Dies ist die Fortsetzung von Jemenkrieg-Mosaik 737, Teil 1 / This is the sequel of Yemen War Mosaic 737, part 1:
https://www.freitag.de/autoren/dklose/jemenkrieg-mosaik-737-yemen-war-mosaic-737
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
cp2 Allgemein / General
cp2a Allgemein: Saudische Blockade / General: Saudi blockade
cp3 Humanitäre Lage / Humanitarian situation
cp4 Flüchtlinge / Refugees
cp5 Nordjemen und Huthis / Northern Yemen and Houthis
cp6 Separatisten und Hadi-Regierung im Südjemen / Separatists and Hadi government in Southern Yemen
cp7 UNO und Friedensgespräche / UN and peace talks
cp8 Saudi-Arabien / Saudi Arabia
cp9 USA
cp9a USA-Iran Krise: Spannungen am Golf / US-Iran crisis: Tensions at the Gulf
cp10 Großbritannien / Great Britain
cp11 Deutschland / Germany
cp12 Andere Länder / Other countries
cp13a Waffenhandel / Arms trade
cp13b Wirtschaft / Economy
cp14 Terrorismus / Terrorism
cp15 Propaganda
cp16 Saudische Luftangriffe / Saudi air raids
cp17 Kriegsereignisse / Theater of War
cp17a Kriegsereignisse: Schlacht um Marib / Theater of War: Marib battle
cp18 Kampf um Hodeidah / Hodeidah battle
cp19 Sonstiges / Other
Klassifizierung / Classification
***
**
*
(Kein Stern / No star)
? = Keine Einschatzung / No rating
A = Aktuell / Current news
B = Hintergrund / Background
C = Chronik / Chronicle
D = Details
E = Wirtschaft / Economy
H = Humanitäre Fragen / Humanitarian questions
K = Krieg / War
P = Politik / Politics
pH = Pro-Houthi
pS = Pro-Saudi
T = Terrorismus / Terrorism
cp7 UNO und Friedensgespräche / UN and peace talks
Siehe / Look at cp1
(A K P)
Yemeni gov't, Houthi rebels exchange 21 prisoners in Marib via local mediation: source
Forces loyal to the Yemeni government and the Houthi rebel group exchanged a new batch of 21 prisoners in the country's turbulent province of Marib on Monday, a military official told Xinhua.
The new prisoner swap deal came through a mediation by local tribal chiefs "representing the two-warring sides in Marib and other major cities," the local official said on condition of anonymity.
http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2021-04/27/c_139908329.htm
and also https://debriefer.net/en/news-24729.html
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/yemeni-army-houthi-rebels-exchange-prisoners/2221600
https://hodhodyemennews.net/2021/04/26/twenty-two-yemeni-soldiers-freed-in-prisoner-swap-deal/
(A P)
Griffiths in Egypt to push forward political solution in Yemen
http://en.adenpress.news/news/32797
and
(A P)
Egypt's FM meets with UN Special Envoy for Yemen to discuss political solution
https://www.egypttoday.com/Article/1/101269/Egypt-s-FM-meets-with-UN-Special-Envoy-for-Yemen
(A P)
[Hadi] Yemeni Government Slams Houthis for Blocking Peace Efforts
(B P)
Film: On the possibility of a ceasefire in #Yemen, @Jamal_Benomar tells @beckyCNN “it doesn't seem like it’s going to happen very soon. Both sides are talking, but they are talking past each other.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8ZEVvpKldw
Clip: https://twitter.com/CNNConnect/status/1385634266315476992
(A P)
[Hadi] Yemen government: Houthis not serious about peace
The Ministry of Foreign and Expatriate Affairs in the internationally recognised government of Yemen on Friday said the Houthi group is not serious about peace because its decision is in the hands of Iran.
The ongoing military escalation in Marib province sends a clear message the Houthis are not interested in and not serious about any progress on the political process
https://debriefer.net/en/news-24663.html
(A P)
Blockade is not a good gateway to peace in Yemen, say Houthis
Member of the negotiation team of the Houthi group Abdulmalik Al-Ojari on Thursday reiterated they refuse to talk about peace amid continued aggression and blockade on Yemen.
We have said many times and repeatedly that blockade is not the gateway to peace
https://debriefer.net/en/news-24655.html
(* B P)
Watchdogs of Pause: The Challenges of Ceasefire Monitoring in Yemen
In 2018, the Government of Yemen and the Houthis concluded the UN-mediated Stockholm Agreement in which they agreed on a ceasefire in Hodeidah to be overseen by a UN monitoring mission. As of 2020, the implementation of the ceasefire is stalled, and the humanitarian situation has not improved. The purpose of this article is to provide a descriptive analysis of the challenges that UNMHA monitors have faced in Yemen. The empirical analysis builds on the literature on ceasefires and monitoring missions and focuses on four key factors: agreement quality, changes in the operational environment, the monitoring mission’s relation to the mediator, and conflict parties’ commitment to the ceasefire. I apply a qualitative case-study method, reviewing primary and secondary sources and conducting interviews with monitoring officers and local Yemenis. I find that monitors’ ability to carry out their mandate was hampered by the quality of the agreement and conflict parties’ perception of bias. Second, I find that the Houthis, operating from a position of relative strength prevented monitors from carrying out their mandate. Findings from the Yemeni case are relevant for other monitoring missions that are deployed in ongoing violent contexts, such as Libya or Ukraine.
The United Nations Mission to Support the Hodeidah Agreement (UNMHA) was established to head the Redeployment Coordination Committee (RCC) that was tasked with monitoring the ceasefire.4 UNMHA was established by Security Council Resolution 2452 which stipulated the deployment of 75 civilian observers for six months. The monitoring mission faced significant challenges from the outset. Despite a brief decline of violence at the national level,5 violence in the ceasefire area continued, involving more civilian casualties and ultimately an increase of violence in Hodeidah governorate.6 Monitoring officers also became the victims of attacks. During a briefing to the Security Council in April 2020, the Special Envoy reported that the ceasefire was being violated daily and that the RCC had in effect ‘ceased to function’ following the killing of a government liaison officer in the RCC by the Houthis.7 By the end of April 2020, the escalation of hostilities on other fronts, and the COVID-19 pandemic, prompted UNMHA to reduce its presence to a twelve-member team.8
The ineffectiveness of the UNMHA monitoring mission stands in contrast to prior research that points to the benefits and average effectiveness of such missions.
This study builds on a review of all UN documents published on Yemen since the Stockholm Agreement (Security Council Resolutions, press statements, Yemen Panel of Experts findings, and documents by the Group of Eminent Experts on Yemen), an analysis of English-language Yemeni newspaper articles, and expert interviews with UNMHA monitoring officers who were deployed from March until June 2019 and individuals involved in the design of the mission.
