Dies ist die Fortsetzung von Jemenkrieg-Mosaik 673, Teil 1 / This is the sequel of Yemen War Mosaic 673, part 1:
https://www.freitag.de/autoren/dklose/jemenkrieg-mosaik-673-yemen-war-mosaic-673
Schwerpunkte / Key aspects
Kursiv: Siehe Teil 1 / In Italics: Look in part 1
Klassifizierung / Classification
Für wen das Thema ganz neu ist / Who is new to the subject
cp1 Am wichtigsten / Most important
cp1a Am wichtigsten: Coronavirus und Seuchen / Most important: Coronavirus and epidemics
cp1b Am wichtigsten: Regen und Überschwemmungen / Most important: Rain and flash floods
cp2 Allgemein / General
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: Spannungen am Golf / US-Iran crisis: Tensions at the Gulf
cp10 Großbritannien / Great Britain
cp12 Andere Länder / Other countries
cp12b Sudan
cp13a Mercenaries / Söldner
cp13b Kulturerbe / Cultural heritage
cp13c Wirtschaft / Economy
cp14 Terrorismus / Terrorism
cp15 Propaganda
cp16 Saudische Luftangriffe / Saudi air raids
cp17 Kriegsereignisse / Theater of War
cp18 Kampf um Hodeidah / Hodeidah battle
cp19 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
cp7 UNO und Friedensgespräche / UN and peace talks
(A P)
Four Houthi captives released via locally-mediated swap in Jawf
https://debriefer.net/en/news-19174.html
and also https://britishasianews.com/yemen-govt-conducts-prisoner-swap-with-houthis/
(A P)
Yemen: UN envoy Martin Griffiths wraps up Saudi visit to further peace prospects
UN Special Envoy to Yemen Martin Griffiths has concluded a visit to Saudi Arabia after talks with Saudi and Yemeni officials on a peace process to end Yemen's civil war.
Mr Griffiths' proposal calls for a nationwide ceasefire, including all air, ground and naval hostilities, and for the parties to ensure compliance on the front lines between government forces and the Iran-backed Houthi rebels.
But lack of trust between the two sides has slowed the UN's push for peace.
and
(A P)
UN envoy discusses ceasefire proposal with Yemeni government
The UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Martin Griffiths, arrived in Riyadh on Monday to discuss a ceasefire proposal with the Yemeni government in exile led by Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi, Anadolu has reported. This is his second visit since last month to discuss the proposal, which has already been rejected.
A UN source told Anadolu that Griffiths will concentrate his efforts on persuading the Yemeni government to accept the ceasefire. The government rejected the proposal in July because “it does not respect its sovereignty and responsibility,” a spokesperson said.
and
(A P)
Saudi ambassador to Yemen discusses peace efforts with UN envoy
http://en.adenpress.news/news/23798
and
(A P)
Griffiths made no amendments to draft joint declaration: Yemeni official
The UN special envoy for Yemen has made no tangible amendments to the draft joint declaration on the comprehensive solution for Yemen's crisis, a government official said Tuesday, after government rejection to the first version introduced by Martin Griffiths last July.
The UN new draft includes the refused points giving the Houthi group a "full authority over Sana'a international airport and direct flights," the official added anonymously.
This "fully invalidates the Yemeni State's legitimacy, and legitimizes the coup," according to the al-Araby al-Jadeed.
https://debriefer.net/en/news-19083.html
My comment: The Hadui government does not want peace, but only submission.
cp8 Saudi-Arabien / Saudi Arabia
(* B P)
Saudi-Arabien arbeitet eifrig an seinem Image und kann auch dabei auf die Unterstützung zahlreicher Staatschefs zählen. Derzeit bereitet sich das Land auf den G20-Gipfel vor, den die autoritäre Golfmonarchie am 21. und 22. November in Riad ausrichten will. Trotz internationaler Bedenken und der Ankündigung von Menschenrechtlern, das Treffen boykottieren zu wollen, dürfte Kronprinz Mohammed sich Schulter an Schulter mit den "Chefs" der führenden Wirtschaftsmächte, die knapp zwei Drittel der Weltbevölkerung und 85 Prozent der globalen Wirtschaftsleistung repräsentieren, zeigen.
Die wohl prominenteste Kritik an dem Treffen – und am Kronprinzen selbst – kommt von der UN-Menschenrechtsexpertin Agnès Callamard. Der in Riad geplante Gipfel müsse abgesagt oder verlegt werden, um Druck im Fall Khashoggi aufzubauen, forderte die Sonderberichterstatterin für außergerichtliche, standrechtliche oder willkürliche Hinrichtungen.
https://deutsch.rt.com/der-nahe-osten/105573-jemen-heftige-ueberschwemmungen-mit-mehr/
(A P)
Saudi Arabian King Salman arrives in NEOM for rest and relaxation: state news agency
(A P)
19 Yemenis among scores arrested by Saudi for smuggling drugs, Khat
https://debriefer.net/en/news-19111.html
cp9 USA
Siehe / Look at cp9a
(B P)
Mark Ruffalo Calls for Ending the Humanitarian Crisis in Yemen
Mark Ruffalo is one of the many celebrities who is using his platform to advocate for the humanitarian crisis in Yemen. He uses his voice to inform his followers about the “illegal, U.S. backed” war in Yemen. In an informational video created in 2018, Ruffalo explains that the U.S. government has been providing Saudi Arabia with “fighter planes, missiles, training … and fuel” and even “actively assists with target selection for Saudi airstrikes.”
Ruffalo goes on to tell viewers that this is a U.S. war in Yemen unapproved by Congress. He urges his audience to call their representatives in support of the bipartisan effort of Senator Bernie Sanders and Senator Mike Lee, who launched an effort to expose the war in Yemen and shut it down as quickly as possible.
https://www.borgenmagazine.com/mark-ruffalo-calls-for-ending-the-humanitarian-crisis-in-yemen/
(A P)
Protest Rally in New York City Denouncing Continued Aggression, Siege on Yemen
https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=14458
(A H P)
10-Year-Old Reunites With Yemeni Family at SFO
http://en.adenpress.news/news/23823
Film: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=339837043697883
(A P)
Yemeni Community to Held Protest Friday in New York, Demanding to End War on Yemen
https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=14407
(A K P)
US-Außenminister Pompeo verteidigt Waffenverkäufe an Saudi Arabien
US-Außenminister Mike Pompeo hat Washingtons Waffenverkäufe an Saudi-Arabien verteidigt, nachdem ein Bericht besagt hatte, dass das Außenministerium das Risiko ziviler Todesfälle im vom Krieg heimgesuchten Jemen nicht richtig eingeschätzt habe.
Pompeo sagte am Mittwoch, dass sein Ministerium in Bezug auf Waffenverkäufe an Riad im Mai 2019 „alles vorschriftsmäßig“ getan habe. „Ich bin stolz auf die Arbeit meines Teams. Wir haben ein wirklich gutes Ergebnis erzielt. Wir haben den Verlust von Menschenleben verhindert“, behauptete er.
Pompeo machte die Bemerkungen als Antwort auf einen Bericht des Generalinspektors des Außenministeriums, in dem es hieß, "das Ministerium habe die Risiken nicht vollständig eingeschätzt und keine Maßnahmen zur Risikominderung ergriffen, um zivile Opfer und rechtliche Bedenken im Zusammenhang mit der Übergabe präzisionsgelenkter Bomben an die arabischen Länder am Persischen Golf zu verringern".
und
(* A K P)
Alles richtig gemacht – Laut Pompeo retten umstrittene Waffendeals mit Golfpartnern zivile Leben
Laut der Untersuchung einer internen Kontrollbehörde über kontroverse Waffenverkäufe in Höhe von mehr als acht Milliarden US-Dollar an Golfverbündete hat das US-Außenministerium es versäumt, das Risiko ziviler Opfer abzuwägen. Gesetze habe es nicht gebrochen.
Laut dem US-Außenministerium gibt es keine Bedenken, dass Außenminister Mike Pompeo gegen geltende Gesetz verstoßen oder sich nicht an Verfahrensvorgaben gehalten habe, als er in aller Eile – unter Umgehung des Parlaments – Rüstungsverkäufe in Höhe von über acht Milliarden US-Dollar an Saudi-Arabien, die Vereinigten Arabischen Emirate und Jordanien durchsetzte, welche im Jemen eine hohe Zahl ziviler Opfer fordern.
Der Bericht des Büros des Generalinspekteurs (OIG) des US-Außenministeriums, dessen komplette Veröffentlichung das Ministerium derzeit verweigert, machte jedoch deutlich, dass das Außenministerium es sowohl versäumt hat, die Auswirkungen solcher Verkäufe auf die gegenwärtige humanitäre Katastrophe im Jemen entsprechend zu bewerten, noch die notwendigen Schritte unternommen hat, die Zahl der Opfer unter der Zivilbevölkerung zu minimieren.
