Jemenkrieg-Mosaik 712b- Yemen War Mosaic 712b

Yemen Press Reader 712b: 28. Januar 2021: Fortsetzung von Jemenkrieg-Mosaik 712, cp6 - cp19 / January 28, 2021: Sequel to Yemen War Mosaic 712, cp6 - cp19

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Dies ist die Fortsetzung von Jemenkrieg-Mosaik 712, Teil 1 / This is the sequel of Yemen War Mosaic 712, part 1:

https://www.freitag.de/autoren/dklose/jemenkrieg-mosaik-712-yemen-war-mosaic-712

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: USA stufen Huthis als Terroristen ein / Most important: US terror designation against Houthis

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

cp11 Deutschland / Germany

cp12 Andere Länder / Other countries

cp12b Sudan

cp13a Waffenhandel / Arms trade

cp13b 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

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

(A P)

Presidential advisor Abdulaziz Jubari: The US administration’s announced review of the Houthi terror designation is unwelcome. /Sama Press

https://www.alsahwa-yemen.net/en/p-44725

(A P)

Taiz Police issue an underage marriage ban./Almashehad Alyemeni.

https://www.alsahwa-yemen.net/en/p-44725

(B T)

Underreported explosions rock Aden continually

Mysterious explosions are continually rocking the port city of Aden for several months with their number seen increasing since the government’s return from exile to the city at the end of December, a few news websites keep reporting.

Although usually taking place at night and leaving no human casualties, these explosions which became semi-daily since the government’s return are seen as acts of destabilization only in the city solely controlled by the United Arab Emirate’s militias.

Although the Riyadh Agreement provides for the withdrawal of the militias from southern Yemen and the regular forces’ takeover before the government returns, the government accepted, under pressure, a return first, with only symbolic “Presidential Guards” units. The promise to implement the militia withdrawals has not been implemented yet and the government is under the mercy of the UAE’s militias.

https://www.alsahwa-yemen.net/en/p-44726

(A P)

Where are the int'l organizations? women of massacred Taiz villages inquire

Dozens of women and men from the villages of Al Hayma in Yemen's central province of Taiz staged a rally in the government-controlled provincial capital on Wednesday to demand international justice.

https://www.alsahwa-yemen.net/en/p-44751

(* A K P)

Aden Sira Castle handed to Yemeni presidential protection forces

The Aden-based Sira Castle on Monday was handed to Yemen's official presidential protection forces (PPF) from the Emirati-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) forces.
The PPF first brigade officially received the Sira Castle's military site from the STC's thunder forces, the brigade's chief of staff said, amid "cordiality and tolerance.
"The handover comes as part of all parties' willingness to establish security and stability in Aden," Fadhl al-Da'eri added, highlighting the need for "united efforts and concentrated resources in the fight of the real and first enemy of all the Yemenis, i.e. the Iranian-backed Houthi group."
For his part, the thunder forces' commander, Osan al-Anshali, the site's handover reflects the good will "towards southern brethren" in the PPF, and care for Aden security and stability.
Assigning the castle allows the PPF better position to defend the presidential Ma'asheeq Palace, since the site is located on a mountain overlooking the palace's vicinity and Aden seaport.

https://debriefer.net/en/news-22718.html

Film: https://twitter.com/samwrax/status/1354454466540556289

(A P)

Yemeni President orders gov't to facilitate Qana port business

The Yemeni President, Abd Rabbu Mansour Hadi, on Monday instructed his government to facilitate work procedures at the Qana oil port in the southeastern governorate of Shabwa.
The newly-built port "serves as a key lifeline for Shabwa and neighboring provinces" and for the national economy, Hadi said

https://debriefer.net/en/news-22719.html

My comment: This points at the STC, which tries to obtain control over the port and to replace the governor of Shabwa.

and

(A P)

With support from President Hadi and Saudi Arabia, Shabwa governor vows to carry out more development projects that enrage the UAE and its allies./Voice of Yemen

https://www.alsahwa-yemen.net/en/p-44725

and combine it to

(A K P)

Hadi loyalists carry out large-scale mobilisation in Shabwah

Military units loyal to Hadi and the Islah party in the southern province of Shabwah have declared a state of high alert and carried out a massive and sudden military deployment in the vicinity of the city of Ataq, Yemen News Portal reported, citing local sources.

According to local sources, military troops were deployed in the nearby heights around the city of Ataq, and checkpoints were reinforced by additional troops.

Hadi’s forces are carrying out intensive and mysterious military moves, but the sources did not rule out that they are planning to to remove governor Mohammed bin Adiu, who is currently in Riyadh.

Political sources said the UAE-backed Southern Transitional t Council (STC) has notified the Saudi-led coalition of the Islah militias’ moves.

https://hodhodyemennews.net/2021/01/27/hadi-loyalists-carry-out-large-scale-mobilisation-in-shabwah/

(A P)

Yemeni PM promises great efforts to tackle issues rapidly

The Yemeni official government will focus its general program on obvious priorities, particularly ending the coup, restoring the State and achieving stability and economic recovery, the prime minister said on Wednesday, according to realistic, applicable visions.

https://debriefer.net/en/news-22745.html

(A)

Military advisor to STC president survives assassination attempt

The military advisor to the president of the UAE-backed southern transitional council council Maj. Gen. Mohsen Askar UAE-backed on Monday survived an assassination attempt in Yemen's interim capital Aden.

https://debriefer.net/en/news-22712.html

and

(A T)

Two leading separatist leaders escape assassination attempts in Aden province

https://hodhodyemennews.net/2021/01/26/two-leading-separatist-leaders-escape-assassination-attempts-in-aden-province/

(A)

Yemeni security official found dead, day after abduction

A senior Yemeni security official was found dead on Wednesday in the southern port city of Aden, a day after unknown armed men abducted him outside his home, officials said.

According to the officials, Brig. Ibrahim Harad was taken late on Tuesday in front of his house in Aden’s Buraiqeh district.

His body was found in the same district on Wednesday.

https://apnews.com/article/civil-wars-yemen-sanaa-f0e3afc05d58f7dc4201fab14d57c046

and also http://en.adenpress.news/news/32081

https://debriefer.net/en/news-22758.html

(A P)

Anwar Gargash, Yemeni Foreign Affairs Minister discuss latest political, humanitarian developments in Yemen

Dr. Anwar bin Mohammed Gargash, [UAE] Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, and Dr. Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak, Yemeni Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, discussed the latest political, field and humanitarian developments in Yemen and ways of reinforcing the mutual historic ties between the two friendly countries.

Dr Gargash highlighted the UAE’s support for the Riyadh Agreement and its willingness to cooperate in all processes that will achieve security, stability and sustainable peace in Yemen.

http://wam.ae/en/details/1395302904895

(A)

Two Massive Blasts Rocked Occupied City of Aden

https://english.almasirah.net/post/17421/Two-Massive-Blasts-Rocked-Occupied-City-of-Aden

(A P)

Hadi praises Shabwa governor’s achievements in long marginalized province

http://en.26sepnews.net/2021/01/25/hadi-praises-shabwa-governors-achievements-in-long-marginalized-province/

(* A P)

Saudi, Emirati Mercenaries Fight in Southern Yemen despite Second Saudi Sponsored Deal

Local media revealed, Tuesday, an acute crisis that arose between Abd Rabbu Mansour Hadi and the speaker of his parliament, Sheikh Sultan al-Barakani.

According to news reports, Hadi was angry at the statement issued by the Congress Party abroad that is allied to the UAE, rejecting Hadi's recent decisions, especially the appointment of Ahmed bin Dagher as Speaker of the Shura Council and Ahmed Al-Wasai as Deputy General.

Some media quoted sources close to Hadi and the Islah party saying that Hadi had told his close associates,that: "he will dismiss Al-Barakani." However, media of the Islah party had previously reported that al-Barakani was seeking to succeed Hadi, through the absence of his deputy, Ali Mohsen al-Ahmar.

The Congress Party abroad that is allied to the UAE issued a statement a few days ago, demanding the overthrow of Hadi, accusing him of violating the constitution and a coup against the Gulf initiative and the Riyadh agreement.

https://english.almasirah.net/post/17402/Saudi%2C-Emirati-Mercenaries-Fight-in-Southern-Yemen-despite-Second-Saudi-Sponsored-Deal

and

(A P)

The presidency of the Southern Transitional Council affirms its adherence to its declared position regarding unilateral decisions

https://en.smanews.org/south-arabia/the-presidency-of-the-southern-transitional-council-affirms-its-adherence-to-its-declared-position-regarding-unilateral-decisions/

(A P)

UAE accused of hindering rebuilding efforts in Yemeni Socotra

The United Arab Emirates seeks to hinder the reconstruction and development efforts in Socotra and to solely control the Yemeni strategic archipelago, Yemeni government and local sources said Monday.
Emirati-backed forces stopped repairs (funded by the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen) in the building of Socotra seaport's management, the sources added.
UAE-affiliated soldiers and Emirati Red Crescent workers halted the ongoing works in the building without giving reasons behind this move, they claimed.
"This comes as part of obstructions laid by the UAE and Southern Transitional Council to reconstruction efforts in the island," they added.

https://debriefer.net/en/news-22703.html

(A P)

Yemen government criticises international laxity in criminalising Houthi practices

Yemen's internationally recognised government on Sunday criticised long international laxity in criminalising practices of the Houthi group, an attitude which has not stopped bloodshed and deepening humanitarian crisis but encouraged the group to intensify its war on Yemenis and acts destabilising the region.

https://debriefer.net/en/news-22688.html

and

(A P)

Yemen [Hadi gov.] steps up diplomatic drive for Houthi terrorist designation

The Yemeni government and its envoys abroad have cranked up a diplomatic campaign to convince the world to designate the Houthi militia movement a terrorist organization, stressing that doing so would put an end to Houthi attacks inside and outside Yemen, and smooth the way for peace.

The official news agency SABA reported on Monday that Prime Minister Maeen Abdulmalik Saeed said during a video conference with the EU ambassadors to Yemen that the EU should follow the example of the US by designating the Houthis terrorists, since it would end the Houthis’ objections to peace plans, and hinder Iran.

https://www.arabnews.com/node/1799006/middle-east

(A P)

EU Ambassadors to Visit Yemeni Interim Capital, Aden

Yemen’s newly-formed government is urging the European Union (EU) to follow in Washington’s footsteps and label Iran-backed Houthi militias as terrorists. EU ambassadors are expected to visit Aden in a show of support for the cabinet after it had been targeted by a deadly Houthi attack.

Prime Minister Maeen Abdulmalik, in a statement on Monday, affirmed that the US administration's decision to designate Houthi militias as a foreign terrorist organization will serve as a constructive move that presses for peace in Yemen.

The EU must build on Washington’s move to advance the Yemeni peace process, he added.

Abdulmalik gave no details on the anticipated visit of EU ambassadors to the interim capit

https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/2765846/eu-ambassadors-visit-yemeni-interim-capital-aden

(A P)

Yemen's STC calls coalition to revoke Hadi decrees

The Southern Transitional Council (STC) on Sunday reiterated rejection to the appointments recently decreed by the Yemeni President Abd Rabbu Mansour Hadi, calling on the Saudi-led coalition to cancel the decrees.
Unilateral issuance of such decrees aims only to create obstructions, push the situation to confrontation and, thus, thwart the pact, the Emirati-backed STC said at its presidency's meeting.
It also dismissed the government troop redeployments in some sites of Shoqra district as "new military provocations by the [Muslim] Brotherhood militias."

https://debriefer.net/en/news-22687.html

(A P)

Government vows to protect international organisations working in Yemen

The interior ministry in Yemen's internationally recognised government on Sunday vowed to take all necessary measures to protect international organisations working in the country.

https://debriefer.net/en/news-22689.html

(A P)

Arab League confirms full support for Yemen's Saudi-backed new gov't

The Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit on Monday confirms full support for Yemen's Saudi-backed new government, the Arab League said in a statement.

http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2021-01/25/c_139696419.htm

cp7 UNO und Friedensgespräche / UN and peace talks

(* B P)

With New US Leadership, Analysts See Hope for Yemen

Helen Lackner, a Yemen researcher currently at the University of London's SOAS Middle East Institute, hopes the U.S. will press for a new U.N. Security Council resolution for Yemen to replace 2216. That resolution, passed in April 2015, essentially calls for the Houthis to surrender first and then for peace talks to begin.

"The Biden administration could start on a new footing by sponsoring a resolution which would make negotiations possible," Lackner said. "Negotiations on (resolution) 2216 are not possible. 2216 is basically saying to the Houthis 'withdraw, accept complete defeat and go back to where you were in 2014.' Why on earth should they do that given all the gains they've made in the last 6 years?

"I'm not a supporter of the Houthis. To have a new resolution that is focused on the reality of the balance of power in Yemen, which maybe addresses the concerns of the Saudis. These things could be a big step forward towards a solution to the Yemen situation," she said.

https://www.voanews.com/middle-east/new-us-leadership-analysts-see-hope-yemen

My comment: Helen Lackner is totally right. With a few sentences, she clearly debunks the UN twisted approach to the whole Yemen problem. UNSCR is based on US and Saudi interests.

cp8 Saudi-Arabien / Saudi Arabia

(A P)

Chic abayas on the catwalk in rare Saudi fashion show

Donning chic neck-to-toe abayas, models saunter in high heels around a swimming pool in a glitter-filled fashion show staged in the unlikeliest of places: Saudi Arabia.

Haute couture displays are rare in the deeply conservative Muslim kingdom and have usually been restricted to women or avoided female models altogether -- one even displayed dresses dangling from drones.

But a private event in Riyadh last weekend -- which showcased a new collection of abayas, a billowy, figure-concealing robe -- opened up to a small but mixed-gender audience at a time when social restrictions are slowly being eased in the country.

Draped in shimmering embellishments, half a dozen models, most of them Saudi or of Saudi origin, displayed the collection that sought to redefine the abaya as a stylish overcoat suitable not just for Muslims but for women everywhere (photos)

https://news.yahoo.com/chic-abayas-catwalk-rare-saudi-100936921.html

(A E P)

Saudi Aramco may sell more shares if market is right - PIF

Saudi Aramco may consider selling more shares if market conditions are right, the head of Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund told a news briefing on Tuesday.