The article contributes to the ceasefire literature in two primary ways.
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13533312.2021.1918004?src=&
Survey: https://www.prio.org/News/Item/?x=2701
(A P)
Saudi Aggression Prevents All Prisoners Exchanges Agreements
The head of the [Sanaa gov.] National Committee for Prisoners Affairs, Abdul Qadir Al-Murtada, confirmed that the stagnation in the prisoners' issues is caused by the forces of aggression and their mercenaries refusing to implement a comprehensive exchange of prisoners.
Al-Murtada said that the forces of aggression put obstacles in the way of implementing the agreements that were sponsored by the United Nations. He added that the Saudi regime prevented all exchanges that take place through local mediation.
Al-Murtada explained that the United Nations was unable to find solutions and proposals that bring views closer.
(* B P)
Former UN Mediators Aim to Make Mideast Peace Work Home-Grown
A high-powered cast of former senior United Nations mediators from the Middle East and North Africa have founded a conflict-resolution organization, the International Center for Dialogue Initiatives, or ICDI, to mitigate the failures of foreign peace brokers and enable home-grown peacemakers to become more influential in their region, the founders say.
Jamal Benomar, a former UN envoy for Yemen and the center’s chair, spoke with PassBlue by phone from the New York metro area about the new venture. “The whole idea,” he said, “is to encourage the governments, intergovernmental organizations and civil society in the region to take more responsibility in addressing their own problems, instead of an exclusive reliance on outside powers . . . who all have their own interests.”
The center, its website says, will first focus on Libya, Syria and Yemen, where armed conflicts “continue unabated due largely to failing peace processes and no credible diplomatic initiatives from within the region are underway.”
“Everybody is involved in these conflicts,” Benomar said, “except for the local people who are going to live with the consequences.”
Maged Alkholidy, a Yemeni peace activist who spoke with PassBlue from the besieged city of Taiz, said that ordinary Yemenis are left in the dark while foreign diplomats haggle over their fate. “We follow the news but we don’t have concrete information,” he said. “We know nothing.”
That needs to change, Benomar and his colleagues contend. If peace settlements are to endure, local people, from official leaders to civil society — including women — must have pride of place in designing them, the new center’s founders say.
“You will never get a sustainable peace unless the people who are affected by the war, and who are sustaining one or another party, are involved, their problems addressed, and they feel like they own the peace process,” Zerrougui said.
The center takes its inspiration from Tunisia, the country where the first sparks of the Arab Spring were ignited and it underwent that transformative experience more peacefully than other nations in the region. Tunisia did it without outside involvement.
https://www.passblue.com/2021/04/21/former-un-mediators-aim-to-make-mideast-peace-work-home-grown/
(A P)
The-president-of-transitional-council-meets-the-envoy-of-secretary-general-of-the-united-nations
(* B K P)
Will New UN Envoy Succeed in Yemen?
Some sources reported the appointment of a new delegate by the United Nations, in agreement with Griffiths, to speed up negotiations between the Yemeni parties in one of the countries in the region.
In addition to field reports that indicate the inevitability of the fall of Marib in the not-too-distant future. Hadi's media focus on the need for "resistance" and replacing this with previous enthusiastic slogans is the clearest sign of accepting the defeat of Saudi Arabia and Hadi on the Marib front.
These days, the focus of the Saudi media is mainly on allegations of repelling missile and drone strikes by the Yemeni National Salvation Government against Saudi Arabia. Earlier it was announced that the Saudis were transferring their heavy weapons from Marib to the rear fronts.
In recent weeks, the Saudis have not given up on presenting any proposal to prevent the conquest of Marib by Ansarullah, and of course it has often accepted the preconditions of Ansarullah. But what was not actually obtained from these negotiations and mutual visits is that Ansarullah is not convinced that the Saudis intend to end the occupation of Yemen.
Some sources say that recently, in addition to Griffiths, the United Nations established a new coordination office with a new force in a country in the region to reform the negotiation process. And they claim, the agreements in particular.
However, it seems that it is absolutely useless to increase these mechanisms in addition to diversifying the directors of this scenario, as long as the Saudis do not intend to accept the inevitable defeat in Yemen, make an apology, retreat, and thus rectify the matter and pay compensation to the Yemeni people.
https://english.almasirah.net/post/18984/Will-New-UN-Envoy-Succeed-in-Yemen%3F
cp8 Saudi-Arabien / Saudi Arabia
(A P)
58 years after its opening, #Saudi monarchy allows women to study at #UPM university aka @KFUPM
https://twitter.com/AliAlAhmed_en/status/1386747331631005696
(A P)
Will Lewis Hamilton Speak out Against Human Rights Abuses in Saudi Arabia?
With the 2021 F1 season set to include Saudi Arabia, Lewis Hamilton will be under the pump to speak out against the human rights abuses in the country.
Lewis Hamilton has been urged to speak out against Saudi Arabia’s “appalling” human rights record after it was announced that the country would stage its first Formula One race in 2021.
(A P)
Distract from Human Rights Abuses, Saudi to Host Boxing Match
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is seeking to host a boxing match between British boxers Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, in a contract with a fee of $ 150 million, according to ESPN Athletic website.
The site stated that the proposed amount is higher than any fees ever paid to host a boxing game.
(B H)
Audio: Stephan Orth: Couch-Surfing Saudi-Arabien
Stephan Orth ist vermutlich der bekannteste Couch-Surfer der Welt. Sein letztes Ziel vor Ausbruch der Coronakrise war Saudi-Arabien. Er besuchte ein Konzert mitten in der Wüste, erlebte Granateneinschläge an der Grenze zum Jemen und erwischte den letzten Flug bevor der Airport für Monate geschlossen wurde. Seine ganze Geschichte hört ihr hier in diesem Podcast!
https://rpr1-mein-abenteuer.podigee.io/134-stephan-orth-couch-surfing-saudi-arabien
(* B P)
Some Yemenis are fighting to defend the #SaudiArabia southern border, but they are subjected to arbitrary arrests and forced disappearance in the Saudi intelligence prisons. Some may be hidden from 6 months to an unknown date, and some of the disappeared may be deported to #Marib
https://twitter.com/SAM4rights/status/1385896623255867398
#SAM has obtained information about detention facilities established on Yemeni- Saudi borders to punish Yemeni fighters who wish to return to #Yemen, or who claim their financial benefits, some of which are located in camps maintained by #SaudiArabia,
These camps were founded on haphazard and fragile foundations unrelated to the military side or to the laws imposed in the military service. In these brigades, detentions are places for persecution, racism, zoning, violation of rights, insults, beatings, and torture.