Die Kritik vom Kongress führte zu einer Untersuchung des Generalinspekteurs, auf dessen Basis nun mitgeteilt wurde, dass der Rüstungsverkauf ordnungsgemäß laut Waffenexportkontrollgesetz durchgeführt wurde. Das US-amerikanische Gesetz räumt dem Präsidenten und seinem Außenminister weitreichende Befugnisse ein, um zu definieren, was einen Notfall darstellt. Pompeos Begründung und damit die iranbezogene Notlage wurden nicht in dem Bericht geprüft. Allerdings ist damit die Kritik nicht vom Tisch, da humanitäre Normen übergangen und gewissermaßen getrickst wurde, um die enormen Verkäufe zu ermöglichen.
Der Generalinspekteur des Außenministeriums, Steve Linick, der die kontroversen Waffenverkäufe sowie andere Vorwürfe gegenüber Pompeo, wie die Verwendung öffentlicher Mittel zu persönlichen Zwecken, untersuchte, wurde von US-Präsident Trump im Mai dieses Jahres entlassen. Linick erwähnte später, dass leitende Mitglieder von Pompeos Team ihn traktiert hätten, durch den Versuch, seine Untersuchungen zu unterbinden, obwohl diese vom Kongress gefordert worden waren. Sein Nachfolger Stephen Akard – ein Mitarbeiter von Vizepräsident Mike Pence ohne Ermittlungserfahrung – trat nach weniger als drei Monaten im Amt kürzlich zurück, Berichten zufolge auf Druck des Capitol Hills.
Bei einer Pressekonferenz mit dem tschechischen Ministerpräsidenten am Mittwoch antwortete Pompeo auf die Frage eines Reporters zu dem Ergebnis der Untersuchung, dass er und das Außenministerium sehr einwandfrei gehandelt haben, während die Kritik an den Waffenverkäufen geradezu unverschämt sei.
Selbst bezüglich der Verluste von Menschenleben in der Zivilbevölkerung, welche das Außenministerium laut dem eher wohlwollenden Bericht nicht ausreichend erwogen habe, habe man laut Pompeo alles sehr "gut gemacht".
(A K P)
U.S. Secretary of State Pompeo defends Saudi arms sales after watchdog report
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Wednesday his department did everything by the book in regards to arms sales to Saudi Arabia in 2019 after a government watchdog found the risk of civilian casualties in Yemen was not fully evaluated.
His comments came after a State Department Inspector General report earlier this week concluded the state department did not fully evaluate the risk of civilian casualties in Yemen when it pushed through a huge 2019 precision-guided munitions sale to Saudi Arabia.
“We did everything by the book,” Pompeo told reporters during a news conference with the Czech prime minister. “I am proud of the work that my team did. We got a really good outcome. We prevented the loss of lives.”
My comment: LOL, LOL, LOL.
(* A K P)
Pompeo’s Arms Sales to Saudi Arabia Were Legal—but Heightened Risks of Civilian Casualties in Yemen
A State Department watchdog report concludes that Pompeo followed proper channels in sending arms to Saudi Arabia but faults the State Department for not assessing the humanitarian risks of such a move.
A keenly awaited report from the U.S. State Department’s internal watchdog found that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo used proper procedures to expedite arms sales to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates last year over congressional attempts to block the move.
But the report also found that the State Department did not properly assess the humanitarian impacts of shipping more weapons to Riyadh in the midst of the Saudi-led coalition’s involvement in Yemen’s ongoing civil war, marked by the indiscriminate bombing of civilians with U.S. munitions and by devastating humanitarian impacts.
The report, and the Office of Inspector General (OIG) itself, has become a key battleground between the Trump administration’s foreign-policy team and U.S. lawmakers ever since Pompeo overrode congressional opposition and approved the arms sales using an emergency declaration last year.
and
(* A K P)
Watchdog finds U.S. did not weigh civilian risks when pushing Saudi arms sales
The U.S. Department of State did not fully evaluate the risk of civilian casualties in Yemen when it pushed through a huge 2019 precision-guided munitions sale to Saudi Arabia, a government watchdog’s report said on Tuesday.
“OIG (the State Department Inspector General) found that the Department did not fully assess risks and implement mitigation measures to reduce civilian casualties and legal concerns associated with the transfer of PGMs included in the Secretary’s May 2019 emergency certification,” the report said.
Congress had requested an investigation into the Trump administration’s May 2019 decision to push ahead with $8 billion in military sales to Saudi Arabia and other countries, sidestepping the congressional review process by declaring an emergency over tensions with Iran.
Lawmakers had blocked some of the sales from concern that the Raytheon smart bombs and other equipment might contribute to the humanitarian catastrophe amid Yemen’s civil war.
The report did not take a position on whether the emergency declaration was merited, and said the State Department did not violate the Arms Export Control Act.
and also https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/aug/11/mike-pompeo-arms-sales-saudi-arabia-watchdog-report
cp9a USA-Iran Krise: Spannungen am Golf / US-Iran crisis: Tensions at the Gulf
(* A P)
UN soundly defeats US demand to extend arms embargo on Iran
The U.N. Security Council on Friday resoundingly defeated a U.S. resolution to indefinitely extend the U.N. arms embargo on Iran, with the Trump administration getting support from only the Dominican Republic but vowing further action to prevent Tehran’s sale and export of conventional weapons.
The vote in the 15-member council was two in favor, two against and 11 abstentions, leaving it far short of the minimum nine “yes” votes required for adoption. Russia and China strongly opposed the resolution, but didn’t need to use their vetoes.
The Trump administration has said repeatedly it will not allow the arms embargo provision in the Security Council resolution endorsing the 2015 nuclear agreement between Iran and six major powers to expire as scheduled Oct. 18.
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced the defeat of the resolution ahead of a very brief virtual council meeting to reveal the vote.
https://apnews.com/5e1fd7463f0d94edf87f94710b0609b0
and
(A P)
Iran says US 'has never been so isolated’ defeat at UNSC to extend arms ban
Iran says the United States has "never been so isolated" in the UN's 75-year history after Washington suffered a humiliating defeat at the Security Council as its resolution to extend an arms embargo on Tehran was overwhelmingly rejected.
In the 15-member UNSC vote on Friday, the US received support only from the Dominican Republic for its anti-Iran resolution, leaving it far short of the minimum nine "yes" votes required for adoption.
https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2020/08/15/631843/Iran-Abbas-Mousavi-US-isolated-UN-arms-embargo-
(A P)
Iran urges UNSC to stand up against US
Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations in a press release on Thursday called on the Security Council to withstand the US illegal move to extend arms embargo on Iran, saying that the US draft resolution is aimed at addressing the US domestic politics.
The US draft resolution, presented in gross violation of the Security Council Resolution 2231 is not related to the maintenance of international peace and security whatsoever, the press release said.
It has targeted the integrity, authority and credibility of the Security Council, and by extension, the United Nations as well as multilateralism, rule of law and diplomacy, it added.
https://en.irna.ir/news/83906690/Iran-urges-UNSC-to-stand-up-against-US
(* A P)
Officials: U.S. seizes Iranian gas heading for Venezuela
The Trump administration has seized the cargo of four tankers it was targeting for transporting Iranian fuel to Venezuela, U.S. officials said Thursday, as it steps up its campaign of maximum pressure against the two heavily sanctioned allies.
Last month, federal prosecutors in Washington filed a civil forfeiture complaint alleging that the sale was arranged by a businessman, Mahmoud Madanipour, with ties to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps, a U.S.-designated foreign terrorist organization. At the time, sanctions experts thought it would be impossible to enforce the U.S. court order in international waters.
A senior U.S. official told The Associated Press that no military force was used in the seizures and that the ships weren’t physically confiscated. Rather, U.S. officials threatened ship owners, insurers and captains with sanction to force them to hand over their cargo, which now becomes U.S. property, the official said.
Prosecutors alleged the four ships were transporting to Venezuela 1.1 million barrels of gasoline. But the tankers never arrived at the South American country and then went missing. Two of the ships later reappeared near Cape Verde, a second U.S. official said.
Iran’s ambassador to Venezuela, Hojad Soltani, pushed back on what would appear a victory for the U.S. sanctions campaign, saying Thursday on Twitter that neither the ships nor their owners were Iranian.
“This is another lie and act of psychological warfare perpetrated by the U.S. propaganda machine,” Soltani said. “The terrorist #Trump cannot compensate for his humiliation and defeat by Iran using false propaganda.”
It is not clear where the vessels — the Bella, Bering, Pandi and Luna — or their cargoes currently are.
https://apnews.com/e5514c47f5fbf3f9436897072cf37491
and also https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-seizes-iranian-fuel-cargoes-for-first-time-11597352574
My comment: Piracy, new style.