The Saudi government sold more than 1.7% of Aramco in a 2019 initial public offering that raised a record $29.4 billion, triggering more IPOs in the kingdom, which is also seeking to deepen its capital markets to reduce its reliance on oil.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-saudiaramco-stocks/saudi-aramco-may-sell-more-shares-if-market-is-right-pif-idUSKBN29V1OY

(A P)

Saudi Arabia’s Ousted Spymaster Is Accused of Embezzling Billions

Lawsuit filed in Canada by Saudi state-owned companies targets a longtime ally of the kingdom’s former crown prince

A state-owned conglomerate of Saudi Arabia has sued the nation’s former spymaster in a Canadian court docket, alleging he embezzled billions of {dollars}, in a case that throws a highlight on a bitter royal feud.

Tahakom Investments Co., a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s sovereign-wealth fund, filed the civil lawsuit in Ontario Superior Courtroom towards Saad al Jabri, (paywalled)

https://www.wsj.com/articles/saudi-arabias-ousted-spymaster-is-accused-of-embezzling-billions-11611783718?reflink=desktopwebshare_twitter

(A P)

Saudi Arabia: Human rights defender Mohammad Abdullah Al-Otaibi on hunger strike

On 11 January 2021, human rights defender Mohammad Abdullah Al-Otaibistarted a hunger strike in prison in Saudi Arabia, according to reliable local reports. He has not contacted his family since he began the hunger strike two weeks ago. In December 2020, he was sentenced to an additional year in prison, in addition to the 14-year prison sentence he is already serving for his human rights activities.

https://www.gc4hr.org/news/view/2584

(A P)

The Saudi regime sentences Mohammad Bojbara to 8 months imprisonments for organizing a mourning procession to mark #Arbaeen. He’s a popular Shi’a eulogist who recites faith-based poetry.

https://twitter.com/SayedModarresi/status/1354082874098675713

cp9 USA

Siehe / Look at cp1, cp1b, cp9a

(* A P)

Senator @ChrisMurphyCT , steering #US policy for the better, knows what needs to be done with the long outdated @UN Security Council Resolution 2216 which was used as a false cover by #Saudi Co to justify its unlawful war and blockade against the Yemeni people.

https://twitter.com/arwa_rights/status/1354557980046487552

Asked Thomas-Greenfield 8US ambassador to the UN] 3 questions: 1. Will she work to pass an updated UN resolution on Yemen, to replace 2216? 2. Will she work to reopen UN humanitarian border crossings into Syria? 3. Is the WHO essential to stopping pandemics? She answered “yes” to all three.

https://twitter.com/ChrisMurphyCT/status/1354467261793398786

(B P)

Tell Biden and Congress to end U.S. involvement in Yemen, start feeding a starving people

Peace advocates are calling on American citizens 1) to demand that Congress act to end the Saudi naval blockade and work to reopen Yemen’s airports and sea routes; 2) urge Congress to pressure USAID to restore and expand aid into Yemen; and 3) stop selling arms to the Saudi-led Coalition. In the Lehigh Valley, the Lehigh-Pocono Committee of Concern is supporting the Global Day with vigils in Allentown and Easton.

The desperate situation in Yemen is not a natural disaster; it is entirely attributable to human action. It’s a complex history that starts with a rebellion in Yemen and the subsequent invasion of the country by Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia may be open to negotiations to end the military operation. Winning a war with bombs, but without troops on the ground, can be seen as an ineffective way to win a war. It is time for the leaders of the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and other western nations to find a peaceful solution to the violence and allow Yemen to heal and govern itself without outside interference.

https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/opinion/2021/01/tell-biden-and-congress-to-end-us-involvement-in-yemen-start-feeding-a-starving-people-opinion.html

(B P)

What Saudi Arabians want from Antony Blinken, Biden's pick for secretary of state

To put it in the simplest of terms: Almost every independent thinker in Saudi Arabia has been jailed, murdered, exiled or intimidated into silence.

Not content to brutally police those within its borders, the government of Saudi Arabia has taken to targeting us and our friends. They have deployed their agents to infiltrate Twitter, steal our personal data and use that information to harass us and arrest our followers. They have hacked our cellphones for the purpose of monitoring our calls and accessing our contacts. Their bot armies have labeled us as traitors and outlaws.

We understand that America’s relationship with Saudi Arabia is complex and multifaceted. While there are important economic and security considerations that cannot be ignored, and notwithstanding the aberrations of the past four years, the world still looks to the U.S. as a beacon of justice. Millions of Saudis and others around the globe will be watching to see whether and how the Biden administration chooses to exercise its moral authority.

It is long past time to cancel the blank check that Washington has written to Riyadh. If the U.S. is serious about returning to the world stage as a credible advocate for human rights, it must secure the immediate and unconditional release of Saudi prisoners of conscience.

U.S. interests lie in a secure and stable Saudi Arabia. As long as the kingdom remains at war with its own people, however, America’s moral stature is imperiled.

https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/what-saudi-arabians-want-from-anthony-blinken-bidens-pick-for-secretary-of-state-210905752.html

(* B P)

Film: Foreign Policy Under the New Biden Administration: A National Interest Foundation Zoom Event

The National Interest Foundation held a Zoom meeting to discuss the foreign policy prospects and priorities of the new Biden-Harris administration. Joining us as panelists were Dr. Annelle Sheline, Dr. Abdullah Al Shayji, Dr. Shibley Telhami, and Former Congressman Jim Moran.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYOSujOeh3Y

(A P)

At Global Day of Action, Rep. Khanna Renews Support for War Powers Resolution to End War in Yemen

Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) renewed on Monday his support for introducing a War Powers Resolution with Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) aimed at stopping the war in Yemen.

Rep. Khanna affirmed his commitment to working with Sen. Sanders on the War Powers Resolution, during a global rally of activists, lawmakers, and celebrities calling for an end to the war.

https://www.palestinechronicle.com/at-global-day-of-action-rep-khanna-renews-support-for-war-powers-resolution-to-end-war-in-yemen/

(A P)

Yesterday, Congressional leaders wrote to @SecBlinken calling on the new Administration to hold our foreign partners-especially Saudi Arabia-accountable for upholding human rights.

https://twitter.com/HouseForeign/status/1354547012570591232

Last night Tom led colleagues in a letter urging new @SecBlinken to take firm early actions to rebalance US-Saudi relations — starting with weapons sales, Yemen conflict, accountability for Khashoggi, and treatment of Americans (letter)

https://twitter.com/RepMalinowski/status/1354449722350645259

(A K P)

Divest from the Yemen War An Act relative to pension divestment from companies selling weapons of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – and why the Mass. Legislature should support it.

This act would require divestment of the Massachusetts pension plan from all stocks and other obligations of companies selling weapons to Saudi Arabia – unless such companies announce within 30 days that they will not renew or enter into arms contracts.

The four largest such companies are Raytheon, Boeing, General Dynamics and Lockheed Martin. • As of June 30, 2018, the pension plan held about $203 million in the securities of these 4 companies (a large amount but only a fraction of the pension plan’s total portfolio).

These companies sell the Saudis massive quantities of expensive guided bombs and other hightech weapons that play a key role in the thousands of deaths and physical destruction responsible for widespread outbreaks of infectious diseases and starvation in Yemen

This bill is our opportunity to tell Raytheon that it must end is military support for the brutal Saudi regime. And it sends a message to the Saudis that they must end their assault in Yemen. More Info: masspeaceaction.org/raytheon-antiwar

http://masspeaceaction.org/home/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Fact-Sheet-Divest-from-the-Yemen-War-2.pdf

(* A K P)

Raytheon Expects Biden to Block $500M Bomb Sale to Saudi Arabia

Yet industry executives believe foreign arms sales will remain a priority of the new administration.

Raytheon Technologies executives told investors Tuesday that it expects the Biden administration to block at least one arms deal to a Middle Eastern ally as the U.S. shifts its weapons export policy.

Raytheon CEO Greg Hayes, speaking on the company’s quarterly earnings call, said Raytheon has removed from its books a $519 million projected sale of an “offensive weapon system” to a “customer in the Middle East...we can't talk about.”

On the same call, CFO Toby O’Brien said the sale involves an “offensive munition.”

The scale of the deal indicates that the execs were referring to the planned sale of some 7,500 Paveway bombs to Saudi Arabia.

“We had assumed that we were going to get a license to provide these offensive weapon systems to our customer,” Hayes said. “With the change in administration, it becomes less likely that we're going to be able to get a license for this. And so we appropriately decided that we could no longer support the booking of that contract.”

During his Senate confirmation hearing last week, now-confirmed Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said the Biden administration would “end our support for the military campaign led by Saudi Arabia in Yemen.”

Still, Hayes said the company does not anticipate issues selling defensive weapons, like Patriot missile interceptors, and other types of arms in the region.

“Look...peace is not going to break out in the Middle East anytime soon,” Hayes said. “I think it remains an area where we'll continue to see solid growth.”

Similarly, Lockheed Martin CEO Jim Taiclet expected foreign arms sales to remain a priority in the Biden administration.

“As far as international business, including foreign military sales, the tendency of the people in the Biden administration [and] in the president's own statements, reiterate his view that alliances are important that they need to be cultivated, and that they have real value in deterrence and national defense,” Taiclet said. “I do think that we'll have a more open environment for [foreign military sales] and direct commercial sales to our international partners.”

Taiclet said foreign weapon sales are a way to generate American jobs and stimulate the U.S. economy.

“If jobs and the economy are important, the promotion of international defense sales, one would surmise, would also be important,” Taiclet said Tuesday morning on Lockheed’s quarterly earnings call.

https://www.defenseone.com/business/2021/01/raytheon-expects-biden-block-500m-bomb-sale-saudi-arabia/171645/

My comment: LOL, LOL, LOL. Obviously he will be right and “foreign arms sales will remain a priority of the new administration”.

(* B P)

Biden Needs To End ‘Maximum Pressure’ In Yemen And Beyond

Where to go on foreign policy? The Biden administration can start by staving off a famine in the Mideast's poorest country.

The Biden administration has inherited a long list of foreign policy crises from its predecessor, and it will have to make major changes to U.S. policies toward several countries very quickly if it wants to stop those crises from getting even worse. Some of the most damaging of these policies are the failed “maximum pressure” campaigns that the Trump administration pursued against Iran, Venezuela, and North Korea, and the worst by far is the continued support for the Saudi coalition war on Yemen.

In each case, the U.S. has caused or exacerbated humanitarian disasters through the destructive and excessive use of sanctions, and particularly in Yemen the previous administration compounded the initial folly of supporting the war with a cutoff in aid and a terrorist designation of the Houthis that threatens to plunge the country into the worst famine in almost half a century. Biden and his team have early opportunities to repair some of the damage that the U.S. has done over the last four years, and they must not let those opportunities go to waste.

Yemen is the most urgent and dire case, but it is also the one where changes in U.S. policy can have the most immediate positive effect for the civilian population. Biden should reverse the Houthi designation, resume the funding for aid that had been suspended last year, and end all U.S. backing for the coalition.

Iran continues to reduce its compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in response to Trump-era sanctions and Israeli provocations, and it is very likely to continue taking these steps until the U.S. rejoins the agreement and lifts the relevant sanctions.

On these other issues, the prospects for constructive change are much more uneven. The Biden administration is publicly committed to rejoining the nuclear deal, but top officials are not treating it with the urgency that they should be.

Fixing these broken policies will not be easy, and it will take a long time to repair the damage that has been done, but there is no time to waste in beginning the repair work – by Daniel Larison

https://www.theamericanconservative.com/articles/biden-needs-to-end-maximum-pressure-in-yemen-and-beyond/

(* B K P)

Biden Takes Two Small Steps Toward Ending Yemen War. Keep Up The Pressure!

The Biden administration has taken two small steps toward ending the horrific US-backed mass atrocities in Yemen, with temporary holds placed on both a murderous sanctions measure and on arms deals with Saudi Arabia and the UAE pending review. Both items being reviewed are unconscionable decisions made by the previous administration.

The Wall Street Journal reported today, adding that "U.S. officials said it isn’t unusual for a new administration to review arms sales approved by a predecessor, and that despite the pause, many of the transactions are likely to ultimately go forward."

This follows an earlier announcement of a one-month pause on the Trump administration's designation of Yemen's Houthis (Ansar Allah) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization

Like the arms sale hiatus, this measure could easily still move forward, and its temporary nature has provided insufficient assurance to companies that are backing away from trade with Yemen for fear of future US sanctions.

The UN is still hearing from companies that are suspending trade in Yemen despite Washington issuing a temporary waiver for trade with the Houthis. Until a complete reversal of the terror designation, people will starve because of it. https://t.co/S40szMVXgx

— Dave DeCamp (@DecampDave) January 26, 2021

So it isn't much; a brief pause on an arms sale which appears to be standard procedure between administrations, and a brief pause on a sanctions measure that is still effectively starving people anyway.

But it's also not nothing.

Wins are few and far between for those who support peace and justice in this world, but it does look like we might maybe possibly be approaching a tipping point in the general consensus on Yemen in America. Which is encouraging, because it's one of the easiest ways the US government could make the world a lot less horrible very quickly.

So we've got a fighting chance at this, but we also can't rely on the DC swamp monsters to make the moral and ethical call every step of the way. We've got to keep making noise about this the whole way through, because the Biden administration reversing its decision on either the arms deals or the Yemen sanctions will translate directly into a mountain of human corpses – by Caitlin Johnstone

https://caitlinjohnstone.com/2021/01/28/biden-takes-two-small-steps-toward-ending-yemen-war-keep-up-the-pressure/ = https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL2101/S00094/biden-takes-two-small-steps-toward-ending-yemen-war-keep-up-the-pressure.htm

(B P)

Biden could end the war in Yemen

US President Joe Biden could end the war in Yemen if he acts without delay.

With this catastrophic impact in mind, it is paramount for Biden to fulfil his promises and take immediate measures to bring about an end to the war. Washington can and should put pressure on the Saudi government to end its attacks on Yemen. If this happens, there is some hope for the people and their future. The US president should also put pressure on the Houthis to pull back from their coup and stop their role in the destruction of their own country.

If the Biden administration can do this, it will, at a stroke, fulfil its objective to restore America as a leader in international affairs. If it can't, or won't, then it has no right to claim global leadership in anything.

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20210127-biden-could-end-the-war-in-yemen/

My comment. There is no reason at all for any US role as “a leader in international affairs”. Even if there would never have been a war in Yemen, the US interference from Afghanistan to Iraq, Syria, Libya, or Ukraine, Honduras etc. etc. is horrific.