https://twitter.com/SAM4rights/status/1385901527022260225
(A P)
The Specialized Criminal Court issued a verdict against the blogger Abdulaziz Al-Odah of (5 years in prison, with 2 years and a half suspended). He was detained in September 2019 on the grounds of rejecting normalization with Israel in his tweets.
https://twitter.com/m3takl_en/status/1385891078889422851
(A P)
The Saudi authorities using unprecedented torture tactics inside their prisons during interrogations with political prisoners, scholars and activists by breaking their teeth, to make them confess to crimes they did not commit.
https://twitter.com/WajeehLionn/status/1386027585205940225
(B P)
#Saudi Monarchy #MBS @KingSalman is holding hostage nearly 100 bodies of religious leaders, protesters & activists. I urge @SecDef to ask #MBS to return the bodies to their families for burial.
https://twitter.com/AliAlAhmed_en/status/1385612369288695812
https://twitter.com/AliAlAhmed_en/status/1385604837509828616
(A P)
Leading political prisoners monitoring group confirms large scale detention & interrogation of #Twitter & social media users by #Saudi Monarchy security apparatus @ce_pss_en lead by human rights criminal AbdulAziz AlHoairini
https://twitter.com/AliAlAhmed_en/status/1385390868803334148
(B P)
A liberal mother of six jailed for challenging Saudi taboos
When Souad al-Shammary posted a series of tweets about the thick beards worn by Saudi clerics, she never imagined she would land in jail.
She put up images of several men with beards: An Orthodox Jew, a hipster, a communist, an Ottoman Caliph, a Sikh, and a Muslim. She wrote that having a beard was not what made a man holy or a Muslim. And she pointed out that one of Islam’s staunchest critics during the time of Prophet Muhammad had an even longer beard than him.
The frank comments are typical of this twice-divorced mother of six and graduate of Islamic law, who is in many ways a walking challenge to taboos in deeply conservative Saudi Arabia. Raised a devout girl in a large tribe where she tended sheep, al-Shammary is now a 42-year-old liberal feminist who roots her arguments in Islam, taking on Saudi Arabia’s powerful religious establishment.
She has paid a price for her opinions. She spent three months in prison without charge for “agitating public opinion.” She has been barred by the government from traveling abroad. Her co-founder of the online forum Free Saudi Liberals Network, blogger Raif Badawi, is serving a 10-year prison sentence and was publicly lashed 50 times. Her father disowned her in public.
None of it was enough to keep her quiet.
“I have rights that I don’t view as against my religion,” says al-Shammary. “I want to ask for these rights, and I want those who make decisions to hear me and act.”
https://apnews.com/article/97dce65add31443fbe512963dfc28ffb
and from 2015: https://www.gc4hr.org/news/view/801
and
(A P)
Al-Shammari was previously arrested in October 2014 and then released several months later after signing a pledge to stop her activism: https://amnestyusa.org/victories/good-news-saudi-arabia-souad-al-shammari-released/…. It's not clear why she's been imprisoned again (particularly given the support she's expressed for MBS on Twitter).
https://twitter.com/DanielWickham93/status/1385194091219193862
(A E P)
Saudi Aramco to refinance $10 billion revolving loans - sources
Saudi Aramco (2222.SE) is expected to refinance a $10 billion debt facility raised in 2015, two sources said, in what would be the oil giant's third major foray into the loan market this year.
(A P)
Sensing increasing public discontent across the country, #Saudi Monarchy religious militia posts borders with religious messages mandating “obedience to the ruler”
https://twitter.com/AliAlAhmed_en/status/1385318740280152065
referring to photos: https://twitter.com/PvGovSa/status/1380957123341864964
(A P)
Leading political prisoners monitoring group confirms large scale detention & interrogation of #Twitter & social media users by #Saudi Monarchy security apparatus @ce_pss_en lead by human rights criminal AbdulAziz AlHoairini
https://twitter.com/AliAlAhmed_en/status/1385390868803334148
referring to https://twitter.com/m3takl/status/1385336859354537985
(A P)
Saudi detains wife, daughter-in-law of ex-Hamas official
Saudi security forces stormed the house of Palestinian detainee Mohamed Al-Khodari in Jeddah yesterday and took his 70-year-old wife Wijdan and daughter-in-law to a security centre, the Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor said.
According to Euro-Med, both women were detained for several hours and were released after authorities forced them to sign a pledge not to talk about the health and incarceration conditions of prisoner Khodari and his son, Hani, who is also in detention.
According to testimonies collected by the Euro-Med team, security officers interrogated Al-Khodari's wife, searched and filmed her house and confiscated her phone.
The Saudi security authorities threatened to deport Wijdan and her entire family and informed her of their annoyance at her family's appeals for the release of her husband and son.
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20210422-saudi-detains-wife-daughter-in-law-of-ex-hamas-official/
(* B P)
The legal war between the Saudis and their former spymaster
The family of a former top Saudi intelligence official who is living in exile and locked in an international feud with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman say they have become pawns in the kingdom’s efforts to bring the spy chief home.
A Saudi court jailed two of Saad al-Jabri’s adult children late last year for money laundering and conspiracy to escape the kingdom unlawfully, charges they deny.
Now, an attempt by the family to appeal the convictions has failed, according to Saudi authorities. The Jabri family alleges that Saudi authorities interfered in the legal process, including circumventing appeals proceedings, which Riyadh denies.
A Saudi official told Reuters in a written statement that the convictions of the Jabri children “were upheld on appeal.”
The appeal, which hasn’t been previously reported, comes as the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden has raised concerns with senior Saudi officials about the children’s detention and trial, according to the U.S. State Department.
The family’s assertions are the latest volley in an acrimonious dispute playing out in courtrooms in the United States, Canada and Saudi Arabia between the former intelligence official and the crown prince.
Last summer, Jabri accused MbS in a civil suit in U.S. federal court of sending agents in 2018 to Canada, where Jabri now lives, to kill him. In January, a group of Saudi state-owned firms alleged in a lawsuit in Canada that Jabri embezzled billions of dollars of state funds while working at the Ministry of Interior.
Jabri spent many years as bin Nayef’s closest aide at the Ministry of Interior, including helping to overhaul the kingdom’s intelligence and counterterrorism operations.