But from Iran:
(* A P)
Report of US seizure of Iranian fuel cargoes false
A report that the United States has seized Iranian fuel cargoes aboard ships bound for Venezuela is false, an informed Iranian source has told Press TV.
The informed source explained on Friday that the fuel shipments in question had already been purchased and paid for and that neither the vessels carrying them nor the shipments themselves were related to Iran.
https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2020/08/14/631809/Iran-fuel-seize-US-Venezuela
(* B P)
Tomgram: Bob Dreyfuss, Could Covert War With Iran Become Overt Before November 3rd?
October Surprise
Will War with Iran Be Trump’s Election Eve Shocker?
Was Donald Trump’s January 3rd drone assassination of Major General Qasem Soleimani the first step in turning the simmering Cold War between the United States and Iran into a hot war in the weeks before an American presidential election? Of course, there’s no way to know, but behind by double digits in most national polls and flanked by ultra-hawkish Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Trump is a notoriously impetuous and erratic figure.
Much of that concern arises from the fact that, across Iran, things have been blowing up or catching fire in ways that have seemed both mysterious and threatening.
“Some officials say that a joint American-Israeli strategy is evolving -- some might argue regressing -- to a series of short-of-war clandestine strikes,” concluded another report in the Times.
Some of this sabotage has been conducted against the backdrop of a two-year-old “very aggressive” CIA action plan to engage in offensive cyber attacks against that country
Consider it beyond irony if, this October, the latest election “surprise” were to take us back to the very origins of the term in the form of some kind of armed conflict that could only end terribly for everyone involved. It’s a formula for disaster and like so many other things, when it comes to Donald J. Trump, it can’t be ruled out.
(A P)
US says Iran briefly seizes oil tanker near Strait of Hormuz
The Iranian navy boarded and briefly seized a Liberian-flagged oil tanker near the strategic Strait of Hormuz amid heightened tensions between Tehran and the U.S., the American military said Thursday.
The U.S. military’s Central Command published a black-and-white video showing what appeared to be special forces fast-roping down from a helicopter onto the MT Wila, whose last position appeared to be off the eastern coast of the United Arab Emirates near the city of Khorfakkan.
The Iranian navy held the vessel for some five hours before releasing it Wednesday, said a U.S. military official
https://apnews.com/3f1f614a05e9ad1efce8f422cfee3189
(A P)
US maliciously working to use UN itself to destroy world body: Iran FM
Iran’s foreign minister says the US is “maliciously” working to destroy the United Nations using the world body itself, as Washington steps up an unlawful push at the Security Council to get approval for a resolution on extending an arms ban against Tehran.
(A P)
Iran’s president, FM lash out at new US push on arms embargo
Iran’s president and foreign minister lashed out on Wednesday at a revised proposal by the U.S. that would extend a U.N. arms embargo on Iran indefinitely, the latest in the Trump administration’s maximum pressure policy against Iran.
https://apnews.com/a8b040bf156501e5c3bf64e88d30a889
(* A P)
US revises UN resolution to extend UN arms embargo on Iran
The United States on Tuesday circulated a revised resolution that would extend a U.N. arms embargo on Iran indefinitely, seeking to gain more support in the 15-member Security Council where veto-wielding Russia and China have voiced strong opposition.
U.S. Ambassador Kelly Craft said the new draft “takes council views into account and simply does what everyone knows should be done — extend the arms embargo to prevent Iran from freely buying and selling conventional weapons.”
“It is only common sense that the world’s #1 state sponsor of terror not be given the means of unleashing even greater harm on the world,”
https://apnews.com/f8ccdc444e952d007e277e922a876bd4
My comment: LOL. Keep in mind: „world’s #1 state sponsor of terror“ obviously is the US.
(A K P)
US says blast hits Iraq convoy, border attack claim false
An explosion targeted a U.S.-led coalition convoy in Iraq on Tuesday and caused no casualties, just hours after a newly formed Shiite militant group falsely claimed bombing a similar convoy at the Iraq-Kuwait border, the American military said.
https://apnews.com/2fdd550f5382066bcfd031fe69d65e14
(A P)
Iran’s IRGC reveals ‘main reason’ Qassem Soleimani was assassinated
The head of the Political Bureau of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Yadallah Jawani, revealed the “main reason” for the assassination of the commander of the Quds Force, General Qassem Soleimani, by the U.S., claiming that “it was a strategic goal through which they sought to stop the resistance in the region and change the course of developments that were in the interest of the resistance.”
cp10 Großbritannien / Great Britain
(A P)
Q: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, with reference to her Written Statement of 7 July 2020 on Trade Update, how many and what proportion of alleged incidents of violations of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) in Yemen examined by her Department under the revised methodology have been classed as possible breaches of IHL.
A: Assessments use all available sources of information – including some that are necessarily confidential and sensitive – so we are not able to provide details of the assessments.
Overall, there were a small number of incidents that have been treated – for the purposes of our analysis – as violations of International Humanitarian Law (IHL). However, these were isolated incidents that do not display any particular pattern, and our analysis shows that Saudi Arabia has a genuine intent and the capacity to comply both with IHL and the specific commitments it has made.
My comment: LOL!!! Simply avoiding reality.
(A P)
Newcastle takeover: Fans from city's Arab community welcome Saudi bid's collapse
South Shields residents of Arab descent reject Newcastle United's 'deal with the devil', citing Gulf nation's human rights record and role in the Yemen war
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/newcastle-saudi-takeover-arab-fans-welcome-collapse (* B K P)
Twenty children killed in Yemen since UK resumed selling bombs to Saudi Arabia
Twenty children have been killed in Yemen since the UK government resumed arms sales to Saudi Arabia just over one month ago.
We reported in July that Liz Truss MP, secretary of state for international trade, announced that weaponry sales to Saudi Arabia would resume despite concerns over the potential for further atrocities in Yemen.
All parties to Yemen’s war have committed war crimes, according to the UN, which said the US, Britain, France and Iran could be complicit in abuses by providing intelligence and logistics support, and by making arms transfers that were of “questionable legitimacy”.
https://theferret.scot/children-killed-yemen-uk-arms-sales-saudi-arabia/
cp12 Andere Länder / Other countries
Kuwait: cp1
(A P)
Russian authorities arrest six Yemeni officers in Moscow
Russian authorities on Wednesday arrested six Yemeni officers (military academies students) following information from the Yemeni embassy in the Russian capital Moscow.
"The Russian authorities dealt repressively with the Yemeni officers," private source told Debriefer, "after protests calling for overdue payables.
https://debriefer.net/en/news-19127.html
(* B P)
Mohammed bin Zayed: UAE strongman who normalized ties with Israel
Despite low profile, crown prince’s strategy has been clear in recent years as Abu Dhabi builds profile as regional player, siding with US, Saudi against Iran’s nuclear program.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, the first Gulf leader to strike a deal normalizing relations with Israel, has long been seen as a strongman who has driven the UAE’s rise to diplomatic prominence.
A trained soldier and soccer fan, Sheikh Mohammed has for years been the quiet power behind the throne of Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates.
Despite a low profile, and his apparent reluctance to speak in public, his ambition has been on display in recent years as the UAE built its profile as a regional player.
He is widely believed to have taken the decision to deploy boots on the ground in Yemen in 2015 as part of a Saudi-led military campaign against Iran-backed Shiite Huthi rebels.
The Yemen war marked the first protracted military campaign abroad for the UAE and the first time it had to contend with military casualties, with dozens of Emirati soldiers killed.
Although the crown prince does not often speak in public — he left the November 2017 inaugural speech of the Louvre Abu Dhabi to Dubai ruler Mohammed bin Rashid — his reach into the political sphere cannot be underestimated.
Under his leadership, Abu Dhabi has fostered trade and political ties across the region — including, to a limited extent, with Shiite Iran — but has sided with the US against Tehran’s nuclear program and with Saudi Arabia on its role in the mainly Sunni Arab world.
Sheikh Mohammed also took the lead on a staunch no-mercy domestic security policy.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/mohammed-bin-zayed-uae-strongman-who-normalized-ties-with-israel/
(* A B P)
Israel und Emirate neue beste Freunde. Das ist zwiespältig.
Ein Friedensschluss zwischen Verfeindeten ist ein Grund zum Feiern. Doch der Erfolg im Nahen Osten ist nicht leicht einzuordnen.
Weshalb diese Ambivalenz, als Israel und die Vereinigten Arabischen Emirate (VAE) verkündeten, sie hätten sich entschlossen, diplomatische Beziehungen miteinander aufzunehmen, also Frieden zu schliessen?
Lassen wir uns auf folgendes Spiel ein: Wir betrachten alles aus verschiedenen Blickwinkeln, aus jenem Israels (respektive Netanyahus), jenem der Vereinigten Arabischen Emirate VAE (respektive deren Herrscherfamilie), dann aus der Perspektive der Palästinenser, der USA und zu guter Letzt aus einem abstrakten Blickwinkel.