(* A P)

US-Regierung legt Rüstungsgeschäfte mit Emiraten und Saudi-Arabien auf Eis

So wurde etwa der Verkauf von Kampfjets vom Typ F-35 an die Emirate vorübergehend gestoppt, wie das US-Aussenministerium am Mittwoch in Washington erklärte. Es solle geprüft werden, ob solche Waffenverkäufe den «strategischen Zielen» der USA dienten, stärkere «Sicherheitspartner» aufzubauen.

Der Verkauf der F-35-Kampfjets an die Emirate war genehmigt worden, nachdem der Golfstaat eine Normalisierung seiner Beziehungen zu Israel eingeleitet hatte. Das Rüstungsgeschäft war aber bei Bidens Demokraten auf Kritik gestossen. Diese befürchteten einen Rüstungswettlauf in der Region.

https://www.nau.ch/news/amerika/us-regierung-legt-rustungsgeschafte-mit-emiraten-und-saudi-arabien-auf-eis-65860435

und auch https://www.tachles.ch/artikel/news/biden-regierung-legt-waffenverkauf-vae-und-saudis-auf-eis

https://www.trtdeutsch.com/politik-welt/usa-vorerst-kein-verkauf-von-f-35-kampfjets-an-emirate-und-saudi-arabien-4273139

(* A P)

Biden Re-Examining U.S. Arms Sales to Saudi Arabia, U.A.E.

New administration is reviewing weapons transactions earlier approved by Trump

The Biden administration has imposed a temporary freeze on U.S. arms sales to Saudi Arabia and is scrutinizing purchases by the United Arab Emirates as it reviews billions of dollars in weapons transactions approved by former President Donald Trump, according to U.S. officials.

The review, the officials said, includes the sale of precision-guided munitions to Riyadh, as well as top-line F-35 fighters to Abu Dhabi, a deal that Washington approved as part of the Abraham Accords, in which the Emirates established diplomatic relations with Israel.

U.S. officials said it isn’t unusual for a new administration to review arms sales approved by a predecessor, and that despite the pause, many of the transactions are likely to ultimately go forward.

But in line with campaign pledges made by President Biden, Washington is seeking to ensure that American weapons aren’t used to further the Saudi-led military campaign in Yemen, where its conflict with the Iranian-aligned Houthis has resulted in thousands of civilian deaths and widespread hunger.

Mr. Biden “has made clear that we will end our support for the military campaign led by Saudi Arabia in Yemen, and I think we will work on that in very short order,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken said at his confirmation hearing last week. Washington will continue to help defend the Saudis against Houthi attacks, Mr. Blinken said.

https://www.wsj.com/articles/biden-freezes-u-s-arms-sales-to-saudi-arabia-uae-11611773191

and

(* A P)

Biden Freezes US Arms Sales to Saudis; Reviews UAE Sales

The Biden administration is reportedly imposing a temporary freeze on arms sales to Saudi Arabia and examining sales to the United Arab Emirates pending a review of billions of dollars worth of weapons deals with the repressive regimes approved during the presidency of Donald Trump.

The Wall Street Journal reports unnamed officials said sales covered by the moratorium include nearly half a billion dollars worth of precision-guided munitions to Saudi Arabia and F-35 fighter jets to the UAE. The latter are part of a $23 billion deal approved by the Trump administration under the Abraham Accords, the peace agreement signed between the repressive Gulf monarchy, Israel, and the United States last August.

“The [State] Department is temporarily pausing the implementation of some pending U.S. defense transfers and sales under Foreign Military Sales and Direct Commercial Sales to allow incoming leadership an opportunity to review,” a department spokesman told the Journal.

Critics, including CodePink’s Medea Benjanin and Ariel Gold, had lambasted the deal—which Gold called “peace through weapons sales”—as a thinly-veiled attempt 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,” and a bid to boost Trump’s flagging reelection odds.

While the Biden freeze stops far short of ending U.S. involvement in the Saudi-led war, it does reflect campaign promises made by the president to halt weapon sales to the Riyadh regime, which he called a “pariah.”

https://consortiumnews.com/2021/01/27/biden-freezes-us-arms-sales-to-saudis-reviews-uae-sales/

and

(A P)

Big #Yemen news today: President Biden pauses arms sales to Saudi Arabia and UAE. Important detail: this will cover "billions" in Trump admin sales. That means not just the recently announced, not yet licensed sales.

It'd be unusual for a President to cancel sales for which export licenses had been issued, but these were no ordinary sales. These were arms being used in conflict, in violation of laws of war, fueling famine and insecurity, with no political strategy in sight.

Congress put the administration - and arms dealers and buyers - on notice that many of these sales were not in US interests. Bipartisan majorities voted to block them.

Only by inventing a fake emergency did the administration even put them in front of Congress in the first place.

https://twitter.com/ScottTPaul/status/1354508447010664454

(* A E P)

Wall Street Returns to Riyadh

‘Davos in the Desert’ is back

Bankers held it for more than two years after bankers put up a badge of their own name at a high-profile investment conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s capital, weeks after journalist Jamal Khashogi was killed by Saudi agents at the country’s consulate in Istanbul . . Following a wave of cancellation at the 2018 event, next year’s future investment initiative, often referred to as “Davos in the Desert”, saw several business leaders present as an immediate nuisance over the slain fast.

The next installment of the conference begins in Riyadh on Wednesday, and even more – and senior – officials are expected to appear, both virtually and in person. The question arises whether there are limits to joining a country accused of human rights abuses?

who is going: Some of Wall Street’s biggest names are primarily participants according to the convention schedule

A potential ethics test for business in a new administration. Joe Biden calls Saudi Arabia “pariah” on the campaign trail, and may not want too much disruption in relations with the new president – whose support may require him to reorganize the Iran nuclear deal – “The atmosphere is going to change,” said Gregory Gauss of the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University.

On Friday, Adam Schiff, chairman of the House Intelligence Committee Asked for decalcification US government report on Khashogi murder

What companies are saying. The companies contacted by DealBook pointed to the important business relationships they have with cash-rich Saudi Arabia and others. Some of those ties are long-established – Nasdaq has partnered with the Saudi Stock Exchange for two decades – while others relate to the state’s recent efforts to diversify its economy beyond oil.

A representative of Blackrock said that Mr. Fink “has been very public about the need for continuous reform in Saudi Arabia and believes that engagement and public interaction by global leaders will help Saudi Arabia encourage the path to reform” Can be found. “

A Goldman spokesperson said, “We have long standing customers in the area and continue to serve them.”

Representatives from Blackstone, Bridgewater, Carlyle, Nasdaq and Mr. Barrack declined to comment. Representatives for CNN, Credit Suisse, Morgan Stanley, SoftBank and Mr. Ubben did not return a request for a comment.

Validity by association? Mr. Gauss of Texas A&M, referring to the surname of Mohammed bin Salman, said, “MBS is going to run Saudi Arabia, whether David Solomon says it or not.” He Questioned the rationale for withdrawing corporate ties to Saudi Arabia, but China faced criticism for human rights abuses.

https://granthshala.com/wall-street-returns-to-riyadh/ = https://www.worldnpost.com/wall-street-returns-to-riyadh/ = https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/25/business/dealbook/wall-street-saudi-arabia.html

(A P)

Film: Friedenaktivisten protestieren in Washington D.C. gegen Jemen-Konflikt

In Washington protestieren am heutigen Montag Friedensaktivisten gegen den Konflikt im Jemen.

https://snanews.de/20210125/friedenaktivisten-protestieren-in-washington-dc-gegen-jemen-konflikt-661590.html

(* A P)

Pressure builds on Biden to end support for Saudi-led war in Yemen

As humanitarian crisis deepens, campaigners from around world rally for end to protracted conflict

In what is being described as one of the biggest coordinated anti-war efforts since the 2003 invasion of Iraq, campaigners from 230 organisations and 17 countries are holding a series of rallies on Monday to demand an end to the war in Yemen.

Demonstrations took place in several US cities - including New York, neighbouring Newark, and San Francisco - while the former leader of the UK's Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn, actor and activist Danny Glover and prominent academic Cornel West attended an online rally,
Yemeni Americans at the forefront of the campaign told Middle East Eye that they wanted newly installed President Joe Biden to fulfil his campaign promise and end the war by immediately pulling Washington's support for the Saudi-led coalition fighting Yemen's Houthi rebels.
"The destruction has been endless. And it's a man-made disaster. It's about time the war ended," Kawthar Abdullah, lead organiser of the Yemeni Alliance Committee in NYC, told Middle East Eye."

"And I think Biden should do this in first 100 days in office," she added.
Speaking at online rally held over Zoom, academic Cornel West said he wanted Yemenis to know that "their humanity will never ever be rendered invisible no matter what the corporate media have to say."
"We will speak the truth about them, and recognise that a Yemeni baby has exactly the same value as a baby in Ethiopia, a baby in Guatemala, a baby in the American empire, a baby in Greece, a baby in Tel Aviv, a baby in West Bank and Gaza, a baby in China."
"That is the spiritual and moral force behind our voices coming together," West said.

Abdullah said momentum was building, helped in part by Democratic legislators like Ro Khanna who has pushed for the US to take a tougher stance on the Saudi-led coalition. But the activist accepted that recent comments by Saudi officials suggested the status quo may remain in place.

"I am sceptical [Biden would take any action] since the war started during the Obama-years when he was vice-president," she said.
In her address at the online rally, Shireen Al-Adeimi, a Yemeni-American academic, called upon Biden to take responsibility for the war that had begun when he was vice-President in the Obama administration.
"President Biden, you unjustly entered this war back in 2015, it’s now your responsibility to end all forms of support for this war and to remove all barriers to humanitarian assistance, including lift the blockade on Yemen," Al-Adeimi said.

https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/yemen-war-biden-saudi-coalition-protest

(A P)

Film: TODAY, orgs & activists are joining the Global Day of Action for Yemen to call for:

An end to foreign aggression on Yemen

An end to weapons sales to Saudi Arabia & the UAE

An end to the blockade

The restoration & expansion of humanitarian aid

https://twitter.com/codepink/status/1353756492185235456

(A P)

Reject Raytheon: Today we gathered to stand in solidarity with our fellows in Yemen and to send a message to Avl that we don't want the war machine in our neighborhoods. We want ethical good paying jobs that care for our community and our planet (photos9

https://twitter.com/RejectRaytheon/status/1353843060308930560

San Francisco: https://twitter.com/Jehan_Hakim/status/1353922996239429632

San Francisco, Film: https://twitter.com/Jehan_Hakim/status/1353915210390626304

(A P)

Yemen: YouTube closes 7 Houthi-affiliated channels

Following former US President Donald Trump's designation of Yemen's Houthi movement as a foreign terrorist organisation, YouTube has permanently deleted seven Houthi-affiliated channels.

YouTube, which has been owned by Google since 2006, removed the channels, including Al-Masirah Mubasher, Military Media, AnsarAllah Group and Zamel AnsarAllah and announced they had been "permanently deleted after reviewing their contents" which were deemed to "contain grave violations".

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20210125-yemen-youtube-closes-7-houthi-affiliated-channels/

cp9a USA-Iran Krise: Spannungen am Golf / US-Iran crisis: Tensions at the Gulf

Siehe / Look at cp9

(* B P)

Ending the crisis in Yemen is a priority for Biden administration

So far, this is being presented as part of a normal process rather than a change of policy. In his remarks on Wedensday, Blinken said: "Generally speaking when it comes to arms sales, it is typical at the start of an administration to review any pending sales, to make sure that what is being considered is something that advances our strategic objectives and advances our foreign policy. So that’s – that’s what we’re doing at this moment."

However, the new administration has already said it will end US support for the Saudi-led military campaign in Yemen – though it wants to do so while maintaining its broader relationship with the kingdom.

At his confirmation hearing in the Senate, Blinken said: "We have a partnership with Saudi Arabia. I believe we should do what we need to help defend Saudi Arabia against aggression directed at it, including from Yemen and the Houthis. But we have real concerns [about] the policies that our Saudi partners have pursued ..."

In that context the administration's decisions to review designation of the Houthis and the arming of their enemies can be seen as the start of an American re-engagement in the Yemeni crisis which could end the current paralysis in diplomatic efforts towards a ceasefire.

That would certainly be a welcome development, though the shape of a eventual political solution remains as elusive as ever.

https://www.al-bab.com/blog/2021/01/ending-crisis-yemen-priority-biden-administration

(A P)

Iran says production of enriched uranium exceeds goals

https://apnews.com/article/tehran-iran-iran-nuclear-3d56cee570194966d6f678768fd0e5db

(A P)

With Trump Gone, Iran More Certain About US Economic War’s Failure: Rouhani

https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2021/01/27/643942/Iran-Rouhani-US-economic-war

(A P)

Zarif: Iran builds on actions, not words

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad-Javad Zarif said on Tuesday in Moscow that Iran responds to action made by the US governments not to the words they say; if Washington stops the illegal sanctions, Tehran is ready to react accordingly.

https://en.irna.ir/news/84200066/Zarif-Iran-builds-on-actions-not-words

(A P)

Biden won’t have everlasting chance to lift sanctions, return to nuclear deal: Iran

Iran has warned that the window of opportunity will not remain open forever for the administration of new US President Joe Biden to lift the sanctions and return to compliance with the UN-endorsed nuclear deal that his predecessor quit in 2018.

“At present, we have had no dialog or contact with the new US administration and we are still waiting for the official positions of the US administration on this country’s return to its obligations and the lifting of illegal sanctions as an inseparable part of these obligations,” Ali Rabiei, the Iranian administration’s spokesman, said at a weekly press briefing on Tuesday.

https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2021/01/26/643881/Rabiei-Iran-Biden-US-JCPOA-sanctions-government-spokesman-

(A P)

US B-52 bomber again flies over Mideast amid Iran tensions

The U.S. military said Wednesday it again flew a B-52 bomber over the Middle East “to deter potential aggression” amid tensions with Iran, the first such flight under President Joe Biden.

The B-52 flew nonstop from Louisiana’s Barksdale Air Force Base into the region earlier in the day. The plane went over both the Persian Gulf and Saudi Arabia, according to flight-tracking data.

https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-dubai-iran-saudi-arabia-united-arab-emirates-175f121676f4837b732ba353c07fa1d0

Photo: https://twitter.com/MbKS15/status/1354493118276653056

My comment: Claiming that this would be ““to deter potential aggression”” is rather odd at Iran’s doorstep and 7,000 miles away from the US. – Photo: US B-52 in formation with Saudi F-15: A picture can tell more than many words.