(* B P)
Kingdom of Trolls? Influence Operations in the Saudi Twittersphere
Saudi Arabia has one of the highest rates of Twitter penetration in the world. Despite high levels of repression, the platform is frequently used to discuss political topics. Recent disclosures from Twitter have revealed state-backed attempts at distorting the online information environment through influence operations (IOs). A growing body of research has investigated online disinformation and foreign-sponsored IOs in the English-speaking world; but comparatively little is known about online disinformation in other contexts or about the domestic use of IOs. Using public releases of IO tweets, we investigate the extent of such activity in Saudi Arabia. Benchmarking these tweets to four samples of Saudi Twitter users, we find that engagement with IO accounts was lower than engagement with the average user, but equal to engagement with news accounts. Network analysis reveals that engagement with IO accounts was largely driven by a small number of influential accounts.
https://journalqd.org/article/view/2559
cp9 USA
Siehe / Look at cp1, cp9a
(A P)
Sec. A. Blinken: Met with #USEnvoyYemen today. The international community must ask itself why the Houthis are seeking a military solution to the conflict with their assault on Marib, despite the tremendous humanitarian consequences (photo)
https://twitter.com/SecBlinken/status/1386862666585497603
(A K P)
New: Two B-52 bombers arrive at #AlUdeid Air Base in #Qatar " to protect US & coalition forces as they conduct drawdown operations from #Afghanistan" per @USAFCENT. This is in addition to the 2 B-52s sent to the region last week...
https://twitter.com/jseldin/status/1386760582389538819
(* B K P)
The Saudis Need More than a Scolding on Yemen
Washington must determine and declare its reduction of support for the Saudi effort.
Since the Yemeni conflict began in March 2015, the United States has acted like a bank, giving the Saudis a blank check to prosecute a war against the Houthis.
Riyadh has overdrawn on its bank account with the U.S. government. Like any responsible business lender—and world leader—it is high time the United States calls in the loan.
Since the announcement, the White House has offered few specifics on how it will reduce U.S. support for Riyadh’s war in Yemen. In fact, President Biden has created a policy incongruity by mentioning the attacks, strikes, and threats Saudi Arabia faces from “Iranian supplied forces in multiple countries,” which include the Houthis. In doing so, President Biden has also vowed to “help Saudi Arabia defend its sovereignty and its territorial integrity and its people.” There is a fine line between offensive and defensive support. The Biden administration will need to not only draw boundaries but also publicly articulate them. Most worryingly, the White House interprets its plan to end offensive operations and send an envoy as two separate entities. In fact, they are inter-connected initiatives. President Biden can negotiate a peace by explaining the end of Washington’s offensive involvement.
The time for a policy review elapsed the moment President Biden announced a new policy for the Yemeni war. A tacit censure of Saudi Arabia followed by no tangible alterations to U.S. support signals to Riyadh that the new “policy” is nothing more than a placatory gesture to a disgruntled American electorate. War can proceed as usual.
If the Biden administration is serious about ending America’s role in the war, it must determine and disclose the details of its withdrawal. It should cancel, not just freeze, weapons sales to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
President Biden must also demarcate American parameters for future Saudi cooperation. He wants to end offensive support. Yet his administration pledges to “help defend Saudi Arabia, especially in light of continued Houthi cross-border attacks that target Saudi Arabia’s civilian infrastructure.” If the Houthis attack another Saudi oil station or airbase, when does Riyadh’s retaliation stop becoming a defensive deterrent and start becoming another offensive maneuver? President Biden must delineate and specify the defensive support he wants to maintain. He also must devise an integrity mechanism to pinpoint when such support crosses into the offensive realm.
https://nationalinterest.org/blog/skeptics/saudis-need-more-scolding-yemen-183712
(* A K P)
Biden in Yemen: When “End the War” Brings More Wars
The decisions taken by the Biden administration to end the war in Yemen have ironically yielded the opposite effect: an unprecedented military escalation, more victims, and a worsening humanitarian crisis. This failed start raises the stakes in “the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.” If the US is serious about ending the war, it needs to immediately change its tactics; pursue evidence-based policies informed by dynamics on the ground; and balance its pressure on all warring parties, especially the Houthis who are the most resistant to accepting ceasefires. A successful policy is one that strives for enduring peace in Yemen. That will come about when the US goes local, prioritizing Yemen’s national interests.
The Houthis read shifting US policies in their favor. This reading did not negatively impact Yemen alone: it also influenced regional dynamics. The Houthis have intensified their drones and ballistic missiles against Saudi Arabia this past month.
Paradoxically, recent US policies have derailed Washington’s diplomatic efforts and led to further war and stalemate in Yemen. The Biden administration lacks real levers against the Houthis. The Houthis do not consider the US a neutral actor; on the contrary; they view them as a foe, as the leader of a “US-Saudi” military campaign against them. As a non-state actor, the Houthis have no interest in ending the war as they base their progress on violently changing the status quo. Neither sanctions nor ending support to the Saudi-led coalition will break the Houthis’ resolve or end the war. Instead of sanctioning second-tier Houthi leaders, the US is best served if it reassesses its Yemen strategy. Peace is impossible without first creating a conducive environment on the ground. This will not come along when the Houthis view recent US actions as further empowering them to defeat their adversaries. Safeguarding Marib, the last stronghold of the internationally recognized government, is an essential start.
T he second much-needed parameter is disentangling Yemen from the regional dossiers it got mired into. Both the Obama and the Trump administration enabled Saudi meddling in Yemen, while the Biden administration is now transferring that role to Iran by giving the Houthis free reign and linking Yemen to its negotiations with Iran.
A clear message needs to be sent to all parties about the US roadmap for peace in Yemen. However, prior to that, Washington needs to formulate such a plan. So far, Biden’s current Yemen policy has only intensified the war, with no end in sight. It is not a policy for peace.
https://www.ispionline.it/en/pubblicazione/biden-yemen-when-end-war-brings-more-wars-30208
My comment: With propaganda bias.
(* A K P)
Just in: Pentagon adds clarity on the nature of current US support for the Saudi-led coalition amid concerns over #Yemen: US maintenance for the Royal #Saudi Air Force continues. (text in image; not found)
https://twitter.com/JM_Szuba/status/1386133323576131585
(A P)
Groups call on Biden to offer Iran coronavirus relief
A letter to the president says he should ‘follow through on his call for urgently-needed humanitarian relief to Iran.’
More than 40 humanitarian and human rights organizations called on the Biden administration to lift economic restrictions that are making it more difficult for Iran to deal with the coronavirus pandemic in a Wednesday open letter.
The United States is currently enforcing strict sanctions on the Iranian economy, many of them imposed during the Trump administration’s “maximum pressure” campaign.
The letter by antiwar, human rights, and religious organizations calls on “President Joe Biden to follow through on his call for urgently-needed humanitarian relief to Iran amid the devastating toll of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
https://responsiblestatecraft.org/2021/04/21/groups-call-on-biden-to-offer-iran-coronavirus-relief/
(A P)
Email Congress to End the War on Yemen
Congress tried to put a stop to the U.S.'s role in the war in Yemen by passing a War Powers Resolution. But Trump vetoed it.
Congress needs to re-introduce the War Powers Resolution under the Biden administration.
Congress needs to permanently end weapons shipments to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
The U.S. government needs to pressure Saudi Arabia to end the blockade of Yemen that threatens mass starvation.