Unparteiischer Blick legt das Problem offen
Zum Schluss eine Reflexion aus übergeordneter Perspektive: So schön und gut Friedensverträge sind, so problematisch bleibt etwas Grundsätzliches: Nämlich die implizite Anerkennung der Besetzung von erobertem Territorium, konkret also des palästinensischen Westjordanlands. Ja, ich weiss, man kann argumentieren, die Herrschaft über dieses Gebiet sei schon vor dem Sechstagekrieg 1967 unklar gewesen, die Kontrolle über noch viel mehr Regionen habe nach dem Ende des Osmanischen Reichs reiner Willkür unterstanden. Man kann Grenzen im ganzen Nahen und Mittleren Osten mit Verweis auf die Geschichte in Frage stellen – aber der generelle internationale Konsens lautet eben doch dahin, dass das, was durch frühe UNO-Beschlüsse abgesegnet worden ist, nicht nachträglich in Frage gestellt werden kann. Sonst würde man das gesamte komplexe System zumindest in Nah- und Mittelost auflösen. Wäre man da wirklich konsequent, müsste auch die Gründung Israels durch die Vereinten Nationen in Frage gestellt werden. Und das will ja nun wirklich (fast) niemand. Wer sich aber diese Grundsätze zu eigen macht, muss auch erkennen: Israel besetzt seit 1967 fremdes Territorium, jenes der Palästinenser. Und wer Israel jetzt diplomatisch anerkennt, wie die Vereinigten Arabischen Emirate das eben beabsichtigen, sagt Ja zum Prinzip der Eroberung fremden Territoriums.
Was mich zur Randfrage führt: Mit welchen Argumenten will die so genannte internationale Gemeinschaft inskünftig die Annexion der Krim durch Russland als rechtswidrig deklarieren? – von Erich Gysling
https://www.infosperber.ch/Artikel/Politik/Israel-und-Emirate-neue-beste-Freunde-Das-ist-zwiespaltig
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Israel, UAE announce normalisation of relations with US help
Israel and UAE to establish full diplomatic ties, with Tel Aviv saying it will halt the annexation of Palestinian lands.
Israel and the United Arab Emirates have reached an agreement - brokered by the United States - to work towards a "full normalisation of relations", a deal the Palestinians called a "treacherous stab in the back".
Under the agreement announced by the US President Donald Trump on Thursday, Israel said it has agreed to suspend the annexation of Palestinian lands in the occupied West Bank.
and also https://apnews.com/abcb0ed9a84e2d3da7d87c28641ccc21
https://www.arabnews.com/node/1718936/middle-east
and
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Don’t be hoodwinked by Trump’s UAE-Israel ‘peace deal’
But the new Israel-UAE partnership should fool no one. Though it will supposedly stave off Israeli annexation of the West Bank and encourage tourism and trade between both countries, in reality, it is nothing more than a scheme to give an Arab stamp of approval to Israel’s status quo of land theft, home demolitions, arbitrary extrajudicial killings, apartheid laws, and other abuses of Palestinian rights.
The deal should be seen in the context of over three years of Trump administration policies that have tightened Israel’s grip on the Palestinians: moving the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, recognizing the Golan Heights as Israeli territory, and creating a so-called peace plan with no Palestinian participation or input. While no U.S. administration has successfully brokered a resolution to Israel’s now 53-year-long occupation, the Trump years have been especially detrimental to the Palestinian cause.
https://www.alternet.org/2020/08/dont-be-hoodwinked-by-trumps-uae-israel-peace-deal/
and
(A P)
Ex-US ambassador Gerald Feierstein: Israel-UAE under-the-table cooperation has been an open secret for years. This agreement only formalizes that relationship. It doesn’t change the dynamics in the Is-Pal conflict and it won’t influence US voters, 90% of whom couldn’t find UAE on a map.
https://twitter.com/j_feierstein/status/1294286361445490690
(A P)
Joint statement of the United States, the State of Israel and the United Arab Emirates
President Donald J. Trump, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, spoke today and agreed to the full normalisation of relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates.
This historic diplomatic breakthrough will advance peace in the Middle East region and is a testament to the bold diplomacy and vision of the three leaders and the courage of the United Arab Emirates and Israel to chart a new path that will unlock the great potential in the region. All three countries face many common challenges and will mutually benefit from today’s historic achievement.
Delegations from Israel and the United Arab Emirates will meet in the coming weeks to sign bilateral agreements regarding investment, tourism, direct flights, security, telecommunications, technology, energy, healthcare, culture, the environment, the establishment of reciprocal embassies, and other areas of mutual benefit. Opening direct ties between two of the Middle East's most dynamic societies and advanced economies will transform the region by spurring economic growth, enhancing technological innovation, and forging closer people-to-people relations.
As a result of this diplomatic breakthrough and at the request of President Trump with the support of the United Arab Emirates, Israel will suspend declaring sovereignty over areas outlined in the President’s Vision for Peace and focus its efforts now on expanding ties with other countries in the Arab and Muslim world. The United States, Israel and the United Arab Emirates are confident that additional diplomatic breakthroughs with other nations are possible, and will work together to achieve this goal.
http://www.wam.ae/en/details/1395302862090
Comment by Carl Bildt: Slightly less positive is of course that Israel PM Netanyahu says that annexation has only been temporarily suspended. One can see a battle of words coming when the two sides sit down to put agreements on paper.
https://twitter.com/carlbildt/status/1293992256052043776
and
(A P)
As UAE hails Israel accord, silence from Saudi Arabia
As media and people in the United Arab Emirates hailed the Gulf state’s deal to normalise relations with Israel as a diplomatic victory that helps the Palestinians, silence reigned in Saudi Arabia, longtime figurehead of regional policy towards Israel.
Analysts see the surprise UAE-Israel agreement announced on Thursday as a strategic boost for the UAE’s regional and global standing that could put it ahead of its powerful Saudi neighbour and ally, especially in critical relations with Washington.
and
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Palestinians say UAE deal hinders quest for Mideast peace
https://apnews.com/c11ee9c2d7489040ebe255d593e7b574
and
(A P)
Freeze on annexation of Palestinian territories a significant diplomatic achievement: Anwar Gargash
http://www.wam.ae/en/details/1395302862097
and
(A P)
Netanyahu: ‘New era’ in Israel’s relations with Arab world
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the announcement that full diplomatic ties will be established with the United Arab Emirates has ushered in a “new era” in Israel’s relations with the Arab world.
In a nationally broadcast statement delivered on Thursday, Netanyahu said the “full and official peace” with the UAE would lead to cooperation in many spheres between the countries and a “wonderful future” for citizens of both countries.
https://apnews.com/abcb0ed9a84e2d3da7d87c28641ccc21
and
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Pro-Israel US lobby hails UAE-Israel ties
https://apnews.com/f8ee811ebc268c6ef954f53da4af6891
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Yemen official arrested in Egypt for possession of over $1m
cp12b Sudan
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Egyptian Prime Minister Visits Sudan as Talks on Disputed Ethiopian Dam on Nile Stall
(A P)
More tribal clashes in Sudanese port city; death toll at 25
https://apnews.com/c3aa70604253fba52bd22c15dfa7556d
and
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Sudan imposes curfew in eastern city after clashes kill 13
The fighting in Port Sudan in the Red Sea province erupted earlier this week between the Beni Amer tribe and the displaced Nuba tribe. It wasn’t the first time the two tribes clashed in Port Sudan or elsewhere in the county.
https://apnews.com/b96603033dc2a588eb05a0f8272b48bc
cp13a Mercenaries / Söldner
(? B K P)
How Sudanese Mercenaries Fuel the Conflicts in Yemen and Libya
In 2015, Sudan became involved in Operation Firmness Storm, the Saudi-led campaign to dislodge the Houthi rebels in Yemen. Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, who seized power in a military coup in 1989, said his country’s intervention would help restore the power of the legitimate government of President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi after the Houthis captured the capital, Sanaa, in September 2014. Knowing that this reasoning wouldn’t resonate […] [subscribers only]
https://geopoliticalfutures.com/how-sudanese-mercenaries-fuel-the-conflicts-in-yemen-and-libya/
cp13b Kulturerbe / Cultural heritage
(A)
Taiz Military Police foils smuggling 3,000-year-old antiquities
http://en.26sepnews.net/2020/08/16/taiz-military-police-foils-smuggling-3000-year-old-antiquities/
(* A)
Historic houses in Sanaa's Old City on brink of collapse after heavy rains
Residents call on Unesco to help preserve Yemeni city's famous mud buildings, many dating from before the 11th century
The persistent rains, which began in April, have damaged hundreds of homes, including many of the mud houses in Sanaa's Old City that were built before the 11th century and are famous for their decorated facades.