(A P)

Don’t rush for annihilation: Iran fires back at Israel over military threat

Iranian military officials have fired back at Israel after its top general threatened that attack plans against the Islamic Republic were being revised, saying the regime will only speed up its annihilation if it makes even the slightest mistake.

https://parstoday.com/en/news/iran-i133082-don%E2%80%99t_rush_for_annihilation_iran_fires_back_at_israel_over_military_threat

(* A P)

Israeli military chief warns of new plans to strike Iran

Israel’s military chief Tuesday warned the Biden administration against rejoining the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, even if it toughens its terms, adding he’s ordered his forces to step up preparations for possible offensive action against Iran during the coming year.

The comments by Lt. Gen. Aviv Kohavi came as Israel and Iran both seek to put pressure on President Joe Biden ahead of his expected announcement on his approach for dealing with the Iranian nuclear program. In Iran, leaders said they would not wait indefinitely for Biden to act.

In his address to the Institute for National Security Studies, Kohavi said a return to the deal, even with some improvements, “is bad operationally and it is bad strategically.” He said allowing Iran to proceed with a nuclear program would be “an unacceptable threat and will lead to nuclear proliferation across the region.” Iran says its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only.

Kohavi said that given the threat posed by Iran, Israel’s military would be prepared to attack on its own if needed.

“I instructed the army to prepare a number of operational plans in addition to the existing ones,”

https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-israel-iran-iran-nuclear-middle-east-79ef89b7f7d8df1974856eaeb5a69905

My comment: Israel wants to block Iran from a civilian nuclear program (to which the Nuclear Deal would limit Iranian ambitions) – while Israel itself has nuclear bombs???

(A P)

Iran sentences Iranian-American to prison on spying charges

https://apnews.com/article/tehran-iran-coronavirus-pandemic-espionage-judiciary-d946d867052c0a071d6d6e057f47403c

(A P)

Iran: Biden won’t have infinite time to rejoin nuclear deal

Iran warned the Biden administration on Tuesday that it will not have an indefinite time period to rejoin the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers.

Iran also said it expects Washington to swiftly lift crippling economic sanctions that former President Donald Trump imposed on the country after pulling America out of the atomic accord in 2018, as part of what he called maximum pressure against Iran.

Trump cited Iran’s ballistic missile program among other issues in withdrawing from the accord. And when the Trump administration increased sanctions, Iran gradually and publicly abandoned the deal’s limits on its nuclear development.

The remarks Tuesday by Iran’s Cabinet spokesman Ali Rabiei are part of pressure that Tehran is trying to exert on the U.S. as it seeks to increase its leverage and get the Biden administration to quickly return to the deal.

https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-tehran-middle-east-iran-iran-nuclear-e84d0849641309ea342527ad44ebc0fb

(* A P)

Neue US-Militärbasen in Saudi-Arabien – Iran sieht darin mögliche Angriffspläne

Das US-Militär plant weitere Basen in Saudi-Arabien, um im Falle eines Krieges mit dem Iran von Saudi-Arabien aus zu operieren. Dazu gibt es eine vorläufige Vereinbarung mit Riad zur Nutzung von Luftwaffenstützpunkten und Seehäfen in den westlichen Regionen des Landes.

Das US-Militär erwägt angesichts erhöhter Spannungen mit dem Iran, einen Hafen am Roten Meer in Saudi-Arabien und zwei weitere Flugplätze zu nutzen.

Obwohl es offiziell lediglich als Notfall-Maßnahme gilt, wurden das Entladen und der Versand von Fracht auf dem Landweg von Saudi-Arabiens Hafen in Yanbu, ein wichtiger Terminal für Öl-Pipelines im Königreich, bereits getestet, wie das US-Militär am Dienstag mitteilte.

Die Nutzung des Hafens und der Luftwaffenstützpunkte in Tabuk und Taif entlang des Roten Meeres würde dem amerikanischen Militär mehr Optionen entlang einer bedeutenden Wasserstraße geben, die durch mutmaßliche Minen- und Drohnenangriffe der vom Iran unterstützten Huthi-Rebellen im Jemen zunehmend unter Beschuss geraten sei, hieß es zur Begründung. In Tabuk liegt die King Faisal Air Base und in Taif die King Fahd Air Base.

Laut US-Marinekapitän Bill Urban, einem Sprecher des Zentralkommandos (CENTCOM), habe die Untersuchung der Standorte bereits vor über einem Jahr begonnen, ausgelöst durch einen Drohnen- und Raketenangriff im September 2019 auf saudische Ölanlagen, welche Riad und Washington dem Iran zuschreiben, trotz Dementis aus Teheran.
Dies seien umsichtige militärische Planungsmaßnahmen, keineswegs provokativ, sondern für einen vorübergehenden oder bedingten Zugang von Einrichtungen im Falle einer Eventualität, versicherte Urban. Auch komme es nicht einer Ausweitung des US-Fußabdrucks in der Region oder im Königreich Saudi-Arabien gleich, meinte der Marinekapitän.

https://de.rt.com/der-nahe-osten/112400-neue-us-militaerbasen-in-saudi-arabien/

Mein Kommentar: Das ist schon eine sehr eigenwillige darstellung seitens der USA. Wir sind immerhin 7,000 Meilen von den USA entfernt.

(* A P)

US exploring new bases in Saudi Arabia amid Iran tensions

The U.S. military is exploring the possibility of using a Red Sea port in Saudi Arabia and an additional two airfields in the kingdom amid heightened tensions with Iran, the military said Tuesday.

While describing the work as “contingency” planning, the U.S. military said it already has tested unloading and shipping cargo overland from Saudi Arabia’s port at Yanbu, a crucial terminal for oil pipelines in the kingdom.

Using Yanbu, as well as air bases at Tabuk and Taif along the Red Sea, would give the American military more options along a crucial waterway that has come under increased attack from suspected mine and drone boat attacks by Yemen’s Iranian-backed Houthi rebels.

U.S. Navy Capt. Bill Urban, a spokesman for Central Command, said the evaluation of the sites had been going on for over a year, sparked by the September 2019 drone-and-missile attack on the heart of the Saudi oil industry.

https://apnews.com/article/dubai-iran-saudi-arabia-united-arab-emirates-persian-gulf-tensions-247314c18d4160ead28fcf6358a95dca

and also https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/202101261081889671-us-looking-to-build-new-saudi-arabia-bases-as-biden-pressured-to-end-support-for-riyadhs-yemen-war/

My comment: What does this mean? US Middle East policy will not really change – just a few cosmetics, that’s it.

cp10 Großbritannien / Great Britain

(* A B K P)

Analysis: As the world protests the slaughter of Yemen, Scotland has a special responsibility

MANY are claiming it was the largest global protest against a Western-backed war in the Middle East since 2003, yet the chances are you haven’t heard of it – just as you have heard nothing, or next to nothing, of the war itself.

Yesterday (26 January), a global day of action challenges the silence. Timed to coincide with the change of administration in Washington DC, it was promoted by the Stop the War Coalition (StWC) in Britain, and was joined by well over 300 organisations in at least 18 countries, mostly in online rallies, but also in more militant and direct forms of action.

StWC is asking people across the UK to tell their representatives to pressure Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab and Trade Secretary Lizz Truss to break off arms sales to Saudi Arabia.

The day of action was timed, in part, to place fresh pressure on incoming US President Joe Biden to change policy direction in the conflict.

Scotland’s role

Which leads us to the Scottish connection. Scotland is one of the western world’s major weapons workshops. Indeed, it was one of few areas of engineering to survive the cull of Scotland’s industrial base.

Huge arms corporations with deep roots in the British state and security establishment, including BAE on the Clyde, Raytheon in Fife, and Leonardo in Edinburgh generate jobs and revenue and wield substantial political heft from local councils to Holyrood and London. Substantial state subsidies (including Scottish Government funds) power these workshops, whose arms are deployed in conjunction with the UK armed forces in Saudi Arabia and Yemen.

In a region overcast with apparently unending, wildly attenuated conflicts from Afghanistan and Iraq, Libya and Syria, it is important to remember that the war in Yemen will eventually end, either by the attrition of a Saudi Arabian state facing a mounting internal crisis and prevaricating western sponsors, or by a violent cataclysm in Yemen. Scotland wants to be on the right side of a hopefully peaceable ending.

https://sourcenews.scot/analysis-as-the-world-protests-the-slaughter-of-yemen-scotland-has-a-special-responsibility/

(A P)

Boris Johnson fuels war in Yemen as world speaks out

Joe Biden, Boris Johnson and other world leaders are under pressure to end arms sales and military support to Saudi Arabia.

Over 300 organisations around the world have signed a statement calling on the world's governments and armed forces not to arm or support the countries involved in fighting in Yemen. They are coming together for a day of action today (Monday 25 January 2021) under the banner "World Says No to War in Yemen".

In the UK, many are demanding an end to British arms sales to countries involved, particularly Saudi Arabia. There are growing criticisms of the use of UK armed forces to train Saudi forces who have killed thousand of people, mostly civilians, in Yemen.

British groups to sign the statement include the Peace Pledge Union (PPU), the Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT), the Stop the War Coalition and London Students for Yemen.

The PPU said this morning that the UK is effectively at war in Yemen. They pointed to the use of the UK's Royal Artillery to guard Saudi oil-fields in 2020.

https://www.ppu.org.uk/news/boris-johnson-fuels-war-yemen-world-speaks-out

(A P)

Northampton protesters call for end to war in Yemen

https://www.gazettenet.com/Yemen-protest-38530155

(A P)

Houthi, Iranian influence will ‘reshape’ Yemeni society, warns UK ambassador

Yemeni society will be completely changed by Iranian influence and Houthi ideology, the British ambassador to Yemen has warned.

Michael Aron told Asharq Al-Awsat that Iran’s grip on the north would become even tighter unless a solution to the war was found soon.

“Houthis are altering Yemeni society and curricula in schools,” said Aron, who has held his post since early 2018. “They control and change universities, deploy children to battlefronts, and send students to study in Qom, Iran. The more time passes without a solution to stopping the war and beginning the rebuilding of Yemeni society, the more Iranian influence in the north. After five years, Yemeni society will be completely changed by Iranian influence and Houthi ideology and traditions.”

https://www.arabnews.com/node/1798326/middle-east

My comment: Britain is a wariing party in the Yemen War, parroting the anti-Houthi narrative.

cp11 Deutschland / Germany

(A P)

AUFRUF: STOPPT DEN KRIEG IM JEMEN!

Das Frauennetzwerk für Frieden sieht es als zwingend notwendig an, den Krieg im Jemen schnellstmöglich zu beenden und die Bevölkerung humanitär zu unterstützen. Um diesem Wunsch Ausdruck zu verleihen, haben wir anlässlich des Global Action Days am 25. Januar 2021 gemeinsam mit mehr als 300 Organisationen aus 18 verschiedenen Ländern eine Erklärung unterzeichnet, die zum sofortigen Stopp des Krieges und einer Wiederherstellung der humanitären Hilfe im Jemen auffordert.

https://www.frauennetzwerk-fuer-frieden.de/blog/470-aufruf-stoppt-den-krieg-im-jemen.html

(A P)

Grüne dringen auf Friedenslösung für Jemen

Die Fraktion Bündnis 90/Die Grünen dringt auf eine Intensivierung der Friedensbemühungen im Jemen und hat dazu einen Antrag (19/26220) vorgelegt. Die Abgeordneten fordern darin die Bundesregierung unter anderem dazu auf, sich dafür einzusetzen, „dass der Rahmen, innerhalb dessen die VN-Waffenstillstands- und Friedensgespräche geführt werden, ausgeweitet wird und nicht nur Vertreter Präsident Hadis und der Houthis sondern auch weiterer zentraler jemenitischer Akteure umfasst“. Bei Bedarf solle auch das Mandat des VN-Sondergesandten für den Jemen erweitert und eine neue Resolution im VN-Sicherheitsrat verabschiedet werden. Außerdem solle die Bundesregierung zusammen mit der EU Gespräche mit der neuen US-Administration suchen, um arbeitsteilig und unter enger Miteinbeziehung Kuwaits und Omans die VN-Waffenstillstands- und Friedensgespräche voranzubringen. Schließlich wenden sich die Abgeordneten gegen Waffenexporte an die am Jemenkrieg beteiligten Staaten, insbesondere Ägypten, die Vereinigte Arabische Emirate, Saudi-Arabien und Iran, die klar als solche zu benennen seien.

https://www.bundestag.de/presse/hib/819290-819290

(A H)

Bassam al-Sayyad aus dem Jemen wurde Oralchirurg: Junger Mann aus dem Jemen erfüllt sich seinen beruflichen Traum in Bad Arolsen

https://www.hna.de/wlz/bad-arolsen/junger-mann-aus-dem-jemen-erfuellt-sich-seinen-beruflichen-traum-in-bad-arolsen-90182094.html

(A P)

Krieg gegen den Jemen beenden

Anlässlich des heute weltweit statt findenden Aktionstags "Die Welt sagt Nein zum Krieg im Jemen" erklärt Ali Al-Dailami, stellvertretender Vorsitzender der Partei DIE LINKE:

Die militärische, politische und logistische Unterstützung westlicher Länder für die Kriegskoalition und insbesondere deren Bewaffnung machen diese Verbrechen im Jemen erst möglich. Bis vor Kurzem hat Deutschland noch direkt Waffen an Saudi Arabien geliefert und trotz des 'Embargos' geschieht dies weiterhin über Tochterfirmen deutscher Konzerne im Ausland und gemeinsame europäische Rüstungsprojekte. Zwar hatten sich SPD und Union im Koalitionsvertrag auf einen Rüstungsexportstopp für alle unmittelbar am Jemenkrieg beteiligten Länder verständigt. Tatsächlich durchgesetzt wurde dies aber erst nach der Tötung des saudischen Regierungskritikers Jamal Khashoggi im November 2018 und nur für die saudische Diktatur.

Deutschland hat allein von Januar letzten Jahres bis heute Waffen im Wert von 1,2 Milliarden Euro an andere Mitglieder der Militärkoalition wie z.B. Ägypten, Kuwait oder die Vereinigten Arabischen Emirate, geliefert. Damit trägt die Bundesregierung eine Mitschuld am Morden im Jemen.

