
Mehr unter cp1b / More at cp1b
(A K pS)
Saudi missiles and artillery shells targeted Razih district.
https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=10371
(A K pH)
Ein Zivilist und ein Kind durch feindliches Feuer in Saada verwundet
https://www.saba.ye/de/news3082350.htm
(A K pH)
Saudi Missiles Target Several Areas, Sa’adah
https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=10333
(A K pH)
Child Injured by Saudi Army Fire in Razih Border District in Saada
https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=10358
(A K pH)
Citizen Injured by Saudi Border Guards Fire in Sa’adah
https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=10341
(A K pH)
In Sa’ada, Saudi missiles and artillery shells targeted populated villages in Razih district.
https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=10330
(A K pS)
Civilians paid the largest price for the mines laid by the Houthi militia in Yemen. The child, Ahed, was seriously wounded with three other children after a landmine exploded in her family's car while they were going to Al-Hazm city (photos)
https://twitter.com/ycmhrv/status/1207384339077632000
https://twitter.com/MinesYemen/status/1207379314628612097
(A K pH)
Bombardierung von Grenzgebieten in Saada
https://www.saba.ye/de/news3082252.htm
(A K pH)
In Saada, Saudi missiles and artillery shells targeted populated villages in Razih district.
https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=10312
cp18 Sonstiges / Other
(-)
In pictures: Yemen’s hot spring water
https://www.thenational.ae/uae/in-pictures-yemen-s-hot-spring-water-1.597249
(A)
African Express soon to operate flights from and to Yemen: Transports Ministry
(A)
Kuwait considers supplying Yemen with 3 civilian planes
http://en.26sepnews.net/2019/12/19/kuwait-considers-supplying-yemen-with-3-civilian-planes/
(C)
Durch die Wüste… im Jemen
Heutzutage völlig undenkbar - viel zu gefährlich - lebensmüde! Aber auch damals, im Februar 1994, während des heiligen Monats Ramadan, nicht alltäglich.
Ich fliege mit meinem ersten Mann und meinem Vater nach Sanaa, der Hauptstadt des Jemen. 2 Wochen lang mit einem Jeep und einem Fahrer entlang der Weihrauchstraße und weiter über die Südküste und Aden wieder in das nordwestlich gelegene Sanaa zurück.
https://www.story.one/de/u/nurdug/durch-die-w%C3%BCste-im-jemen/
(* A)
There has been severe material damage and a ship holding 6 passengers has been missing for more than 20 days as a result of the deep depression that hits #Socotra for the third week (photo)
https://twitter.com/BelqeesRights/status/1207408873050714113
Vorige / Previous:
https://www.freitag.de/autoren/dklose/jemenkrieg-mosaik-607-yemen-war-mosaic-607
Jemenkrieg-Mosaik 1-607 / Yemen War Mosaic 1-607:
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/
Liste aller Luftangriffe / and list of all air raids:
http://yemendataproject.org/data/
Untersuchung ausgewählter Luftangriffe durch Bellingcat / Bellingcat investigations of selected air raids:
Untersuchungen von Angriffen, hunderte von Filmen / Investigations of attacks, hundreds of films:
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