Around 5,000 of the towering buildings in the old city have leaky roofs, and 107 have partially collapsed roofs, according to Aqeel Sales Nassar, deputy head of the National Committee for Historic Cities Preservation.
The committee has called on the United Nations' conservation agency to urgently intervene to save the Old City, which was designated a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1986 and described as "an outstanding example of a homogeneous architectural ensemble reflecting the spatial characteristics of the early years of Islam".
"Today, this global city is facing a real catastrophe that threatens its existence," the committee stated.
Different priorities
Due to its world heritage status, any changes made to the Old City's ancient houses might lead to it being taken off the Unesco list, according to a source at the culture office in Sanaa.
"The restoration of houses with a modern version isn't allowed in the Old City as this is a part of history of the entire Yemen, more than just the fortune of one person," the source, who wished to remain anonymous as he was not authorised to speak to the media, told MEE.
He acknowledged that due to the dire situation on the ground, some residents prioritise building shelters over preserving the city's heritage.
"I know people are suffering, and they are facing a horrific time seeing their homes collapse with no one helping them. But we have called on Unesco and hope they will respond soon."
Authorities would prefer not to take any action in the Old City until Unesco intervenes, so that everything is carried out under the agency's supervision, he said.
'We need help'
Across the Old City, residents try to repair their homes with no help from authorities, mindful that any structural change to the historic architecture could strip the city of its coveted Unesco designation.
The city’'s multi-storey houses, built from gypsum (a sulphate used in many forms of plaster) and fired bricks, have been inhabited for more than 2,500 years.
To preserve such heritage, residents re-enforce their houses with mud for the walls, wood for the roof, and tarpaulines for protection from the weather's elements.
"We are proud to be residents of this historical city, where you can find both good people and deep history," Ahmed Sanhani told Middle East Eye.
"However, as you can see, the Old City is witnessing some of its worst days, with rains constantly damaging the old houses, and we can't do anything to stop it."
In some areas, security forces are standing by to warn people not to go near damaged houses, which could crumble suddenly.
"Our safety is first, so the occupants of the affected houses have left their homes in case they collapse," Sanhani said.
He called on Unesco to restore the old houses that cannot withstand heavy rains, as they are not allowed to repair or rebuild with modern materials like cement and stones.
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/yemen-sanaa-heavy-rains-historic-houses-collapse
(* A)
Yemen's heritage battered first by bombs, then floods
Muddy waters lap overfoot in Sanaa's Old City, inhabited without interruption for more than 2,500 years but now facing disaster after floods that threaten the collapse of irreplaceable houses.
The deluge risks finishing off the destruction of its distinctive buildings with their ochre brick facades and white latticework windows, experts say.
The foundations were already weakened by bombings in Yemen's long war.
In the capital Sanaa, 106 buildings, including five in the Old City, have been destroyed so far and 156 damaged, a source at the Huthi health ministry told AFP.
With water still lapping at the fragile structures, many of which have had no maintenance for years, there are fears that others will tumble.
"Our homes are made with earth walls. We hope civil society groups will find a solution for us," said Mohammed al-Khamissi, a young resident of the Old City.
The extent of the damage can be blamed on years of "negligence and a lack of maintenance", said Doaa al-Wassiei, an official with the authority that manages Yemen's historic towns.
"Sanaa is literally melting. The bombings which struck the town have made the foundations fragile. The rain has come to finish off whatever was left," said Wassiei, who is also a member of a heritage protection group.
"Undoubtedly budgets are squeezed because of the war but this is about our identity, and just as we defend our country, so we must defend our identity."
She called for more coordination between government and civil society groups involved in conservation.
The work of those involved in protecting the nation's heritage was being hampered by dysfunction and a lack of political will.
https://today.rtl.lu/news/world/a/1563904.html
(* A)
Yemen: Sanaa's Old City Sleeps in Fear
Sanaa's Old City, inhabited without interruption for more than 2,500 years is literally melting.
The deluge risks finishing off the destruction of its distinctive buildings with their ochre brick facades and white latticework windows, experts say. The foundations were already weakened by bombings in Yemen's long war (photos)
https://www.albawaba.com/slideshow/yemen-sanaas-old-city-sleeps-fear-1374515
(* A)
More than 1000 years Old Yemeni Buildings in ancient village collapse
Dozens of houses have collapsed in an ancient village west of the Yemeni capital Sana’a, due to heavy rains in recent days.
According to the local sources, 57 of the 100 houses in the historic village of Bani Bashir in Hamedan district collapsed.
The construction of this ancient village dates back to the Yu’firids state, which was taken from Shibam and Kukaban as its capital during the period 847-997 AD. (photos)
https://uprising.today/more-than-1000-years-old-yemeni-buildings-in-ancient-village-collapse/
(* A P)
UNESCO Mobilizes Funds and Expertise to Safeguard Yemen’s Cultural Heritage
Along with its international partners, UNESCO has been mobilizing resources and expertise to safeguard Yemen’s cultural heritage by implementing a number of projects with a focus on urban rehabilitation of private houses and capacity building for the local authorities.
The Yemeni historical centers of Aden, Sana’a, Shibam, and Zabid are benefitting from an ongoing cash-for-work project funded by the European Union and implemented in partnership with the Social Fund for Development (SFD) and specialized local authorities. The project activities actively safeguard private houses and public spaces in the four cities and create income opportunities for 4,000 youth inhabitants, with more than 30 ongoing working sites in the Old City of Sana’a alone. The three-year project is continually adapting to the changing needs of the targeted cities.
https://en.unesco.org/news/unesco-mobilizes-funds-and-expertise-safeguard-yemens-cultural-heritage
and
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Situation Update: UNESCO’s Response to Torrential Rain Damage in Yemen’s Historical Centres
Based on a damage assessment conducted with the General Organization for the Preservation of Historic Cities in Yemen (GOPHCY) and the Social Fund for Development (SFD) at the beginning of the European Funded cash-for-work project, 129 buildings were identified for intervention in the Old City of Sanaa. UNESCO with its local partners developed a rigorous selection criterion to identify the buildings with the most urgent interventions over three phased workplan. The first phase of intervention ended before Eid Al-Adha holiday with successfully protecting 40 buildings from collapse. Without such interventions, the buildings would have been extremely vulnerable to the extreme weather conditions.
Nonetheless, the recent climate crisis has exacerbated the situation by increasing the number of damaged buildings in the old city. UNESCO has been coordinating with the specialized local authorities and local partners to assess the situation and identify avenues of intervention. According to GOPHCY’s initial assessment, 3 buildings which were not occupied and have been neglected for a number of years have totally collapsed; partial collapse of a single occupited building; 50 buildings have incurred serious damage to their roofs; 111 buildings have an opening in their roofs of a diameter less than 1 meter; approximately 2000 building have suffered from water leakages; and 2 limited segments of the wall of the city were partially damaged.
As a result of the incurred damage, UNESCO and its local partners are finalizing the preparations to start rehabilitation activities in 40 new buildings in the next few days in addition to rehabilitation activities on vulnerable segments of the city wall. The selection of the new sites of intervention is based on the severity of the damage incurred during the recent climate crisis and the established workplans with the local specialized authorities. UNESCO is keen to scale up its interventions in the city in the coming few days to target more buildings by diverting available funds from other activities and focusing on emergency response.
The other two World Heritage sites of Shibam and Zabid have incurred levels of damage less than the observed levels in the Old City of Sanaa. Nonetheless, UNESCO started working in the two cities with providing emergency restorations and repairs in houses, city walls and public areas. Re-assessment of needs based on recent events are ongoing to assure adequate response together with its local partners.
Considering the limitations of available fund and the large magnitude of damage, UNESCO’s ongoing interventions to safeguard Yemen’s cultural heritage are of rehabilitation nature.
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Responding to #ClimateCrisis in #Yemen, @UNESCO, @SFDYemen, #GOPHCY are launching emergency interventions in 40 new buildings in the Old City of #Sanaa under the @EUinYemen generous support employing 100s of #youth.
As part of the @EUinYemen funded #CashforWork project, @UNESCO, @SFDYemen & #GOPHCY protected 40 vulnerable historical bldg. from collapse during #ClimateCrisis. Some of the affected bldg. by the heavy rain were part of planned interventions after Eid Al-Adha break
GOPHCY’s initial assmt. in #Sanaa: 3 vacant bldg. collapsed; partial collapse of 1 occupied bldg.; 50 bldg. have serious damage of top roof; 111 bldg. have a damage in their roofs (less than 1 m2); approx. 2000 bldg. have water leakages; & 2 limited sites of the wall.