Die Rüstungsexporte müssen sofort beendet, die Blockade des Jemen aufgehoben und jegliche äußere Einmischung im Jemen beendet werden.

https://www.die-linke.de/start/presse/detail/krieg-gegen-den-jemen-beenden/

(A P)

Stoppt den Krieg im Jemen

DiEM25 erkennt die massive humanitäre Krise, die derzeit im Jemen herrscht. Wir haben dem jemenitischen Volk gegenüber eine ethische Pflicht, Koalitionen zu unterstützen, die diesem sinnlosen Krieg ein Ende bereiten wollen. Eine Solidaritätskampagne zur Beendigung der humanitären Krise kann nur erfolgreich sein, wenn die internationale Gemeinschaft eine massive und bedingungslose Unterstützung für die „Stop the War Coalition“ zeigt.

Es liegt in unserer Verantwortung, die Mitschuld westlicher Regierungen an der Verlängerung der bereits sechs Jahre andauernden humanitären Krise im Jemen zu verurteilen. Wir müssen darauf beharren, dass alle Mittel ausgeschöpft werden, um den Krieg zu beenden und den Friedensprozess im Jemen in Gang zu bringen.

https://diem25.org/stoppt-den-krieg-jemen/

(A P)

Film: In solidarity with #Yemen A protest held in Germany today.

https://twitter.com/Fatikr/status/1353800936494407680

(A K P)

Küstenwachboote aus Wolgast für ägyptische Marine verladen

Im Hafen Mukran auf der Insel Rügen sind Schiffe der Lürssen-Werft für die ägyptische Marine verladen worden. Die in Wolgast gebauten Schiffe seien dazu konzipiert beispielsweise sensible Offshore-Anlagen zu schützen, Schmuggel zu verhindern, Piraterie einzudämmen oder zur Seenotrettung, teilte die Werft auf Anfrage mit.

Ursprünglich waren sie für Saudi-Arabien gebaut worden. Die Bundesregierung hatte allerdings einen Rüstungsexportstopp für Saudi-Arabien verhängt und zuletzt sogar verlängert und verschärft.

https://www.rtl.de/cms/kuestenwachboote-aus-wolgast-fuer-aegyptische-marine-verladen-4691334.html

cp12 Andere Länder / Other countries

(A P)

Erneut Befreiung jemenitischer Juden durch die Vereinigten Arabischen Emirate

Eine jemenitisch-jüdische Familie, die nach jahrzehntelanger Trennung in Abu Dhabi wieder zusammenkam, erzählte, wie sie der Verfolgung in ihrem Heimatland entkam.

Letzten Monat, nachdem sie Berichte gelesen hatten, dass die Regierung der VAE eine jemenitisch-jüdische Familie in Abu Dhabi wieder zusammengeführt hatte, wandten sich [der mittlerweile in London lebende] Fayez und sein Bruder Israel an die Stadt, in der Hoffnung, dass sie ihren Onkel und ihre Großeltern wiedersehen könnten.

Einige Wochen später half die Regierung der VAE den verbliebenen Familienmitgliedern bei der Ausreise aus dem Jemen

https://www.mena-watch.com/erneut-befreiung-jemenitischer-juden-durch-die-vereinigten-arabischen-emirate/

Mein Kommentar: Wie sich die Emirate gegenüber Israel (und den USA) zu profilieren suchen.

(A P)

Yemen Might Be Miles Away But Its Threat to Israel is Real, This is Why

A Sanaa-based journalist reportedly linked to the Houthis warns Israel that the rebels possess advanced weapons capable of reaching deep inside Israeli territory. What could trigger such an attack? "Any direct or indirect involvement by Israel in the war against Yemen", he says.

As if the constant threat of Hamas militants from Gaza was not enough, Israel is now facing another challenge - this time emanating from thousands of kilometres away in Yemen.

Recent reports suggest Yemen's Houthi rebels, considered an ally of Iran and consequently an enemy of Israel, have received a number of unmanned aircraft loaded with explosives that are capable of reaching targets outside the Gulf, potentially posing a threat to the Jewish state.

But even before those reports came to light, the Israeli media had warned that the Jewish state should not underestimate the capabilities of the Houthi rebels in Yemen.

Al Bukhaiti believes Israel has every reason to worry, especially if they "dare to conduct any attack on Yemen" or help others do so.

By "others" Al Bukhaiti means Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, who have been entangled in the war in Yemen since 2015.

If these allegations are true, the Houthi rebels will find it hard to cope with yet another player in an already complex situation, and this is why Al Bukhaiti says "direct or indirect involvement" by Israel would be a declaration of war that will trigger a Yemeni attack.

https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/202101261081880672-yemen-might-be-miles-away-but-its-threat-to-israel-is-real-this-is-why/

My comment: The Houthis clearly tell how Israekl could avoid any threat from Yemen, and it would be a very easy and very cheap solution: Just keep off from the Yemen quagmire.

(A P)

Hariri Voices ‘Solidarity’ with Saudi Arabia

Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri condemned on Tuesday the constant attacks by Yemeni Huthi rebels at the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“The Huthi attacks on Riyadh are condemned Iranian messages that aim to sabotage peaceful solutions for the crisis in Yemen,” said Hariri in a tweet.

He voiced “solidarity with the Kingdom and with its leadership as it faces the challenges and dangers.”

http://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/278879-hariri-voices-solidarity-with-saudi-arabia

My comment: LOL. Statements like this are putting things upside down. The main part of the story – that Houthi attacks against saudi Arabia had been provoked by Saudi air raids – just is “omitted”. – And, secondly: Will Hariri with his very close ties to Saudi Arabia – he is a Saudi citizen as well – really be a good candidate for a prime minister of Lebanon?

(A P)

Turkey maintains presence in Gulf of Aden despite de-esclalation with Saudi Arabia

The Turkish presidency has sent a memorandum to Parliament to extend the mission of the Turkish Navy in the Gulf of Aden, the Arabian Sea and the territorial waters of Somalia for an additional year, starting February 10, 2021.

It does not seem that Turkey will put an end to its destabilising agenda in Yemen and the Horn of Africa any time soon despite its narrative of de-escalation with Saudi Arabia and its desire to benefit from Gulf reconciliation.

Its intent was illustrated by the Turkish presidency's decision to extend the duration of Turkey's military presence in the region.

The Turkish presidency has sent a memorandum to parliament to extend the mission of the Turkish Navy in the Gulf of Aden, the Arabian Sea and the territorial waters of Somalia for an additional year starting February 10, 2021.

Political analysts said that Ankara follows two contradictory approaches in its relationship with Saudi Arabia. The first is based on flattery, showing good intent and going beyond the legacy of the Jamal Khashoggi crisis. The second consists of continuing to impose a fait accompli.

Analysts believe the decision to extend the mission of its forces in those areas is a reminder to Saudi Arabia that ongoing arrangements for reconciliation or de-escalating tensions do not mean that Turkey has relinquished its role in the Horn of Africa. It instead shows that it intends to make up in Yemen and Somalia for what it has lost in Sudan after being pushed out of the Suakin base.

https://thearabweekly.com/turkey-maintains-presence-gulf-aden-despite-de-esclalation-saudi-arabia

My comment: read with care: This is by an anti-Turkish, pro-UAE news site.

(A P)

Aktionstag gegen den Krieg im Jemen: Schweizer Waffenexporte müssen endlich gestoppt werden!

Anlässlich des internationalen Aktionstages gegen den Krieg im Jemen organisierte die GSoA vor dem Bundeshaus eine Aktion, um die immensen Schweizer Waffenexporte an die von Saudi-Arabien angeführte Kriegskoalition anzuprangern und deren sofortiges Ende zu fordern.

Auch die Schweiz spielt eine unrühmliche Rolle in diesem Krieg. In den letzten fünf Jahren hat die Schweiz Kriegsmaterial im Wert von fast 75 Millionen Franken an die Mitglieder der Kriegskoalition exportiert. Mit anderen Worten: «Die Schweizer Rüstungsindustrie hat sich auf Kosten von Menschenleben im Jemen massiv bereichert», stellt GSoA-Sekretärin Nadia Kuhn fest.
Um diese Situation anzuprangern, organisierte die Gruppe für eine Schweiz ohne Armee (GSoA) am Montag, dem internationalen Aktionstag gegen den Krieg im Jemen, eine Aktion in Bern. GSoA-Aktivist*innen legten vor dem Bundeshaus grosse, weisse, blutverschmierte Zahlen nieder, die den genauen Wert der Waffenexporte an die von Saudi-Arabien angeführte Militärkoalition darstellen: CHF 74’416’469.

https://www.kath.ch/medienspiegel/aktionstag-gegen-den-krieg-im-jemen-schweizer-waffenexporte-muessen-endlich-gestoppt-werden/

(* B E P)

China Prioritizes Gulf Economic, Oil Relationships; Yemen Can Wait

China maintains warm ties with Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Iran, the three key regional actors in the current Yemen crisis, and prior to the war it continued to nurture its less critical but historical bilateral relationship with Yemen. Political divisions deepened within Yemen after 2011, when President Ali Abdullah Saleh’s downfall began, and during the failed transition to a new system of governance. When the country descended into war, the three regional powers squared off: Iran backed the armed Houthi movement, Ansar Allah, while Saudi Arabia and the UAE marshaled an Arab military coalition to fight the Houthis and reassert government control over all of Yemen under Saleh’s vice president, the transitional period president, Abdo Rabbu Mansour Hadi. Beijing aligned with Riyadh and the Gulf Arab states at key points, choosing to protect its primary economic interests, which include expanding global markets for its goods as well as ensuring a stable relationship with its primary Gulf oil supplier.

Unlike Russia, which has made overtures in the past to take on substantive mediating roles, Beijing has shown only minimal interest in inserting itself politically or diplomatically in the Yemen conflict. It has, however, consistently supported Saudi interests regarding Yemen and has offered to assist in easing various tensions among Gulf players, as it tries to balance its Gulf regional relationships and keep its broader economic goals on track. This paper explores how and why China shifted from having its own Yemen policy to being a quiet but steadfast proponent of Riyadh’s Yemen policy, and how doing so could solidify key pieces of its ambitious economic plan, the Belt and Road Initiative, to expand trade in Asia, through the Middle East to Europe.

Thus far, insecurity caused by Yemen’s war has not so severely impacted Chinese strategic economic interests as to prompt Beijing to seek a prominent mediating role. However, the Chinese have reacted to war-related threats that harm their direct interests with Saudi Arabia. For example, in September 2019, the Houthis claimed responsibility for targeting two Saudi Aramco oil facilities in Abqaiq and Khurais, temporarily cutting oil output by about half.[64] China receives 1.8 million barrels a day of Saudi crude oil,[65] and Beijing’s ambassador to the kingdom, Chen Weiqing, was clear in his condemnation of the attacks, saying Saudi Arabia had the right to defend itself.[66] Similarly, when Kang, China’s ambassador to Yemen, traveled from his residence in Riyadh to Muscat, Oman, in October 2019, he met with Houthi spokesperson Mohammed Abdelsalam. There, Kang made a point of saying China’s “steadfast position” was that the war would not be resolved militarily.[67] These remarks during a meeting ostensibly about Yemen’s importance to the BRI came as Riyadh was shifting gears and seeking backchannel negotiations with the Houthis in Oman.[68]

Beijing’s willingness to meet with all local and regional parties to the conflict allow it to make limited, brief contributions to the efforts of others, such as supporting UN initiatives like the Stockholm Agreement or Saudi ones, like the Riyadh Agreement[69] or backchannel talks with the Houthis. It is unlikely Beijing would attempt to expend significant diplomatic capital as it did in helping secure the 2015 JCPOA. Content with voicing support for the internationally recognized Yemeni government, China appears likely to instead continue working to secure energy resources and supplies, safeguard its external economic interests and preach noninterference to minimize security risks to the BRI. Adeptly managing its strategic partnerships with each of the key regional players in the Yemen arena — Saudi Arabia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates — thus far has allowed China to pursue projects in line with the BRI in these regional heavyweights, while essentially taking a wait-and-see approach to actively engaging again in Yemen.

https://sanaacenter.org/publications/analysis/13002

(* B P)

Trump Gone! Has Macron Become new Godfather to "Milking Saudi Cow," Bin Salman?

Some observers link the statements of French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian about "the necessity to hold talks on Iran's regional and missile activities" with the nuclear agreement.

The high French anti-Iranian tone was surprising, which was similar to the US, which contradicts what Paris has been saying during the past years, regarding the need to adhere to the nuclear agreement, and finding a mechanism to compensate Iran's losses as a result of America's withdrawal from the agreement. Paris was trying to appear rejecting Trump-Pompeo's approach to the nuclear agreement.

Observers say that the sudden reversal of French position may be because of the phone call that took place between Macron and Bin Salman, in which Bin Salman lured Macron to replace his protector and supporter Trump, who will leave him alone in the face of internal, regional and even international challenges. In exchange, Bin Salman will financially support Macron and his party in the upcoming French elections, help in confronting the Corona pandemic, as well as making huge deals to buy French weapons.

What is required from Macron is to take a tough stance against Iran, and to convince Biden’s team not to return to the nuclear agreement, to mediate between Bin Salman and President-elect Joe Biden, to convince him to put the issues of Muhammad bin Nayef, Jamal Khashoggi, Saad al-Jabri, female prison activists, and the Yemen war as were set by Trump.

It seems that the French authorities immediately responded to the first Saudi request, which is to exert pressure on Iran and obstruct America's return to the nuclear agreement, which was evident from Minister Le Drian's statements against Iran. The Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif commented reminding him of what he had done as appointed Minister of the French Foreign Minister: “"Dear colleague: You kick-started your cabinet career with arms sales to Saudi war criminals. Avoid absurd nonsense about Iran".

https://english.almasirah.net/post/17401/Trump-Gone%21-Has-Macron-Become-new-Godfather-to-Milking-Saudi-Cow%2C-Bin-Salman%3F

(A P)

How We Blocked Weapons Trucks In Canada — How You Can Do The Same

On the January 25th global day of action to end the war on Yemen one of the most dramatic actions that moved the demand for peace into the most media stories was taken by members of World BEYOND War and our allies, including Labour Against the Arms Trade in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

We blocked trucks outside Paddock Transportation International. Paddock ships armored vehicles to Saudi Arabia for the Saudi-led war on Yemen — or at least it tries to!

Paddock’s trucks were delayed and their office flooded with calls. A great deal of attention was brought to the issue. For the first time, a Liberal Member of Parliament broke with the government’s position and publicly supported our demands.