Click below to urge your Congress members to immediately end U.S. involvement in the war in Yemen!
You can send email as is, or even better, you can personalize it by editing the subject line and the body of the email and adding your own message.
https://act.rootsaction.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=14082
(B P)
Be a force of peace for Yemen
After so many years of war, we need President Joe Biden to unequivocally end decades of destructive U.S. policy in Yemen.
The United States can and should play a positive role for peace in Yemen. But that requires not only an end of arms sales to and other support for Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), but also an end to all U.S. military involvement in Yemen writ large in favor of deep investments in lasting diplomacy, accountability and people-centered solutions.
News broke that the Biden administration is trying to shield Saudi Arabia and the UAE from accountability by potentially only banning some weapons. That’s not centering human rights in U.S. foreign policy, and the president must choose the path of peace, justice and diplomacy. Let’s end U.S. support for the brutal, needless Saudi- and Emirati-led coalition intervention in Yemen, and be a positive force for peace.
https://m.lasvegassun.com/news/2021/apr/25/be-a-force-for-peace-in-yemen/
(* B K P)
Selling Arms To The UAE Is Not In U.S. Security Interests
The Biden administration’s decision to approve a $23 billion package of F-35 combat aircraft, MQ-9 armed drones, and $10 billion in bombs and missiles to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) contradicts its pledge to make human rights and long-term U.S. interests the central factors in deciding which nations to supply with U.S. arms.
The UAE’s conduct in the Middle East and North Africa should disqualify it from receiving U.S. arms at this time.
The list of reasons that the administration and Congress should think twice before providing the UAE with advanced armaments is long.
Despite claims to the contrary, the UAE continues to play a role in the brutal war in Yemen
The truth is the weapons in the $23 billion package are more likely to be used in wars like those in Libya and Yemen than to deter or fight Tehran, a primary rationale that has been given for going forward with the deals.
The sale of F-35s to the UAE could open the door to sales of these aircraft to other Gulf States, spurring an arms race in the region and threatening Israel’s qualitative military edge (QME) over other states in the Middle East.
And contrary to claims of major U.S. jobs benefits from transferring weaponry to the UAE, the sales will likely include the transfer of U.S. technology and jobs to the UAE via offset agreements with U.S. companies. For example, the UAE is seeking the opportunity to build parts for the F-35 that will be used not just on the jets they are purchasing but on all U.S. F-35s produced worldwide, reducing jobs in the United States as a result.
Congress has rightly expressed skepticism about the wisdom of selling arms to the UAE at this time
The better course – for human rights and U.S. security – is to block the deal and demand that the UAE fully withdraw from the conflicts in Yemen and Libya and end its crackdown on internal critics and dissidents abroad. If the administration fails to reverse course, Congress should act to end these dangerous sales before they fuel even more conflict and repression in the Middle East and North Africa – by William D. Hartung
(* B K P)
General Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr., Commander, U.S. Central Command, Holds a Press Briefing
Q: Yesterday, Special Envoy Lenderking deferred to the Defense Department when he was asked about what specific support the U.S. is providing to the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen. We know that the U.S. has been providing defensive support including ISR to the Saudi-led coalition.
But what can you tell us about, you know, support for the battle for Marib, has there been ISR support? And is the -- has the U.S. discontinued logistical and maintenance support for the Royal Saudi Air Force? Thanks.
GEN. MCKENZIE: So, right now what I provide the Saudis are defensive support, as you noted, they're under attack typically at least every other day, sometimes more than one a day from a combination of ballistic missiles, land-attack cruise missiles, or small and large UASs from Yemen.
So, the principal thing I do with the Saudis is I give them advanced notice when I'm able to do that, we are not always able to that, it depends on the situation. So, I would characterize our support as essentially defensive in nature.
We're not doing anything in terms of ISR where we give them ISR on things happening in Marib or places like that. That's just not -- that's just not something that we're doing and we're not doing anything with them that could be characterized as offensive in nature. Thank you.
(B P)
Audio: Congressman Ro Khanna Interview
Negar Mortazavi speaks to Congressman Ro Khanna about U.S. policy in the Middle East, the Biden administration’
https://anchor.fm/theiranpodcast/episodes/Congressman-Ro-Khanna-Interview-evflud
(A P)
@LiberateYemen, coalition members and I decided that last night would be the last day of the hunger strike. My sister’s health has been declining and we have so much more work to do for ¥€/\/\3n that we need to be healthy for. The fight continues
https://twitter.com/sandlewoad/status/1385263762450550784
(* B P)
Letter: US needs to help end war in Yemen
After six years of complicity in a terrible human tragedy, the U.S. has an obligation to end all support for the destabilizing and destructive military intervention and deadly blockade on Yemen, and start acting as a positive force for peace.
To start, President Biden should cancel $36.5 billion in pending weapons transfers to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, ban future weapons transfers to these countries until their human rights records improve, and provide reparations for the United States’ destabilizing drone bombing campaign and other war crimes in Yemen.
The U.S. should push Saudi Arabia and the UAE to announce a nationwide ceasefire, an end to its deadly air and sea blockade, and work with the UN to expand Yemen’s peace process to center the demands of the people most vested in sustainable peace and focus on tangible accountability for all violations by all parties to the conflict.
Finally, the U.S. should massively invest in humanitarian relief and peacebuilding, in addition to reparations for the damage it has caused, and push for accountability and transformative justice for the ongoing abuses by all parties to the conflict.
The Biden administration is trying to shield Saudi Arabia and the UAE from accountability by potentially only banning some weapons. That’s not centering human rights in U.S. foreign policy, and the president must choose the path of peace, justice, and diplomacy.
http://www.therepublic.com/2021/04/22/letter_us_needs_to_help_end_war_in_yemen/ = https://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/middle-east-obligation-to-yemen/
(* A P)
US-Repräsentantenhaus verabschiedet Gesetz zur Begrenzung des Waffenverkaufs an Saudi-Arabien
Das US-Repräsentantenhaus hat am Donnerstag früh ein Gesetz verabschiedet, das den Waffenverkauf an Saudi-Arabien wegen der Ermordung des Journalisten und Regimekritikers Jamal Khashoggi einschränkt.
Die Gesetzgeber billigten laut der Webseite The Hill das "Gesetz zum Schutz saudischer Oppositionelle" mit 350 Ja-Stimmen gegen 71 Nein-Stimmen. Es ist unklar, wie der Senat darüber entscheidet.
Nach diesem Gesetzentwurf wird der Verkauf spezieller Militärausrüstung an Riad gestoppt, bis der US-Präsident bestätigt, dass die Regierung in Riad ihre Gegner nicht foltert und die amerikanischen und ausländischen Bürger nicht willkürlich verhaftet.