#Shibam & #Zabid has less levels of damage than #Sanaa. @UNESCO & partners stared working in the 2 cities by providing emergency restorations and repairs in houses, city walls and public areas. Re-assessment of needs based on recent events is ongoing for adequate response.
https://twitter.com/UNESCO_GCCYemen/status/1293668642882756608
and
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Yemen in Focus: Only a ceasefire can save 2,500-year-old heritage sites
Yemen's historic architecture can only be saved through a much-needed ceasefire, experts have warned, as the country's heritage faces risks of destruction amid weeks of torrential rain and flooding.
After years of conflict, UNESCO heritage sites across the country, including in Shibam further east, renowned for its high-rise mud-brick skyscrapers, as well as the Old Sanaa City and the 8th-century Marib Dam, now face imminent risk of damage or collapse due to natural causes.
"The collapse of historic edifices in Sanaa, Zabid, and Shibam requires an urgent intervention to prevent further destruction. However, most of Yemen's historic sites will require complete restorations that can only be executed during the cessation of hostilities," Sama'a Al-Hamdani, founder and director of The Yemen Cultural Institute for Heritage & the Arts [YCIHA] told The New Arab.
The UN body vowed to scale up its interventions in Sanaa in the coming few days to target more buildings by diverting available funds from other activities and focusing on emergency response.
In Shibam and Zabid, where less damage was reported, UNESCO said it began work to provide emergency restorations and repairs in houses, city walls and public areas.
But Al-Hamdani said current efforts would only provide temporary relief in a country impatiently waiting for a real breakthrough.
"Like the Yemeni population, Yemen's heritage has sustained armed conflict and natural disasters; however, the status quo is not sustainable and will result in devastation," Al-Hamdani said.
"Yemen's culture is hugely under threat, and any current 'rescue' efforts will yield temporary fixes in the absence of real peace.
"Many protection efforts are managed virtually and are underfunded. Yemenis can no longer rely on foreign aid or donors to rescue their cultural antiquities. As private businessmen funds continue to support many restoration efforts, it is time to enable young grassroots Yemenis to preserve their own culture," she added.
(* A)
Photos: After war, floods now threaten Yemen’s UNESCO heritage sites
(-)
Photo: Good morning from Beer Alazab, Sanaa. Can't get bored looking at such buildings!!
https://twitter.com/HanaalShowafi/status/1293085977066582016
(* C)
24 photos from Thula, Yemen
https://www.raoul-kieffer.net/de/Thula
cp13c Wirtschaft / Economy
(* B E)
UNDERSTANDING ECONOMIC INSTITUTIONS IN YEMEN
The lack of formal economic institutions in Yemen solidifies the nation’s position as one of the poorest countries in the Middle East and in the world. Its violent civil war largely prevents the development of economic structures and impedes infrastructure improvement. Furthermore, conflict with Houthi rebels, the insurgency group opposing the Yemeni military, destabilized Yemen’s crucial hydrocarbon exports. This has significantly damaged government revenue and forced a broad suspension of fundamental public services. Consequently, the economic structures that are present in Yemen remain informal and underdeveloped.
During the civil war, the Houthis seized the opportunity for profit maximization through illegal methods to solidify their regional occupation. Opportunities arose in the most informal economic institution: the black market. Arms manufacturing, food smuggling, consumer goods and drugs, human trafficking and military leaders pocketing troops’ salaries and food allowances all contribute to Yemen’s economic instability.
Future economic prospects depend on the political situation in Yemen. While the past few years have shown some optimistic growth, a recent surge of violence by the Houthis in the temporary capital of Aden puts further stress on the fragile macroeconomic circumstances. Predictions for the next two years determine that the economy will grow between 2% to 2.5% annually, yet these rates are far below what is necessary for the reconstruction and human development.
Economic instability causes the nation to rely on financial assistance from neighboring Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, its resource bank of oil and gas production nearly stopped at the outbreak of civil war in 2015. In late 2018, Yemen’s economy gave an indication of stabilization as the GDP growth neared positive, a stark contrast from the economic loss of 40% that occurred between 2014 and 2017. While the oil and gas industry has seen production increases, the destruction since the conflict began continues to leave many Yemenis without a stable income. The U.N. estimates that 55% of the entire Yemeni workforce has lost employment since the beginning of the civil war.
https://borgenproject.org/tag/economic-institutions-in-yemen/
(* A E)
Yemeni riyal continues to decline in southern provinces
The Yemeni riyal exchange rate on Saturday continued to decline against foreign currency in the southern provinces, recording 789 riyals per dollar in Aden, and 774 riyals in Hadramout province.
Meanwhile, the exchange rate of the Yemeni riyal continued to recover in the capital Sanaa, reaching 601 riyals per dollar.
The average price of the dollar on the black market reached 605 riyals, while the exchange rate of one dollar in the Central Bank in Sanaa remained stable at 250.50 riyals per dollar.
http://en.ypagency.net/184920/
(A E P)
Riyadh OKs withdrawal from Saudi deposit to boost Yemeni economy
Riyadh has approved the 38th withdrawal from the Saudi deposit, the Yemeni official government-run supreme economic council (SEC) tweeted on Tuesday.
The US$ 61.5-million-worth payment is aimed to cover applications for documentary credits to import basic goods and secure their delivery to people across Yemen at affordable prices, it added in a statement.
The new payment will help withdraw Yemeni cash of nearly 40 billion rials, which means increasing the demand on local currency at exchange market, boosting its value and curbing exchange rates speculations, it said.
https://debriefer.net/en/news-19104.html
cp14 Terrorismus / Terrorism
(A T)
Jemen: Al-Kaida-Anhänger töten und kreuzigen Zahnarzt
Nach Behördenangaben vom Sonntag verdächtigten die Islamisten den Mann, für die Regierung spioniert und bei US-Drohnenangriffen auf Al-Kaida-Kämpfer geholfen zu haben.
Demnach erschossen Al-Kaida-Mitglieder den Mediziner am Samstag im Bezirk Somaa in der zentralen Provinz Al-Baida und kreuzigten seine Leiche an einer Mauer des Gesundheitszentrums, in dem er seine Praxis hatte.
https://www.stol.it/artikel/chronik/jemen-al-kaida-anhaenger-toeten-und-kreuzigen-zahnarzt
Film: https://twitter.com/aalnaasi/status/1294575067830124544 = https://twitter.com/h_alsarare/status/1294593701499592704
Photo: https://twitter.com/GhamdanAlyosifi/status/1294590964657467392 = https://twitter.com/SuaadS/status/1294589944430723072
(A T)
Qaeda militants execute Yemeni dentist in central Baydha
The Yemeni central city of Baydha saw early on Friday an awful terrorist crime committed by al-Qaeda militants, who crucified and executed a dentist working for the Sawma'a medical center.
Dr. Mutahar al-Youssefi (40) worked as a dentist for years in Baydha city before he was abducted and killed by militants.
Qaeda posted on its social media a footage showing their victim as confessing that he had been recruited as an agent by the national security to plant chips used to trace and target Qaeda jihadists by US drones, and that he had taken photos of women visiting his clinic to blackmail them.
The confessions were extracted under duress and torture, say activists and observers
https://debriefer.net/en/news-19176.html
and (in Arabic), photo: https://almashhadalkhaleeji.com/news11922.html
Film: https://twitter.com/aalnaasi/status/1294575067830124544 = https://twitter.com/h_alsarare/status/1294593701499592704
Photo: https://twitter.com/GhamdanAlyosifi/status/1294590964657467392 = https://twitter.com/SuaadS/status/1294589944430723072
(A T)
Daesh #ISIL #ISIL acknowledges #Houthi attacks on their areas in Gayfa al-Bayda
https://twitter.com/BashaReport/status/1294630033068363776
(A T)
Latest #ISIS bulletin embellishes this week's *alleged* crop of attacks in #Yemen (listed in tweet below) by adding: On 8/7, Houthi vehicles were fired on, encircled & blockaded for a whole day on Bahran Road, according to a "private source" (i.e. not posted on formal ISIS wires)
https://twitter.com/Dr_E_Kendall/status/1294349623818149888
and
(A T)
So-called #ISIS in #Yemen claims various minor attacks on Houthis in Qayfa, their 1st so far in August (tho 2 photosets released Aug2&4) 8/9 Fired at vehicle on Bahran Rd 8/11 Heavy weapon vs vehicle near 'Annah 8/11 Attack on 2 positions in 'Annah killed 1 8/12 Clashes killed 3
https://twitter.com/Dr_E_Kendall/status/1293613922491289602
(* B T)
Assessing the Position of Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula
The outbreak of COVID-19 in Yemen is plunging the war-torn country into further havoc. In this context, the new leader of al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), Khalid bin Umar Batarfi, is preparing to exploit the health crisis and Yemen’s political chaos to his advantage.
From the perspective of al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), Yemen’s COVID-19 crisis and the instability stemming from the country’s “southern question” represent opportunities as well as threats. AQAP’s future will largely depend on Khalid bin Umar Batarfi, who became the group’s new leader after a US drone strike killed his predecessor, Qasim al-Raymi, at the start of this year.