At the same time, a Parliamentary Petition was launched through which Canadian residents can ask their government to halt weapons sales to Saudi Arabia

https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL2101/S00087/how-we-blocked-weapons-trucks-in-canada-how-you-can-do-the-same.htm

(A P)

Vancouver, Canada rejects the unjust and criminal war on Yemen

Mobilization Against War & Occupation (MAWO), held a car caravan protest for Yemen in Vancouver, Canada, on Saturday, January 23, 2021, denouncing Saudi-led aggression and blockade.

https://hodhodyemennews.net/2021/01/25/vancouver-canada-rejects-the-unjust-and-criminal-war-on-yemen/

(A P)

Canadians Against War on Yemen Block Shipment of Armoured Vehicles Headed to Saudi Arabia

The direct action in Hamilton, Ontario coincides with hundreds of events to pressure the new Biden administration and other world governments to stop arming Saudi Arabia.

Paddock Transport is complicit in the disaster, according to organizers, because it transports General Dynamics Land Systems tanks made in the province to port where they're brought onto Saudi ships.

"Most Canadians don't realize that weapons manufactured here continue to fuel a war that has led to the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people," Simon Black, a member of Labour Against the Arms Trade, said in a statement.

Simultaneously, World BEYOND War members and allies on the east coast of Canada, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, protested outside Raytheon Canada Limited to condemn the atrocities committed with Raytheon missiles in Yemen and demand that Canada end weapon sales to Saudi Arabia.

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/01/25/canadians-against-war-yemen-block-shipment-armoured-vehicles-headed-saudi-arabia

(A P)

International community must stand by people of Yemen - Finucane

Sinn Féin MP John Finucane this evening addressed a ‘No To War on Yemen’ virtual protest.

https://www.sinnfein.ie/contents/59582

cp12b Sudan

(A P)

US deputy Africa commander in Sudan, hails ‘new beginning’

https://apnews.com/article/africa-sudan-terrorism-omar-al-bashir-811210b0c25b6c10f700354afceb440a

(A P)

Officials say Israeli minister visited Sudan to discuss ties

An Israeli delegation headed by the country’s intelligence minister quietly visited Sudan and met with the African nation’s leaders, officials from both countries said Tuesday.

https://apnews.com/article/sudan-africa-israel-khartoum-dd90da85e3d6671d5cad759624f356df

cp13a Waffenhandel / Arms trade

Siehe / Look at cp9, cp10, cp11, cp12

(A K P)

UN: Iran bodies supplying weapons to Yemen's Houthis

Independent UN sanctions observers on Tuesday accused Iranian entities and individuals of supplying weapons to the Houthis in Yemen, Reuters reported.

The observers tasked with monitoring the implementation of sanctions on Yemen said in their annual report that "there is a growing body of evidence that shows that individuals or entities within the Islamic Republic of Iran are engaged in sending weapons and weapons components to the Houthis" in violation of a UN arms embargo.

In their report, the team of monitors confirmed that they had "documented several supply routes for the Houthis in the Arabian Sea using conventional Dhow vessels".

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20210128-un-iran-bodies-supplying-weapons-to-yemens-houthis/

cp13b Wirtschaft / Economy

(A E)

The exchange rate of foreign currencies continues to rise in Aden as the Yemeni Riyal keeps falling./Anbaa Aden.

https://www.alsahwa-yemen.net/en/p-44725

(A E P)

CBY blacklists exchange offices over money speculations

The Aden-based Central Bank of Yemen (CBY) on Tuesday issued a new decision blacklisting tens of exchange agencies, in a bid to control exchange market and its rates.
The new decision suspends the work of 60 exchange offices on suspicion of speculating in moneys and affecting the Yemeni rial's value against other currencies.

https://debriefer.net/en/news-22722.html

(* B E K)

Due to US-Saudi aggression; years of war devastated economy of Yemen

The nearly 6-year-old war has produced profound humanitarian and social crises, has destroyed the economic cycle, displaced working groups, cut supply chains, and dispersed the center of government until Yemen lost its ability to fix a single exchange rate.
As for the Corona epidemic, it eliminated the hopes placed on external remittances, after the remittances of Yemenis working abroad decreased between 50 and 70% since the beginning of the epidemic, according to the United Nations.
The decline in global oil prices also contributed to the decrease in the value of Yemen’s oil exports, which increased the burden on the treasury and pushed the authorities to resort to financing the budget deficit from inflationary sources.
As a result of these and other factors, the local economic shrinkage and the deterioration of the national currency exchange rate increased by more than 186%, while Yemen's economic output lost $ 89 billion in 2019, a number that will continue to rise to $ 181 billion, according to a previous report issued by the United Nations Development Program.
Actually, per capita GDP has declined by about two thirds, and the middle class, especially the segment of employees dependent on its government salary as a main source of income, has been eroded, while more than 80% of the population has become poor.
But in return for this catastrophe that afflicted the great majority, a new wealthy class was formed, taking advantage of the weak state control, the multiplicity of governments, currency speculation and the import of food commodities, thus creating an economy parallel to the government economy.

https://en.abna24.com/news//due-to-us-saudi-aggression-years-of-war-devastated-economy-of-yemen_1109676.html

and also https://english.almasirah.net/post/17433/In-Yemen%2C-Due-to-US-Saudi-Aggression%2C-Years-of-War-Devastated-Economy

cp14 Terrorismus / Terrorism

(A P T)

Houthis swap prisoners with Qaeda in Yemen's Baydha: Tribal sources

The Houthi and Qaeda groups have exchanged prisoners in the Yemeni central governorate of Baydha, tribal sources said Monday.
The prisoner swap led to the release of son of Qaeda leader (Ali Alowi Lahmar, who was killed in a US drone airstrike) in return for the release of Baydha former Houthi-appointed governor's son, Ali al-Mansouri.

https://debriefer.net/en/news-22702.html

cp15 Propaganda

(A P)

JEMENS BOTSCHAFTER

„‚Fluch den Juden! Sieg dem Islam!‘ Das müssen alle Kinder in der Schule rufen

WELT: Herr Botschafter, nach Angaben der Vereinten Nationen ereignet sich im Jemen gerade die größte humanitäre Katastrophe unserer Zeit. Was bedeutet das konkret für die Menschen in Ihrem Land?

Yahia Mohammed al-Shaibi: Es ist unvorstellbar, wie schlimm die Lage durch die Aggression der Huthi-Rebellen geworden ist. Unser Land ist auf Unterstützung von außen angewiesen. Aber ein Großteil der Hilfe kommt gar nicht bei den Bedürftigen an. Denn 70 Prozent der Hilfsgüter kommen durch die Hafenstadt Hudeida ins Land, die unter Kontrolle der Huthi steht, und statt sie an die Bevölkerung weiterzugeben, verkaufen die Huthi und ihre Verbündeten die Hilfsgüter zu überhöhten Preisen, um damit ihren Krieg zu finanzieren.

Auch meine Regierung sieht die Huthi als Terrororganisation an. Sie haben einen Staatsstreich verübt, Städte erobert, die Bevölkerung terrorisiert, Kinder als Soldaten missbraucht. Wenn Sie eine jemenitische Schule besuchen oder eine Universität, dann werden Sie am Eingang immer eine Wand finden, wo die Kinder und Jugendlichen abgebildet sind, die ihr Leben im Krieg verloren haben.

https://www.welt.de/politik/ausland/article225190225/Jemens-Botschafter-Fluch-den-Juden-Sieg-dem-Islam-Das-muessen-alle-Kinder-in-der-Schule-rufen.html

Mein Kommentar: So kann man die Lage im Jemen kaum verkürzen. Nach dieser Logik könnte man etwa die deutsche Geschichte mit der wahl von Angela Merkel zur Bundeskanzlerin beginnen lassen.

(A P)

Houthis stoke infighting in Arhab tribes, Sana’a./Almashehad Alyemeni

https://www.alsahwa-yemen.net/en/p-44725

(A P)

The Houthi militia storm the house of the international Yemeni boxer Naseem Hameed Kashmim in Sana’a/Seerah Post.

https://www.alsahwa-yemen.net/en/p-44725

(A P)

The Houthis are forcing school and university students and the general public to join the demonstrations against the militia’s designation as terrorists by the US./Almashedhad Aldowali

https://www.alsahwa-yemen.net/en/p-44725

(A P)

Houthis resume cracking down on Saleh-era intelligence agents./Multiple websites

https://www.alsahwa-yemen.net/en/p-44725

(A P)

A rights group (Rights Radar) holds the UN envoy Griffiths responsible for the crimes of Houthis./Almeena News

https://www.alsahwa-yemen.net/en/p-44725

(A P)

GPC party female leader Noora Aljarawi: Houthis will not yield to any peace process because they have no desire in peace./Aden Alghad

https://www.alsahwa-yemen.net/en/p-44725

(A P)

Combating terrorism and racism is common denominator amongst humanity, says Islah spokesman

The spokesman of the Islah Party said combating terrorism and racism is a common denominator amongst humanity and will help in countering the Houthi coup.

https://www.alsahwa-yemen.net/en/p-44749

(A P)

Disgusting #Saudi propaganda is using a widow & mother of 7 who works as a perfume store clerk to shower praise on #Saudi King & his son.

https://twitter.com/AliAlAhmed_en/status/1354084447520436225

(A P)

Iran’s regional chess game exposes US confusion

By ignoring the actions of the IRGC in negotiations with Iran, Tehran can stick to agreements like the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which it negotiated with the West while having a free hand to pursue a destabilizing agenda through its proxies, making the Middle East look like a failed region.
Hamas, Hezbollah, Al-Hashd Al-Shaabi and the Houthis all follow the same pattern of collapsing the state and replacing it with parallel institutions. Hezbollah is active in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Yemen, and coordinates closely with Hamas in Palestine. The instruments used include suppressing dissent through targeted assassinations and holding the state hostage through paralysis.

Control is gained in one country after another by contributing to the collapse of state institutions and replacing them with alternative ones tied together through their links to Iran. The Iranian toolkit also includes gaining time through negotiations, creating paralysis, and demands like integration into state institutions and formalizing the inclusion of militias in the military through headlines like a “common or integrated defense strategy” under the pretext that the official armies are ineffective.

Through corruption and clientelism, the militias penetrate state institutions and bankrupt them, often empowering their own alternatives and thus constituting a parallel state feeding on the carcass of its victim.
These proxies can also play a dual role: One as an integral part of the societies they penetrate and the other as contingents of the IRGC. In Yemen, for example, the Houthis negotiate like a political actor but at the same time behave like an unaccountable militia, escalating violence and working outside the confines of the Stockholm Agreement.

https://www.arabnews.com/node/1799591

(A P)

Biden's 'buy-in' to Middle East stability is crucial

As they approach the Middle East, Biden’s advisers will face a series of challenges — from Iranian threats to Turkey’s recent aggressive behavior

Biden’s nominee for Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, has said he will support keeping some policies that the Trump administration pushed. With the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem and Israel’s new friends in the Gulf, the new administration appears to be buying in. The U.S. will consult Israel and allies in relation to any new nuclear deal with Iran, and views Israel’s normalization with countries in the region as a positive development, Blinken has said.

Making stability a bedrock of a Biden doctrine for the Middle East will enable the U.S. to link up well with allies in the region. This includes the UAE, which has pushed regional stability for years and wants to play a greater role in projecting that stability, and it can mean reinvesting in eastern Syria and parts of Iraq.

If the U.S. frames the region through the lens of “stability v. instability” and demands that countries stick to stability, those who are inflaming tensions — whether in Lebanon, Yemen, Libya or Iraq — will be the odd one out. The problem for decades in the Middle East has been the struggle between countries that want their populations to work and profit peacefully, and those that have sought to overturn things, whether through rebellions or by pushing sectarian and religious extremism.

Buy-in for the Biden administration also means listening to allies and partners. The administration can reach out to the Gulf states and Israel early, to share Washington’s views with locals.

There will be voices in the new U.S. administration who criticize U.S. partners, such as expressing concern about Saudi Arabia’s war in Yemen. There are others who rightly should be concerned about Turkey’s empowerment of extremists in northern Syria. That push-pull on how the U.S. deals with some of its traditional friends in the region is healthy. The U.S. can demand changes among partners, as long as those friends believe America is committed and buying in, rather than walking away – by Seth J. Frantzman

https://thehill.com/opinion/international/535111-bidens-buy-in-to-middle-east-stability-is-crucial

(A P)

Middle East Drone Wars Are Now Here. Are We Ready?

However, the war in Yemen is not just a conflict confined to the Arabian peninsula—it is also one that impacts the broader region.

The U.S. could also be considering deployment to the Gulf of Iron Dome batteries acquired from Israel. Among the threats these batteries defend against are drones, and Iran has used drones to attack Saudi Arabia and threaten Israel and other U.S. allies. Iran has also reportedly positioned new armed drones in Yemen that could reach Israel.

Why does this matter for the region today? Because drones in the hands of terror groups like Hezbollah or Hamas, or other Iranian-backed groups like the Houthis, can wreak havoc. Air defense systems are rushing to catch up. Israeli technology such as Iron Dome can be part of the answer, but covering large swaths of territory requires a large number of integrated and multi-layered defense systems.

It is important, as the new U.S. administration settles in and looks at foreign policy, that it take into account the need to beef up support for counter-drone technology and work with partners on examining these growing threats – by Seth J. Frantzman

https://www.newsweek.com/middle-east-drone-wars-are-now-here-are-we-ready-opinion-1564653

(A P)

Nukes, terror, Syria, Iraq, Hezbollah - Iran's tentacles are spreading

Iran has often used the nuclear program to distract from its real desire: Regional hegemony

Israel is preparing a full-court press to discuss Iran’s threats with the new US administration, according to various media reports

The discussions are expected to be wide-ranging. According to the report, they will likely include Iran stopping uranium enrichment, ending production of advanced centrifuges and stopping support for various terrorist proxies and militias. The proxies include Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, as well as Iran’s threatening posture in Syria and Iraq. There are other concerns as well.

On the other hand, what Israel is sketching out also looks a lot more like an Iranian elephant in the room than just a nuclear problem. Iran has often used the nuclear program to distract from its real desire: to achieve regional hegemony.

The nuclear program is just one part of a vast military-industrial complex in Iran that involves advanced precision-guided ballistic missiles, sophisticated drones, new naval assets and a coterie of militias across the region.

Iran funds and arms Hezbollah, including secret production facilities for weapons. Iran has placed drones in Syria and even tried to put its Khordad air-defense system there. It has moved weapons to the T4 and Imam Ali bases and other centers in Syria. It is trying to move precision-guided munitions production to Lebanon or Syria, has moved drone and missile technology to the Houthis in Yemen, and in 2018, it moved ballistic missiles to western Iraq.