Das Ziel sei, Saudi-Arabien weitere Kosten aufzuerlegen, hieß es im Bericht der Webseite The Hill.
Der Gesetzentwurf erfordert auch verschiedene Berichte und Maßnahmen im Zusammenhang mit dem Tod des saudischen Journalisten Khashoggi.
(* A P)
House votes to limit arms sales to Saudi Arabia over Khashoggi killing
The House on Wednesday voted overwhelmingly to restrict arms sales to Saudi Arabia over its killing of the U.S.-based dissident and journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
The bill, H.R. 1392, would bar sales, authorizations and transfer of arms and other defense services from the president to Saudi Arabia. President Joe Biden, however, could continue sales if he can certify the country is not engaged in killing, torturing or endangering the lives of dissidents and detaining U.S. and international citizens.
The legislation, which passed 350-71, is sponsored by Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.), who represents Khashoggi’s district in Virginia.
https://www.politico.com/news/2021/04/21/arms-sales-saudi-arabia-khashoggi-killing-484086
and also https://www.aa.com.tr/en/americas/us-house-passes-bill-limiting-arms-sales-to-saudi-arabia/2216549
and
(A P)
H.R. 1392, Protection of Saudi Dissidents Act of 2021
H.R. 1392 would prohibit the Administration from approving sales of defense articles or transferring such items to the government of Saudi Arabia for a period of 120 days following enactment. That prohibition would be extended for subsequent periods (for a total of three years) unless the President certifies to the Congress that the Saudi government is not violating the human rights of dissidents or detainees. The bill would exempt articles used to defend Saudi Arabia or the U.S. military in that country and also would authorize the President to waive that prohibition in the interest of national security. Finally, the bill would require the Administration to report to the Congress on the repression of critics and dissidents by the Saudi government.
https://www.cbo.gov/publication/57147
and full document: https://www.cbo.gov/system/files/2021-04/hr1392.pdf
Film: https://twitter.com/HouseForeign/status/1385613661054582786
(* B K P)
Biden’s drone wars
It appears from his statements and actions regarding the war in Yemen in February and regarding the war in Afghanistan in April, that Biden is not so much concerned with ending the “forever wars” as he is with handing these wars over to drones armed with 500 pound bombs and Hellfire missiles operated by remote control from thousands of miles away.
We saw this bait and switch tactic before in President Biden’s earlier announcement about ending US support for the long, miserable war in Yemen.
On February 5th, the Biden administration dispelled the impression that the US was getting out of the business of killing Yemenis completely and the State Department issued a statement, saying “Importantly, this does not apply to offensive operations against either ISIS or AQAP.” In other words, whatever happens in regard to the war waged by the Saudis, the war that the US has been waging in Yemen since 2002, under the guise of the Authorization for Use of Military Force passed by congress authorizing the use of the US Armed Forces against those responsible for the September 11 attacks, will continue indefinitely, despite the fact that neither ISIS nor Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula existed in 2001. These other “offensive operations” by the US that will continue unabated in Yemen include drone strikes, cruise missile attacks and special forces raids.
It appears from his statements and actions regarding the war in Yemen in February and regarding the war in Afghanistan in April, that Biden is not so much concerned with ending the “forever wars” as he is with handing these wars over to drones armed with 500 pound bombs and Hellfire missiles operated by remote control from thousands of miles away.
The validity of Biden’s claim that US “counter terrorism capabilities” such as drones and special forces can effectively “prevent re-emergence of terrorist threat to our homeland” is taken for granted by the New York Times- “Drones, long-range bombers and spy networks will be used in an effort to prevent Afghanistan from re-emerging as a terrorist base to threaten the United States.”
After the Ban Killer Drones “international grassroots campaign working to ban aerial weaponized drones and military and police drone surveillance,” was launched on April 9, I was asked in an interview if there is anyone in the government, military, diplomatic or intelligence communities who supports our position that drones are no deterrent to terrorism. I do not think that there is, but there are many people formerly holding those positions who agree with us.
Long ago, both George Orwell and President Eisenhower foresaw today’s “forever wars” and warned of nations’ industries, economies and politics becoming so dependent on the production and consumption of armaments that wars would no longer be fought with an intention of winning them but to ensure that they never end, that they are continuous. Whatever his intentions, Joe Biden’s calls for peace, in Afghanistan as in Yemen, while pursuing war by drone, ring hollow.
For a politician, “war by drone” has obvious advantages to waging war by ordering “boots on the ground.”
Talk of peace in Afghanistan, Yemen, the streets of the US, is not coherent while waging wars with drones. We must urgently demand a ban on the production, trade and use of weaponized drones and an end to military and police drone surveillance.”
https://middle-east-online.com/en/biden%E2%80%99s-drone-wars
(* B K P)
Why is Biden selling weapons to a country that helped make Yemen a ‘hell hole’?
The president seems fine with keeping the Middle East awash in US arms, one of many strikes against this $23B UAE deal.
The Biden administration’s recent announcement giving a green light to a massive $23 billion weapons sale to the United Arab Emirates makes a mockery of its commitment to put human rights at the forefront of its foreign policy. The Emirates’ disastrous roles in Yemen and Libya, along with its vicious human rights record at home, should disqualify it from acquiring advanced weapons.
The deal was negotiated under the Trump administration
Congressional opponents of the arms deal responded by introducing a bipartisan resolution of disapproval to block the sale.
The companies that stand to gain hefty profits from this sale include Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, General Atomics and Northrop Grumman.
The UAE’s role in Yemen should have been enough to quash the deal.
Another strike against the sale is that it is fueling the Middle East arms race. While the UAE is set to become the first Arab state to acquire F-35s, it will not be the last. Qatar has already asked to purchase them and Saudi Arabia will likely follow. Israel is expecting additional arms beyond the $3.8 billion they already receive annually from the U.S. in military assistance.
A final reason to oppose the deal is the UAE domestic situation. Prince Mohammed bin Zayed is a shrewd Middle East dictator who uses his country’s military and financial resources to thwart moves toward democracy and respect for human rights under the guise of fighting Islamic terrorism. The UAE restricts freedom of expression and silences dissent.
Faced with domestic crises that include a pandemic, a battered economy and exploding racial tensions, President Biden understands the need to focus his attention on domestic issues and wind down U.S. military entanglements from the past two decades. His recent announcement that U.S. troops will leave Afghanistan by September 11, 2021, reflects this.
But a $23 billion weapons sale to the UAE is a disastrous move in the opposite direction. It puts the U.S. squarely on the side of a serial human rights abuser and inflames a region already awash with way too many weapons.