Batarfi looks poised to take advantage of the new forms of chaos in Yemen to revive AQAP’s status as an internationally feared terror group. Worryingly for Washington, Batarfi was already in charge of the group’s external operations when AQAP claimed responsibility for orchestrating last year’s deadly shooting at US Naval Air Station Pensacola in Florida.
AQAP is well positioned to benefit from such mismanagement of the health crisis. The Houthi leadership views the virus mainly as a threat to its resources, and underestimates how failing to respond to it can easily undermine their popular support base in the north. Meanwhile, from its exile in Saudi Arabia, the Hadi administration is not proving capable of doing anything to effectively cope with the pathogen.
There is good reason to worry about AQAP’s potential to increase its engagements with local communities through charitable actions (digging wells, providing medical treatments, paying widows monthly allowances, etc.) at a time when Yemenis lack confidence in their country’s internationally recognized government when it comes to addressing COVID-19 and other issues.
If Batarfi commits to an active, soft power approach he could successfully revamp the group’s domestic popularity which proved key for the group’s survival and its ability to recruit new fighters in its recent past. When it comes to AQAP’s course of action in those areas of Yemen where the organization enjoys less grass-roots support, it is more likely that Batarfi will seek to weather the storm and make gains after the virus’ spread, reducing the group’s current exposure.
Undoubtedly, AQAP has also benefitted from the spread of COVID-19 abroad and by the economic impact of the pandemic on key external foes involved in Yemen.
Despite Khalid Batarfi having many obstacles to face, political turmoil and the COVID-19 pandemic can boost AQAP’s ability to re-organize. Arguably, a leader who is from the Arabian Peninsula, such as Batarfi, can help the organization to exploit local dynamics. Yemen’s internal divisions and the lack of transparency about the coronavirus pandemic across the country, provide the perfect context for the group.
https://insidearabia.com/assessing-the-position-of-al-qaeda-in-the-arabian-peninsula/
(A T)
[Sanaa gov.] Yemeni forces inflict heavy casualties on Al-Qaeda
At least 12 al-Qaeda militants, including prominent leaders, were killed on Wednesday during operations carried out by the Yemeni army and Popular Committees in Bayda, central Yemen.
https://uprising.today/yemeni-forces-inflict-heavy-casualties-on-al-qaeda/
(* B T)
(from 2018): Contemporary Jihadi Militancy in Yemen: How is the Threat Evolving?
This paper analyses how al-Qa'ida (AQAP) and Islamic State in Yemen (ISY) tried to take advantage of the current war in Yemen to expand - with varying degrees of success. It than scrutinizes the various pressures from mid-2016 onwards that have led to the gradual decentralization and/or fragmentation of Yemen’s jihad. This does not mean the terrorist threat is diminishing, but rather that it is evolving. This paper traces the threads of this evolution using primary sources, including the jihadist groups’ operational claims, formal statements, videos, speeches, lectures, poems, and nashids, as well as informal communications on encrypted applications – by Elisabeth Kendall
https://www.academia.edu/37155784/Contemporary_Jihadi_Militancy_in_Yemen_How_is_the_Threat_Evolving
cp15 Propaganda
(A P)
Cartoon: #Houthis, #Israel, and #Yemen-is
https://twitter.com/RepYemenEnglish/status/1294897194605187073
(A P)
Saudi Press: Iran will Persist its Aggressive Policy by Sponsors Terrorism and Threatens Stability of Region
https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2120945
(A P)
Struggle is everyone’s responsibility
The ancient Yemenis knew the arts of leadership and act, took the path of peace and harmony to the making of history, and established unique models in construction, development, science, arts, thought and politics.
Generation after generation, Yemenis have been fighting against the immamate rule whose rulers came from Persia.
immamate rule has demolished national identity, destroyed civilization and cultural heritage. It also plundered Yemen’s resources and used them for their own benefit with expedient behaviour.
However, today the heroes of the armed forces on all fronts are preparing to confront the Houthi rebel militia- the descendants of the Imams- in areas still under militia control.
http://en.26sepnews.net/2020/08/14/struggle-is-everyones-responsibility/
(A P)
Will it take another catastrophe for the world to wake up to the Houthi threat?
At the time, I argued in British newspaper The Times that a government victory in Hodeidah would shorten the war and save more lives than a local ceasefire could.
The tragedy that has unfolded over the past 2 years has shown that view to be correct. The freezing of the frontlines around Hodeidah allowed the Houthis to devote resources elsewhere. Since Stockholm, they have suppressed tribes in Hajja that were unhappy with their rule, and made advances in Marib and elsewhere, all the while tightening their grip on the populations they terrorize. Not to mention their frequent violations of the agreement itself, including the killing of a liaison officer from the UN monitoring team.
The world can now see the nature of the Houthi movement and leadership. Put plainly, it is a terrorist group, little different from Daesh or Al-Qaeda except in its origin, ideology and the limited territorial scope of its ambitions – by Peter Welby
https://www.arabnews.com/node/1719451
My remark: From a Saudi-affiliated news site.
(A P)
Saudi Press: Saudi Arabia Exerts Great Efforts in Supporting Peace Process in Yemen
Al-Yaum newspaper reported in its editorial that Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is exerting unprecedented efforts in supporting the peace process in Yemen at all levels.
https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2120729
(A P)
Yemen's vice president lauds Arab Coalition’s support against Houthis
(A P)
President Commander Aidaroos Al-Zubeidi writes on the first anniversary of the martyrdom of the leader Abu Al-Yamamah
(A P)
More Saudi coalition „We are benefactors“ propaganda
http://en.adenpress.news/news/23831
https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2120577
http://en.adenpress.news/news/23819
cp16 Saudische Luftangriffe / Saudi air raids
(* A K pH)
Saudi coalition air raids and shelling day by day
Aug. 8: https://www.facebook.com/lcrdye/photos/a.551858951631141/1756158117867879/
Aug. 7: https://www.facebook.com/lcrdye/photos/a.551858951631141/1756157501201274/
Aug. 6: https://www.facebook.com/lcrdye/photos/a.551858951631141/1756155794534778/
Aug. 5: https://www.facebook.com/lcrdye/photos/a.551858951631141/1756155067868184/
Aug. 4: https://www.facebook.com/lcrdye/photos/a.551858951631141/1756154457868245/
Aug. 3: https://www.facebook.com/lcrdye/photos/a.551858951631141/1756153067868384/
Aug. 2: https://www.facebook.com/lcrdye/photos/a.551858951631141/1756151954535162/
Aug. 1: https://www.facebook.com/lcrdye/photos/a.551858951631141/1756150414535316/
July 31: https://www.facebook.com/lcrdye/photos/a.551858951631141/1756148841202140/
July 30: https://www.facebook.com/lcrdye/photos/a.551858951631141/1756148364535521/
July 29: https://www.facebook.com/lcrdye/photos/a.551858951631141/1756146417869049/
July 28: https://www.facebook.com/lcrdye/photos/a.551858951631141/1756143631202661/
July 27: https://www.facebook.com/lcrdye/photos/a.551858951631141/1756141177869573/
(* A K)
10 killed in Saudi-led airstrike at circumcision ceremony in Yemen's Al-Jawf, including 6 children, according to health ministry. This comes a day after the coalition said it's to investigate 12 July airstrike that killed 7 children, 2 women in Hajjah.
https://twitter.com/Naseh_Shaker/status/1283432854530273280
and this is what the Saudi coalition has claimed:
(A K pS)
Yemen: Dozens of rebels killed in Saudi-led airstrikes
Dozens of Houthi rebels were reportedly killed and injured in two coalition airstrikes in northern Yemen, according to the Yemeni army on Sunday.
A military statement said two Saudi-led airstrikes targeted rebel groups attempting to retake locations lost to Yemeni forces east of al-Hazm, the capital of al-Jawf province.
The statement said dozens of rebels were killed and injured, but without giving an exact figure.
There was no comment from the Houthi group on the claim.
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/yemen-dozens-of-rebels-killed-in-saudi-led-airstrikes/1943484
(A K pH)
More Saudi coalition air raids
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3105821.htm Bayda
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3105819.htm 4 prov.
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3105774.htm Marib
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3105771.htm Saada, Bayda
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3105681.htm Marib
https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=14423 Marib, Bayda
https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=14408 Several prov.
https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=14390 Al Bayda
https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=14391 Various p.
cp17 Kriegsereignisse / Theater of War
Siehe / Look at cp18
Im Jemen herrscht ein militärisches Patt. Eine größere offensive mit größeren Erfolgen und Geländegewinnen für eine Seite bleiben seit der Offensive der saudischen Koalition gegen Hodeidah im Jahr 2018 aus. Kleinere Offensiven, ständige gegenseitige Angriffe und Gefechte mit Toten auf beiden Seiten und Opfern unter der Zivilbevölkerung gibt es aber ständig. Besonders betroffen sind die Provinzen Hodeidah, Taiz, Al Bayda, Al Dhalea, der Bezirk Nehm in der Provinz Sanaa, die Provinzen Al Jawf, Marib, Hajjah und Saada.