Never in history has a country taken such a multilayered approach so quickly to try to place a footprint across the region.

Iran’s nuclear program is, therefore, not sui generis and has wrongly been examined as its own entity instead of part of a larger Iranian game plan – by Setrh J. Frantzman

https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/what-is-the-real-problem-with-irans-threats-to-israel-and-the-region-656524

(A P)

Are Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis firing warning shots across Biden administration’s bows?

Militia has alternated between bragging about targeting Saudi population centers and maintaining plausible deniability

Apparent sighting of projectile high over Riyadh on Tuesday was the second such incident in a span of just three days

Was the object sighted high above Riyadh on Tuesday a stray projectile with no evident target or a warning shot across the bows of the Biden administration? That was the question uppermost in the minds of defense experts and political analysts, just three days after a “hostile air target” — assumed to be a ballistic missile — heading towards the Saudi capital was intercepted and destroyed.

Social media was abuzz on Tuesday with footage of smoke hanging over Riyadh, with residents describing how the windows of their homes were rattled by the impact of at least one explosion. By late evening, Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis had not bragged about a direct hit on the city of 7.68 million people. The militia’s behavior ran true to form: it had denied involvement in Saturday’s failed attack.

But the fact of the matter is, these could be the first significant attacks targeting a major Saudi city since the US State Department designated the Houthis as a “Foreign Terrorist Organization” on Jan. 19.

To many political observers, the new Houthi approach is a complete no-brainer: Threatened with sanctions and political isolation, and desperate for potential concessions from Washington, the militia is trying to have its cake and eat it too by launching attacks on Riyadh and not claiming responsibility for them.

“There is no doubt that after evaluating the international response and noticing that a claim of responsibility would be counterproductive — especially after being classified by the State Department as “terrorists” — the Houthis tried to deny they were behind Saturday’s attack,” Hamdan Al-Shehri, a political analyst and international relations scholar, told Arab News.

https://www.arabnews.com/node/1799041/middle-east

(A P)

Saudi in talks with COVID vaccine makers to supply Yemen, African states - finance minister

Saudi Arabia’s finance minister said on Tuesday his country was talking to manufacturers to provide COVID-19 vaccines to low-income countries including Yemen and African states.

“We are negotiating with a lot of the vaccination companies to provide more vaccinations particularly to low income countries,” Mohammed al-Jadaan told the virtual World Economic Forum in Davos.

https://www.reuters.com/article/davos-meeting-saudi-finmin/update-1-saudi-in-talks-with-covid-vaccine-makers-to-supply-yemen-african-states-finance-minister-idUSL1N2K10KA?rpc=401&

(A P)

Today, a western #Yemen analyst accused me of wanting to wipe north Yemen by a nuclear bomb & a western ambassador told me I want to condemn my country into permanent war. All because I criticized western approach to support peace by advocating a political settlement in Yemen.

I feel like we Yemenis are automatically labeled as war mongers if we disagree with the way westerners interpret the conflict in Yemen or how they envision a solution for it. Why do some westerners want to hijack the conflict & peace narrative in Yemen & dismiss Yemeni voices?

As it is now & much like the GCC Initiative in 2011, a political settlement between Houthis & Hadi government offer a simplistic power share among the elite & ignores the root causes of the conflict. It will seal Houthis military victory & reward their violent behavior

https://twitter.com/Ndawsari/status/1353823974162051073

(A P)

News websites says Houthi female militant infiltrated int’l organizations

Several news websites said a senior Houthi female militant who disguises as a human rights activist has infiltrated international organizations in Sana’a to work together with them in recruiting young people and radicalizing them.

The websites including Newsline said they obtained a leaked Houthi document which indicates that Radhiya al-Mutawakkil the head of Muwatana “Organization for Human Rights” deceived Oxfam into working on a “skills development” program that lured young people from different parts of Yemen in the period January 2017-December 2018 to entrench into their minds the Houthi ideology and seed in their minds anger against the Arab Coalition.

Previously several Yemeni analysts warned that Al-Mutawkkil who has a close relationship with NGO is a secret Houthi agent who uses human rights activism and her organization as a mere tool to advance the Houthi interests. Yemeni observers say there is no independent NGO in Sana’a under the control of Houthis, since the theocratic bigots believe in Taqiya (dissimulation) which allows using any means including human rights activism to pursue their ends.

https://www.alsahwa-yemen.net/en/p-44698

(A P)

Houthi militant warns of Iranian false flag attacks in Sana’a

A Houthi militant has warned of false flag attacks Iran may carry in Sana’a “in the coming days” to propagate that “itself is targeted by Daesh and al-Qaeda and that it is fighting terrorism” in Yemen.

In a tweet, Sultan Jahaf said, “Iran wants Yemen and Iraq to be battlefields to promote its image that it is fighting terrorism.”

“If any massacres take place in Sana’a in the coming days, point finger at no one else other than Eyrlo [the Iranian “ambassador” to the Houthi self-styledgovernment],” he said.

https://www.alsahwa-yemen.net/en/p-44699

(A P)

Cartoons: The #UN ..... #Houthis ..... #Peace #HouthiTerrorismInYemen

https://twitter.com/RepYemenEnglish/status/1353665032278712321

(A P)

[Hadi gov.] Yemeni Shura expects peace-concerned agencies to blacklist Houthis

The Houthi group rejects peace and negotiations based on national terms of references with the UN-recognized government, the Yemeni Shura Council said Monday, calling on the international community to save the Yemenis by designating the Houthis as a terrorist movement.
Historic facts, events on the ground and killing tools targeting Yemenis and neighbors are unchallengeable evidences against the Houthi group, Shura presidency board said in a statement after a meeting in Riyadh.

https://debriefer.net/en/news-22701.html

and also http://en.26sepnews.net/2021/01/25/yemen-calls-on-intl-community-to-act-in-harmony-with-us-terror-designation-of-houthis/

(A P)

Building peace by restricting arms in Yemen

As long as weapons transfers to armed non-state actors are not adequately restricted and the monopoly of violence is not exclusively in the hands of the government, it will be impossible to build sustainable peace in Yemen.

Broadly speaking, U.N. statements and decisions on Yemen have been concerned with the progress of the political process and the humanitarian situation, but have also included punitive measures against actors and entities impeding transitional peace arrangements, most notably former President Ali Abdullah Saleh, Abdul Malik al-Houthi, and some relatives. UNSC Resolution 2216 is perhaps the most important decision because it subjected Yemen, under the provisions of Chapter VII of the U.N. Charter, to restrictions on arms flows and imposed special measures aimed at preventing the Houthis and Saleh from acquiring weapons, as per paragraph 14.

The forgotten paragraph of UNSCR 2216

Paragraph 14 of UNSC Resolution 2216 deserves to be examined. Not only does it lay out essential details to directly limit military action in Yemen, but it also constrains the regional military intervention indirectly, including by refraining from providing support to rebel groups — supposedly according to a formula embedded across UNSC statements and decisions: the preservation of Yemen’s unity, territorial integrity, and political system. This formula is often overlooked and abused, however.

Although this paragraph prohibits supplying, selling, or transferring arms, ammunition, or equipment, and/or providing technical or material support to the entities covered, the situation on the ground clearly shows otherwise. There was neither adequate international attention paid to the arms embargo package nor enough political will to follow up and strengthen the array of detection, prevention, enforcement, and/or compliance measures. As the conflict wore on, it became clear that arms, including those not previously in use in Yemen, continued to be transferred, distributed, and supplied to warring parties other than the recognized authority of President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi.

The Houthis’ cheap but technologically advanced weapons

The role of the UAE

The UAE has reportedly armed, trained, financed, and managed more than 90,000 individuals under organized structures in the eastern, western, and southern parts of the country. Militants with the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC), who looted medium and heavy arms from the 4th Military Region during the August 2019 coup d’état in Aden.

Alongside regular arms shipments from the UAE, the unmonitored influx of weapons raises serious concerns about the spread of conventional and non-conventional foreign-made arms transferred to entities other than the Yemeni Armed Forces, in contravention of the U.N. arms embargo, including by U.S. partners.

The Yemeni Armed Forces

Prior to the coalition’s intervention, Yemenis opposing the armed rebellion formed popular resistance groups backing the remaining units of the military outside Sanaa. These included tribesmen, prominent leaders, soldiers, officers, and civilians who took up arms to defend their homes, regions, government, and way of life. In the first months of the military intervention, senior commanders led the rebuilding of the Yemeni Armed Forces, integrating popular resistance forces into the army using the means at their disposal.

https://www.mei.edu/publications/building-peace-restricting-arms-yemen

My comment: This is a twisted story by a Saudi- and UAE-sponsored think tank simpy omitting the most important parts of the story: a) The Houthis since 201 /15 no more are “none-state actors”, but have formed a government. Taking the own viewpoint for reality, will give a twisted view. The Houthis – then close allies to Saleh’s GPC – “inherited” the gratest part of the regular army. here again, taking the own definition of the world as reality, leads to a twisted view. The (smaller) part of the regular Yemeni army sided with the Hadi government. And, as the article even admits, it was filled up with irregular militia, labeled “integrating popular resistance forces into the army” here. – Yes, the great problem of the Yemen war is the enormous arms suppy to the warrying parties. But how odd it will be to lament about the might-be 0,5 % which are obtained by the Houthis compared to the 99.5 % mostly sold by the West to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the anti-Houthi coalition?

(A P)

More Saudi coalition „We are benefactors“ propaganda

https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2184588

https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2184224

https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2184212

https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2184202

https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2184199

http://en.adenpress.news/news/32067

https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2183592

https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2183588

https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2183570

cp16 Saudische Luftangriffe / Saudi air raids

(* A K pH)

Saudi coalition air raids and shelling day by day

Jan. 24: https://www.facebook.com/lcrdye/photos/a.551858951631141/1920654294751593/

Jan. 23: https://www.facebook.com/lcrdye/photos/a.551858951631141/1919776404839382/

Jan. 22: https://www.facebook.com/lcrdye/photos/a.551858951631141/1919775504839472/

(A K)

Civilians injured Saudi-led airstrikes, shelling in Yemen, say Houthis

Civilians were injured in Saudi-led airstrikes in Yemen's provinces of Saada and Marib on Tuesday, the Houthi group said.

Five airstrikes were carried out in the district of Sarwah, another airstrike in the Murad Mountain in Marib, and seven airstrikes were carried out in the district of Al-Dhaher in Saada, it said.

https://debriefer.net/en/news-22734.html

(A K pS)

Several militia killed and wounded in air strikes southern Marib

http://en.26sepnews.net/2021/01/25/several-militia-killed-and-wounded-in-air-strikes-southern-marib/

(A K pH)

More Saudi coalition air raids

https://www.saba.ye/en/news3126249.htm Marib p., Jawf p.

https://english.almasirah.net/post/17440/US-Saudi-Aggression-s-Daily-Update-for-Wednesday%2C-Jan-27%2C-2021 / https://english.almasirah.net/post/17438/US-Saudi-Aggression-Launches-Raids-on-%C2%A0Number-of-Governorates Several prov.

https://www.saba.ye/en/news3126113.htm Marib p.

https://www.saba.ye/en/news3126092.htm Saada p.

https://www.saba.ye/en/news3126001.htm Marib p.

https://en.mehrnews.com/news/169042/Saudi-led-coalition-fighter-jets-bomb-Yemen-28-times Several prov.

https://english.almasirah.net/post/17405/US-Saudi-Aggression-s-Daily-Update-for-Tuesday%2C-Jan-25%2C-2021 / https://english.almasirah.net/post/17404/US-Saudi-Aggression-Launches-20-Raids-on-Marib%2C-Al-Baidha-a Saada p., Marib p., Bayda p.

https://www.saba.ye/en/news3125860.htm Marib p.

cp17 Kriegsereignisse / Theater of War

Siehe / Look at cp1, 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)

AT LEAST 150 MEMBERS OF SAUDI-BACKED FORCES DEFECTED TO HOUTHIS IN YEMEN (MAP UPDATE)

At least 150 members of Saudi-backed forces have defected to the Houthis (formally known as Ansar Allah) as the Saudi-led coalition and its allies are on retreat in central Yemen. According to reports, the defected fighters were members of the so-called 6th Brigade led by Tariq Saleh as the Sixth Brigade. Units of the 6th Brigade are currently deployed in some areas near al-Hudaydah.

Meanwhile, heavy clashes between the Houthis and Saudi-backed forces once again erupted in the Madghal area and east of Sarwah. Pro-Saudi fighters tried to advance on the Houthi positions there, but their attack was repelled.

https://maps.southfront.org/at-least-150-members-of-saudi-backed-forces-defected-to-houthis-in-yemen-map-update/

and also https://hodhodyemennews.net/2021/01/28/over-150-mercenaries-led-by-high-ranking-officer-defect-from-uae-forces-to-national-salvation-government-of-yemen/

https://debriefer.net/en/news-22772.html

(A K)

[Hadi] Government forces say inflicted heavy losses on Houthis in Bayda

https://debriefer.net/en/news-22759.html

(* B K pS)

Yemeni Observatory on Landmines: 34 civilian casualties in November

The Yemeni Observatory on Landmines related incidents said 34 civilians were killed and injured by Houthi-laid landmines in November.

In a tweet, the Observatory said, "The Houthi-laid landmines caused the death of 18 civilians and injury of 16 others during November 2020."

https://www.alsahwa-yemen.net/en/p-44750

(A K pS)

[Hadi gov.] Army’s experts dismantle 2872 militant-laid landmines in eastern Shabwah

http://en.26sepnews.net/2021/01/27/armys-experts-dismantle-2872-militant-laid-landmines-in-eastern-shabwah/

(A K pH)

Saudi shelling injures two men in Sa'ada

https://www.saba.ye/en/news3126148.htm

and also https://english.almasirah.net/post/17430/Injuring-2-Civilians-with-Saudi-Border-Guards-Gunshots%2C-Sa-adah

(A K pS)

Woman Loses Her Leg to a Houthi-laid Landmine

https://republicanyemen.net/archives/26935

Film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTIiQvCAx8U

(A K pH)

Saudi shelling kills man in Sa'ada

https://www.saba.ye/en/news3126000.htm

and also https://english.almasirah.net/post/17415/Citizen-Killed-in-Sa-adah-by-Saudi-Bombing

(A K)

Blast heard in Saudi capital Riyadh: Reuters correspondent

An explosion was heard in Saudi Arabia’s capital Riyadh on Tuesday and the cause was not immediately known.