(A P)
Sen. Chris Murphy: Six years ago, I gave the first speech in the Senate on the Yemen civil war. This afternoon I'm chairing my first Foreign Relations hearing on U.S. policy on Yemen. A quick thread on why this matters and what I'll be focused on when questioning the witnesses
There are four major objectives when it comes to Yemen: - Reach a nationwide ceasefire - Provide vital humanitarian aid - Get Yemen's economy back up and running - Lay out a framework for inclusive political negotiations to finally end this conflict
https://twitter.com/ChrisMurphyCT/status/1384888383764406281
(* A P)
Congressional Republicans unveil largest package of Iran sanctions amid Vienna talks to revive JCPOA
Republicans in Congress have introduced legislation containing the “largest package” of sanctions against Iran to prevent the Joe Biden administration from potentially removing the sanctions that Washington reimposed against Tehran when it left a landmark nuclear agreement in 2018.
The legislation, dubbed the Maximum Pressure Act and unveiled on Wednesday, has been described by the Congressional GOP as the largest package of Iran sanctions in history, the Washington free Beacon reported.
The bill, spearheaded by the Republican Study Committee, seeks to force US President Joe Biden’s administration to submit any revamped nuclear deal with Iran to Congress for review before it is approved.
Besides expanding sanctions on Iran’s ballistic missile program, the bill would mandate that Congress approve any agreement the Biden administration might agree to during talks in Austrian capital, Vienna. It would also limit the president's ability to unilaterally ease sanctions via executive order.
https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2021/04/21/650000/www.presstv.ir
cp9a USA-Iran Krise: Spannungen am Golf / US-Iran crisis: Tensions at the Gulf
Siehe / Look at cp9
(A K P)
Iranian vessels swarmed and harassed US Coast Guard ships for hours in the Persian Gulf
Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps vessels harassed US Coast Guard ships earlier this month.
The incident occurred while two Coast Guard cutters were operating in international waters.
The last time this happened was in 2020, when IRGC vessels swarmed US Navy and Coast Guard ships.
Comment: oh my god how dare they interfere with the important work of guarding America's Persian Gulf coast
https://twitter.com/dwdavison/status/1386791518648819713
(* B P)
Israel and Iran Are Pulling the United States Toward Conflict
With Tough Diplomacy, Washington Can Stop the Spiral of Escalation
Israel and Iran aren’t yet on the verge of a major escalation or war, and continued progress on the Iran nuclear talks in Vienna would likely forestall one, if Israel judges that trying to undermine a deal would exact too great a cost in its relations with Washington. But the factors that might well produce a significant blowup are now aligning in frightening fashion.
To date, Tehran has been quite risk averse in responding to U.S. and Israeli strikes, including the assassination of a top Iranian scientist and the sabotage of Iranian nuclear sites. But that posture could change. Frustrated by the lack of sanctions relief and confounded by the ease with which Israel has penetrated its internal security, Iran may become more willing to take risks—much as it was in 1996, when it attacked a U.S. military installation in Saudi Arabia, and in the fall of 2019, when it struck Saudi oil facilities.
Little constituency exists in Washington for returning to the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran on precisely the same terms as before. Republicans and even some crucial Democrats oppose it. All these factors, combined with the need to reserve political capital for the administration’s domestic agenda, have rendered Biden cautious and averse to taking risks with Iran’s nuclear development.
A firm stance with Israel and tough diplomacy on the nuclear deal just might allow the United States to avert the slide toward dangerous escalation between Israel and Iran.
(A P)
Leaked recording of Iran's top diplomat offers blunt talk
In the interview, Zarif describes Russia as wanting to stop the nuclear deal, something apparently so sensitive that he warns the interviewer: “You definitely can never release this part.” Russia had a frosty relationship with then-President Barack Obama, whose administration secured the deal with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani. Russia and Iran also at times have strained relations, despite being battlefield allies in Syria.
“If Iran hadn’t become Mr. (Donald) Trump’s priority, China and Russia would have become his priority,” Zarif said. “If, because of hostility with the West, we always need Russia and China, they don’t have to compete with anyone, and also they can always enjoy maximum benefits through us.”
Both China and Russia have been vocal proponents of returning to the nuclear deal.
https://apnews.com/article/iran-iran-nuclear-middle-east-europe-0068e6e181a4cc9aaa8433d8257ce04e
(A P)
Iranian Army unveils turbojet engine, new radar
https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/460231/Iranian-Army-unveils-turbojet-engine-new-radar
(A P)
Iran not to change policy, continues to reject step-for-step removal of sanctions, source tells Press TV
“Iran, as it has repeatedly emphasized, does not accept any plan based on the notion of a step-for-step [sanctions removal] and has no such thing on the agenda,” the source, who is close to the Iranian negotiating team, told Press TV on Saturday.
(A K P)
US deploys weapon system at key base in Iraq after rocket attack
Iraq’s Nas news agency reported on Friday that a C-RAM system — which is used to intercept and destroy incoming rockets, artillery and mortar rounds — had been stationed to protect Camp Victory, shortly after three rockets landed in the vicinity of the base.
(* B P)
Erzrivalen Iran und Saudi-Arabien: Not verbindet
Geheimes Treffen in Bagdad und die märchenhafte Vorstellung, dass sich im Nahen Osten etwas zum Bessern verändern könnte. Iran braucht Zugang zu Corona-Impfstoffen
Das Treffen in Bagdad könnte der Auftakt zu einer Phase der Annäherung zwischen den "Erzrivalen" (Tagesschau) sein. Für Elijah Magnier, dem belgischen Journalisten mit gutem Draht und einer gewissen Sympathie zu iranischen Kreisen, liegt die Hoffnung darin, dass die beiden Länder ihre Differenzen ordnen können und die Annäherung "positive Auswirkungen auf die gesamte Region des Nahen Ostens haben wird, solange diese Treffen stattfinden", wie ihm eine Quelle, ein Entscheidungsträger in Bagdad, sagte.
Nach dessen Angaben wurde das Treffen von beiden Seiten als "sehr positiv beschrieben". Zwar gab es, wie dies auch andere Berichte anzeigen, keine Erfolgsmeldungen mit konkreten Details, weil diese gar nicht besprochen wurden, aber eine Vereinbarung, wonach "der wichtigste Schritt die Wiedereröffnung von Konsulaten und Botschaften in beiden Ländern sein wird". Und die Hoffnung, dass die Wiederherstellung der Beziehungen ermögliche, "über den Libanon, Syrien, Irak, Bahrein und Jemen zu sprechen".
Was daraus nicht hervorgeht, aber Nahost-Beobachtern schon in den Sinn kommt, ist, wie nötig beide Länder eine solche Annäherung haben.
Ein drastisches Beispiel dafür ist, dass Iran wegen der US-Sanktionen enorme Schwierigkeiten hat, an Corona-Impfstoffe zu gelangen. Iran ist das Land, das in der Region am stärksten von der Corona-Pandemie betroffen ist, und das ist auch eine Bedrohung für die Führung.