There is a military stalemate in Yemen. A larger offensive with greater successes and territorial gains for one side has been absent since the Saudi coalition's offensive against Hodeidah in 2018. Smaller offensives, constant mutual attacks and skirmishes killing fighters of both sides and causing victims among the civilian population are constant. The provinces of Hodeidah, Taiz, Al Bayda, Al Dhalea, the district of Nehm in the province of Sanaa, the provinces of Al Jawf, Marib, Hajjah and Saada are particularly affected.
(A K pS)
Watch: [Hadi gov.] Yemeni army launches fierce offensive against Houthis in Nihm, al-Jawf
(A K)
72 hours of non-stop clashes north & west #Marib.The heaviest fighting ever took place in the desert along the border bet. Marib and al-Jawf. Around 50 tribesmen & 30 govt soldiers killed & wounded, while Houthis lost over 100, dozens of pickups and vehicles, tribal sources said (photos)
https://twitter.com/Alsakaniali/status/1294879137740529664
(A K pS)
Hassan al-Shabwani, director of the civil affairs department in Marib, along over 40 tribesmen,most of them from Abidah tribe, were killed or wounded during fighting off #Houthis who have resumed wide-scale attacks on #Marib for three days.
https://twitter.com/Alsakaniali/status/1294429089114329088
(A K pS)
Masam carries out operation to destroy 740 landmines
Project Masam carried out an operation to destroy and demolish 740 landmines, unexploded ordnance and explosive devices in Bab Al Mandab.
http://en.adenpress.news/news/23824
(A K)
Houthis aus dem Jemen griffen Saudi-Arabien an
Die Ansar Allah-Bewegung (Houthis) feuerte ballistische Raketen aus dem Jemen in Richtung Saudi-Arabien ab, die gestern in Asir explodierten (mit Film)
https://de.news-front.info/2020/08/15/houthis-aus-dem-jemen-griffen-saudi-arabien-an/
(A K pS)
The Joint Forces Command of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen: Interception, Destruction of Multiple Bomb-Laden (UAVs) in Yemen
“Joint Coalition Forces were able to intercept and destroy multiple bomb-laden UAVs this afternoon (Saturday). These bomb-laden UAVs were launched by the terrorist Houthi militia from the Capital (Sana’a), and were intercepted and destroyed in Yemen.”
https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2120798
Film: https://de.news-front.info/2020/08/15/houthis-aus-dem-jemen-griffen-saudi-arabien-an/
(A K)
Yemeni Jawf fighting leaves 17 troops killed
Fierce battles between the Yemeni official government and Houthi forces in the northeastern governorate of Jawf on Thursday left 17 people killed.
15 Houthis and two government soldiers were killed and other tens were injured early on Thursday at fighting in al-Alam post
https://debriefer.net/en/news-19149.html
(* A K P)
Joint Forces Command of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen: Joint Coalition Forces Intercept, Destroy (1) Bomb-Laden UAV, (2) Ballistic Missiles Launched by Iran-Backed Terrorist Houthi Militia Toward the Kingdom
“Joint Coalition forces intercepted and destroyed this morning a bomb-laden UAV launched to target civilians and civilian objects in (Khamis Mushait), and (2) ballistic missiles launched this evening by the terrorist, Iran-backed Houthi militia in a deliberate, systematic targeting of civilians and civilian objects in (Khamis Mushait).
https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2120363
My comment: At Khamis Mushait ist he main Saudi air base for fighter jets bombing Yemen. The saudi claim that these Houthi missiles would be „deliberate, systematic targeting of civilians and civilian objects“ is BS. If really „deliberate, systematic targeting of civilians and civilian objects“ is „terrorist“, as claimed by the Saudis here, obviously they themselves are the no. 1 terrorists.
And Saudi mouthpieces follow: https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2120411
(A K)
Houthis launch massive assault in Baydha to besiege Marib
Battles have been boiling again since the beginning of this week in the Yemeni central governorate of Baydha between the internationally-recognized government and the Houthi group.
https://debriefer.net/en/news-19080.html
cp18 Kampf um Hodeidah / Hodeidah battle
Seit dem Abkommen von Stockholm vom 13. Dezember 2018 gibt es einen Waffenstillstand für Hodeidah. Zwar bleiben größere Offensiven aus, kleinere Gefechte gibt es aber laufend, und beide Seiten werfen sich ständig Verstöße gegen den Waffenstillstand vor.
Since the Stockholm Agreement of December 13, 2018, a ceasefire has been in place for Hodeidah. There are no major offensives, but smaller battles are ongoing and both sides constantly are accusing each other of violating the ceasefire.
(A K pH)
Daily violations
https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=14452 Aug. 15
https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=14438 Aug. 14
https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=14423 Aug. 13
https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=14383 Aug. 11
(A K pS)
Film: Injury of a citizen by shrapnel from a Houthi shell in Al-Tuhayta
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FouEp3VkH3I
(A K pH)
Girl killed in aggression shelling in Hodeidah
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3105682.htm
and also https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=14431
(A K pH)
Civilian injured in aggression forces' fire in Hodeidah
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3105525.htm
(A K pH)
Civilian killed, 11 others injured in aggression forces' violations in Hodeidah,
a citizen has been killed and 11 others wounded, including six children due to the aggression’s bombing of two artillery shells on al-Jah al-A'la in Bait al-Faqih district in Hodeidah.
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3105415.htm
cp19 Sonstiges / Other
(* B P)
Yemen's last remaining Jews 'to move to UAE' following Israel treaty
Yemen's last remaining Jews are to emigrate to Abu Dhabi following the peace treaty between Israel and the United Arab Emirates which was signed on Thursday, a Yemeni rabbi has told The New Arab’s Arabic-language service.
Over 50,000 Jews lived in Yemen prior to the creation of Israel in 1948 but most have emigrated since then, leaving only a few dozen currently residing in Yemen. The exact number is unknown.
The rabbi, who preferred to remain anonymous for security reasons, said that plans are under way to end the Jewish presence in Yemen and transfer 100 people to Abu Dhabi.
The remaining Yemeni Jews have rejected previous proposals to emigrate to Israel and to the United States, despite the brutal war which has affected Yemen since 2015 and anti-Semitic discrimination against them by the Houthi rebels, who control the capital Sana'a and whose slogans include the words "A curse on the Jews".
Some have expressed fears of being unable to integrate into Israeli society, where different cultural and religious norms predominate and where Jews of Arab origin are often treated as second-class citizens.
Forty Jewish Yemenis have reportedly agreed to move to the UAE, which has offered to take them in following a request from the US, while the others are being persuaded to move on the grounds that they will have no problem integrating into Emirati society.
The UAE has reportedly requested that Iran, which backs the Houthi movement, help facilitate the travel of the Yemeni Jews to Abu Dhabi.
https://english.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2020/8/15/yemens-last-remaining-jews-to-move-to-uae
and also https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/yemens-remaining-jews-to-be-transferred-to-uae-report-638831
(* A H)
Desert Locust situation update 14 August 2020
Good rains continue to fall in the interior and coastal areas of Yemen where flooding has occurred in some places. Breeding is in progress in these areas, causing more hopper bands and swarms to form. Limited control operations were undertaken in a few places. In Oman, control teams treated hopper groups and bands on the southern coast near Salalah. If any swarms form, they are likely to move into eastern Yemen.
http://www.fao.org/ag/locusts/en/info/info/index.html
(* B H)
Film: Ali, der tapferste Taxifahrer von Jemen
Es ist nicht einfach, seinen Lebensunterhalt im vom Krieg erschütterten Jemen zu verdienen, wenn man nach einem Autounfall querschnittsgelähmt ist. Doch trotz Benzinknappheit und gefährlichem Verkehr fährt Ali Taxi.
https://www.dw.com/de/ali-der-tapferste-taxifahrer-von-jemen/av-54542819 = https://www.msn.com/de-de/video/tech/ali-der-tapferste-taxifahrer-von-jemen/vi-BB17SfUN
(-)
Photos: The pictures were taken from the top of the historic Talqam palace overlooking the city of Raida in Amran 8 years ago
https://twitter.com/Alsakaniali/status/1293777488208945152
(-)
Photos: Early morning in Sayun, Hadhramaut. https://twitter.com/its_yemen/status/1293443909511720960
Vorige / Previous:
https://www.freitag.de/autoren/dklose/jemenkrieg-mosaik-672-yemen-war-mosaic-672
Jemenkrieg-Mosaik 1-672 / Yemen War Mosaic 1-672:
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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