Several witnesses also reported hearing two loud bangs and seeing a small plume of smoke above the capital just before 1 P.M. local time (10 A.M. GMT).

Saudi-owned Al Arabiya TV cited local reports of an explosion and videos circulating on social media purporting to show a missile being intercepted over Riyadh.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-saudi-blast/blast-heard-in-saudi-capital-riyadh-reuters-correspondent-idUSKBN29V19C

(B K pS)

At the beginning of 2014, Yemen was about to be declared mine free after yrs of expensive mine clearance. Today Yemen is one of the most contaminated countries by mines planted by Houthis

https://twitter.com/RiyadhAldubai/status/1353646366745108484

(B K)

'They watched their friend bleed': Yemeni ex-footballer and son killed in stadium attack

Latest Taiz bombing forces parents to keep children indoors, choosing 'safety' over love of the game

For many sports-loving children in the Yemeni city of Taiz, their morning football practice is a good reason to wake up early. Every day, they come to al-Ahli stadium to play with other youngsters and some adults, savouring in the beautiful game a short reprieve from life's uncertainties.

It's impossible to find safe playgrounds these days in Yemen's third-largest city. Attacks are commonplace, and Taiz residents say there is no place completely free from danger, as shelling and air strikes seem to target schools, hospitals, mosques, and homes indiscriminately.

Nasser al-Raimi used to encourage his friends and their sons to come and play in al-Ahli football club stadium, which he considered a "safer" location than most.

The former national team footballer was a keen supporter of budding athletic talent, and he and his 10-year-old son, Imran, had become a staple feature on the field and were always on time for their daily practice.

On this day, a group of children and their fathers were still belatedly making their way to the stadium for their session with Raimi when the ground shook.

"It was 7:30 when a rocket fell on the stadium building," said Faisal Asaad, who witnessed the attack from a short distance away.

"With terror in our hearts, we ran towards the dust of the explosion to check who was under the ruins. We only found body parts, and couldn't recognise the victims at first," Asaad told Middle East Eye.

"Then we realised they were Raimi and Imran."

https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/yemen-taiz-stadium-bombing-football-children

(* B K P)

Who Is Behind the Thwarted Attacks on Riyadh?

Among the groups who could be responsible, two are backed by Iran.

Two explosions boomed overhead in Saudia Arabia’s capital of Riyadh in recent days, as the city came under cross-border missile and drone attacks of unknown origins. On Saturday, the Saudi-led coalition claimed to have intercepted a “hostile air target” attributed to Yemen’s Houthis; On Tuesday, videos and pictures of Saudi Arabia’s missile defense system destroying an object midair circulated on social media.

Since its 2015 intervention into Yemen on behalf of President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi, Saudi Arabia has been the target of a five-year torrent of rocket and drone fire at the hands of the Houthi rebels—officially called Ansar Allah—who control much of the country. But there’s reason to doubt the group’s involvement in the two most recent attacks, despite Saudi reports and the U.S. State Department’s implicit attribution in a recent statement promising to resolve the Yemen war.

Ansar Allah has publicly denied involvement, despite a long history of taking credit for its strikes—and even other entities’ strikes—on Saudi Arabia.

Another group—a newly formed Iran-backed militia in Iraq called Alwiya Alwaad Alhaq—released a statement claiming that they had carried out Saturday’s attack in retaliation for ISIS’s attack on Baghdad that killed 34.

Regardless of their origins, one thing about these foiled strikes is clear: They very likely involved a high degree of Iranian funding, training, and technology. Just days into the Biden presidency, the Islamic Republic is testing the boundaries of a new American regime.

“Different parties in the region want to stress to President Biden that their particular case file is the most important file to be dealt with,” said Alex Vatanka, head of the Middle East Institute’s Iran program.

If Ansar Allah, which is also backed by Iran, is actually responsible, Vatanka explained, it’s likely an effort to compel the Biden administration to up the pressure on the Saudis to withdraw from Yemen. “They’re basically saying: ‘Saudi Arabia will not be safe until it ceases its military operations,’” he said.

Given the geographical distance between Yemen’s border and Riyadh—more than 400 miles—the Houthis have taken to attacking Saudi infrastructure elsewhere in the country. But striking the heart of the kingdom is not impossible, particularly given the influx of Iranian ballistic missiles to Yemen.

A large part of Ansar Allah’s strategy is not to make military strides against the kingdom, but to make its growing economy appear as an unsound investment. “If you’re trying to promote your economy—and if you’re trying to draw business out of Dubai to make Riyadh into the new investor capital of the Gulf states—you need to be able to tell the international community that you’re a safe place,” Vatanka told The Dispatch. “And if you have missiles hitting your capital and hitting strategic assets, like refineries, that sends the opposite message.”

While the economic impacts of rocket fire are tangible, the Iraq-based militia—if responsible for one or both of the attacks—appears to be driven by different motivations altogether. In a statement that appeared in Sabereen News, an Iraqi insurgent source, Alwiya Alwaad Alhaq—the “righteous promise brigades”—touted the attack as an act of retaliation.

https://thedispatch.com/p/riyadh-missiles-iran-houthis-iraq

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 going on and both sides constantly are accusing each other of violating the ceasefire.

(A K P)

[Sanaa gov.] FM to UN Mission in Hodeidah, any Efforts Towards Achieving Peace must Include Ending Siege

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Eng. Hisham Sharaf, affirmed the keenness of the authorities in Sana'a to facilitate and support to the redeployment team in Hodeidah. He also promised to continue coordination and consultation, to ensure the success of the teams' tasks.

During a meeting with the head of the United Nations Mission to support the Hodeidah Agreement, the head of the Redeployment Coordination Committee, General Abhijit Juha, Minister Sharaf indicated that any efforts towards achieving peace should include neutralizing all aspects of the economic process. He also asked for protecting the national currency from the unneeded billions of riyals printed by the pro-Saudi aggression, which aims to increase the suffering of citizens.

https://english.almasirah.net/post/17431/FM-to-UN-Mission-in-Hodeidah%2C-any-Efforts-Towards-Achieving-Peace-must-Include-Ending-Siege

and

(A K P)

Houthis accuse coalition of practicing piracy against vessels in Red Sea

The Ansar Allah group, known as the Houthis, on Wednesday accused a Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen of practicing piracy against fuel, food and medicine ships and preventing them from entering Hodeidah seaport.

The accusation was made by the chief of staff of the group's forces Maj. Gen. Ali Al-Moushki at a meeting with the deputy head of the UN mission to support Hodeidah agreement Daniela Kroslak in the capital Sanaa.

Our team in the Redeployment Coordination Committee has implemented its part of the agreement in return for ending the suffering of the people through allowing supplies to enter the country and relocating the mechanism of monitoring and inspecting vessels from Djibouti to Hodeidah seaports, he said. But the coalition is continuing its piracy and holding vessels, he said.

https://debriefer.net/en/news-22760.html

(A K P)

[Sanaa gov.] Major General Al-Moshaki: Unreasonable to Stand Idly By, While World's Requirements Completely Passed and Yemen's Requirements Seized

The Deputy Chief of General Staff and Head of the National Team for redeployment in Hodeidah Major General Ali Al-Mushki met on Wednesday the head and deputy head of the United Nations mission to support the Hodeidah agreement.

During the meeting, which was held at the United Nations office in Sana’a, Major General Al-Mushki explained that the meeting comes in light of a catastrophic humanitarian situation that the Yemeni people in general and the people of Hodeidah in particular live in.

https://english.almasirah.net/post/17451/Major-General-Al-Moshaki-Unreasonable-to-Stand-Idly-By%2C-While-World-s-Requirements-Completely-Passed

(* B H K P)

UN: Escalating hostilities in Al Hudaydah Governorate put thousands of civilians at risk

Concern is increasing for civilians in southern areas of Al Hudaydah Governorate following an uptick in clashes since mid-January, including shelling of residential areas, putting thousands of civilians at risk. Preliminary reports indicate there have already been civilian casualties, that houses and farms in Hays and Ad Durayhimi have been damaged and over a hundred families – at least 700 people – have been displaced.

“Indiscriminate attacks on residential areas are a breach of international humanitarian law and must stop immediately,” said Mr. Auke Lootsma, Humanitarian Coordinator a.i in Yemen. “The parties must remember that they have a duty to take all necessary measures to protect civilians at all times and allow humanitarians to respond to the injured and displaced.” Across Al Hudaydah, up to eight civilian casualties were reported in the week of 20 January, and scores of houses and farms were damaged. Most casualties were women and children. Initial information indicates that about 120 families were displaced in Ad Durayhimi over the past week, verification of numbers is ongoing.

Field reports signal that clashes and shelling have continued in southern districts of Al Hudaydah over recent days, including in Ad Durayhimi and At Tuyahat, with little or no regard for civilians or their livelihoods. “The conflict continues to exert misery on millions of lives,” said Mr. Lootsma “An immediate end to hostilities is urgently needed to allow humanitarians to conduct needs assessments and provide crucial medical support to wounded civilians and material support to those who have been displaced and lost their livelihoods.”

https://reliefweb.int/report/yemen/escalating-hostilities-al-hudaydah-governorate-put-thousands-civilians-risk-enar

and also https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/01/1083172

(A K pS)

Five houses totally destroyed by heavy shelling in Hodeidah

http://en.adenpress.news/news/32065

Film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aX-xXxUwFgw

(A K pH)

Daily violations

Jan. 27: https://english.almasirah.net/post/17440/US-Saudi-Aggression-s-Daily-Update-for-Wednesday%2C-Jan-27%2C-2021

Jan. 26: https://english.almasirah.net/post/17423/US-Saudi-Aggression-s-Daily-Update-for-Tuesday%2C-Jan-26%2C-2021

Jan. 25 https://english.almasirah.net/post/17405/US-Saudi-Aggression-s-Daily-Update-for-Tuesday%2C-Jan-25%2C-2021

cp19 Sonstiges / Other

(B E H)

Classification of Estuarine Wetlands in Yemen Using Local and Catchment Descriptors

Abstract

A high number of wetlands were irreversibly lost in arid regions, mainly because their conservation raises the great conflict between maintaining wetland hydrology and satisfying water needs of the human population. In Yemen, as an arid developing country, the poor knowledge on wetlands is another challenge that faces their conservation. The present paper contributes to this knowledge by providing a preliminary classification of estuarine ecosystems in Yemen, using satellite data, which provide us with 15 physiographical descriptors of both estuaries, their catchment areas and sea waters. These data were extracted with GIS tools and treated with modern classification algorithms. Their treatment revealed six different types of estuaries, which are distinguished by three categories of descriptors (size and rock nature of both estuary and watershed and sea exposition). These categories confirm the significant influence of the watershed characteristics in shaping estuaries, whose influence has mainly been established during the pluvial Quaternary episodes. (paywalled)

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12237-020-00887-x

(* B D)

Als der Krieg ihre Heimat zerstörte, fand sie Trost in der Fotografie

Es war 2017 – drei Jahre nach dem Beginn des Bürgerkriegs im Jemen –, als die damals 28-jährige Fotografin Thana Faroq in den Niederlanden um Asyl bat.

Thana sagt, dass sie sich 2013 zum ersten Mal der Fotografie widmete, als sie nach ihrem Studienabschluss in Massachusetts nach Sanaa zurückkehrte.

Sie richtete ihre Kamera auf die Straßen ihrer Stadt und auf die Gesichter ihrer jemenitischen Mitbürger. Die Fotografie wurde zu einem Weg, „wieder eine Verbindung zu dem Ort herzustellen“, nachdem sie sich an das Leben auf ihrem liberalen College-Campus in den USA gewöhnt hatte. Der Jemen ist „eine sehr, sehr männerdominierte Gesellschaft“, sagt sie. Aber die Kamera gab ihr ein Gefühl der Freiheit und erlaubte es ihr, eine Identität jenseits der konventionellen, einengenden Erwartungen an Frauen als Ehefrauen, Mütter und Töchter zu behaupten.

Nachdem der Krieg 2014 ausbrach, vermied es Thana, den „Wahnsinn und die Zerstörung“ zu dokumentieren. „Wenn ich es fotografiere, dann ist es real“, sagt sie. Stattdessen suchte sie nach der Normalität des täglichen Lebens, um die düstere Realität zu leugnen – und ihr zu trotzen: körnige Schwarz-Weiß-Fotos von verschleierten Frauen, die gemeinsam auf der Straße spazieren gehen; ein alter Mann, der den Koran liest; warmes Brot, das in einer Bäckerei gestapelt wird; das Lächeln eines Kindes, das von einer Wunderkerze erhellt wird. So, sagt Thana, machte sie den Krieg „nicht real – er ist nie passiert“.

Thanas Fotografie hat es ihr ermöglicht, die Unterbrechungen und das Chaos in ihrem Leben zu akzeptieren. Drei Jahre nach ihrer Ankunft in den Niederlanden hat ihre Tätigkeit ihr außerdem einen Weg zur Akzeptanz in der niederländischen Gesellschaft geebnet. Wenn sie Aufträge erhält – selbst so banale wie das Fotografieren einer Brücke oder einer Universitätsreise für ein Magazin –, zeigt ihr das, dass sie zumindest auf professioneller Ebene keine Außenseiterin ist. (Fotos)

https://www.nationalgeographic.de/geschichte-und-kultur/2021/01/als-der-krieg-ihre-heimat-zerstoerte-fand-sie-trost-in-der-fotografie

Vorige / Previous:

https://www.freitag.de/autoren/dklose/jemenkrieg-mosaik-711-yemen-war-mosaic-711

Jemenkrieg-Mosaik 1-711 / Yemen War Mosaic 1-711:

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/

http://www.yemenwar.info/

Liste aller Luftangriffe / and list of all air raids:

http://yemendataproject.org/data/

Untersuchung ausgewählter Luftangriffe durch Bellingcat / Bellingcat investigations of selected air raids:

https://yemen.bellingcat.com/

Untersuchungen von Angriffen, hunderte von Filmen / Investigations of attacks, hundreds of films:

https://yemeniarchive.org/en

Dieser Beitrag gibt die Meinung des Autors wieder, nicht notwendigerweise die der Redaktion des Freitag.
Geschrieben von

Dietrich Klose

Vielfältig interessiert am aktuellen Geschehen, zur Zeit besonders: Ukraine, Russland, Jemen, Rolle der USA, Neoliberalismus, Ausbeutung der 3. Welt

Dietrich Klose

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