Auch Saudi-Arabien steht finanziell nicht mehr so popanzmäßig gut da wie früher. Der Aramco-Börsengang spielt nicht ein, was man sich in Riad versprochen hat. Bei der großzügigen Subventionspolitik, die die Bevölkerung zufriedenstellen soll, wurde an ein paar Stellschrauben gedreht. Der Jemen-Krieg kostet viel Geld und er ist für Saudi-Arabien kein Erfolg.
https://www.heise.de/tp/features/Erzrivalen-Iran-und-Saudi-Arabien-Not-verbindet-6026911.html
und
(* B P)
Gespräche mit dem Iran: Wie in Wien nun auch in Bagdad
Gleichzeitig meldet die libanesische Tageszeitung Al-Akhbar, dass am Montag der iranische Außenminister Mohammed Javad Zarif Bagdad besuchen – und dort auf saudische Offizielle treffen soll. Bestätigt ist weder das eine noch das andere. Aber dass es eine irakische Initiative gibt, die man als eine Art regionales Nebengleis zu den Wiener Atomgesprächen betrachten könnte, ist gewiss.
Wenn Teheran und Riad nun miteinander reden, so liegt das natürlich auch am Wechsel im Weißen Haus. US-Präsident Joe Biden ist ernsthaft bemüht, den Atomdeal mit dem Iran wiederzubeleben, auch wenn es den US-Partnern in der Region, allen voran Israel, nicht gefällt. Saudi-Arabien, das von Biden in eine Schmuddelecke gestellt wurde, versucht einerseits, Konstruktivität zu zeigen. Andererseits ist auch das eigene Interesse groß, aus der Jemen-Sackgasse herauszukommen. Die ständigen Angriffe der Huthis – sehr oft auf Ölanlagen – sind aufreibend und für Riads wirtschaftliche Internationalisierungspläne kontraproduktiv.
https://www.derstandard.de/story/2000126109255/gespraeche-mit-dem-iranwie-in-wien-nun-auch-in-bagdad
und auch https://www.nzz.ch/international/iran-und-saudiarabien-bemuehen-sich-um-entspannung-ld.1613169
(* B P)
The wisdom of détente in the Persian Gulf
New talks between Saudi Arabia and Iran could advance regional and US interests, if spoilers are put at bay.
Cross-Gulf détente is in the interests of all the states with a stake in the region, including the two main protagonists. The fundamental underlying reality is that neither Iran nor Saudi Arabia is going away, no matter how much pressure or intimidation either one might try to apply to the other. It thus behooves both regimes — in the interest of the security and prosperity of their citizens — to find ways to share the neighborhood peacefully.
Both regimes have recognized this reality in the past and at times have acted on it. One such time was in 1999, when President Mohammad Khatami of Iran and the then de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, Crown Prince Abdullah, met face-to-face.
As major oil producers, Iran and Saudi Arabia share an interest in the security of the oil trade, which is essential to the economies of both.
The government of Iraq, which reportedly has been mediating the talks, has its own interests in lowering tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia.
Most important for the United States, Saudi-Iranian détente is very much in U.S. interests. Anything that lowers tension and the risk of war in that part of the world also lowers the incidence of extremism that could harm U.S. interests. It also lowers the perceived need for U.S. military deployments or other costly commitments made in the name of protecting U.S. friends in the region.
The habitual U.S. obsession with confronting Iran has obscured how, if one gets down to details of exactly how Iran supposedly poses a threat, it is almost entirely an intra-regional issue. The purported threat is to Iran’s neighbors or to U.S. forces deployed to help protect those neighbors. To the extent that relations between Iran and its neighbors are smoothed out, the threat mostly goes away and so does the perceived U.S. need to respond to it.
Perhaps the biggest incentive for a confrontational Saudi posture has been to use confrontation with Iran as a basis for favorable treatment from the United States, including not only a steady supply of arms but also U.S. tolerance of objectionable practices by a Saudi regime that is a human rights-violating dictatorship. Washington has too often been happy to play along. This pattern reached an extreme under the Trump administration
More recently, MbS has had good reasons to reconsider this strategy.
In pursuing détente, Riyadh and Tehran will have to fend off spoilers, including perhaps hardliners within their own regimes. The biggest external spoiler will be the right-wing government of Israel, as suggested by the lengths it is going to sabotage negotiations to restore the JCPOA, even though such restoration is in Israel’s own security interests – by Paul R. Pillar
https://responsiblestatecraft.org/2021/04/22/the-wisdom-of-detente-in-the-persian-gulf/
and
(* B P)
Iran-Saudi Arabia talks: Lebanon and Yemen are top priorities
Ending Lebanon's political deadlock and Houthi attacks are top of the agenda. But although negotiations are being held in Baghdad, issues in Iraq are not up for discussion
Iraqi officials and politicians familiar with the progress of the negotiations told MEE that Iraq is not part of the discussions at this stage and that the focus has instead been on other issues the two parties see as priorities.
"Iraq is the broker in these negotiations and therefore it will not be part of these talks, especially since the Saudi influence in Iraq is very limited. Therefore the priority is other files," a senior Iraqi official familiar with the progress of the negotiations told MEE. Like everyone interviewed by MEE, the official spoke on condition of anonymity.
"The meetings are still in their infancy, but they are continuing. Both of them need several rounds to break the ice and build confidence between them, especially since the rift has extended for a long time, so they need time before any results emerge,” he added.
"For us, we arranged the appropriate conditions for them, provided them with a place, and guaranteed them secrecy. What remains is related to them and not to us."
Although Saudi influence in Iraq has decreased significantly in recent years compared with the influence of Iran, the Saudis have a sway over the stability of Iraqi security that cannot be overlooked.
In addition, it is believed an Iran-Saudi agreement would neutralise the armed factions backed by Iran and the inflammatory Saudi-backed media, opening the door for funds and companies from Riyadh to invest in Iraq, Iraqi officials and politicians told MEE.
The initial indications for the talks have been described as "promising", and the dialogue is continuing - and it has not been limited to specific sessions. An Iranian delegation arrived in Baghdad on Monday to discuss the latest developments with Iran's Iraqi allies and prepare the ground to resume talks at a later time, officials said.
"Things are good and all is OK. Both sides have a strong desire to resolve their disputes," a high-ranking Iraqi official familiar with the negotiations told MEE. "Iraq is qualified to play a positive role in the region."
Signs indicate that Saudi Arabia is currently in a “weaker” position than Iran and that it appears to have a greater need for the talks to succeed, as the new US administration seems uninterested in treating Riyadh as its key ally in the region.
With the Biden administration also seeking to resume the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran, “the Saudis see that the time has come to get out of the US orbit", an Iraqi official said
"The Iranians are in a better position in these negotiations, despite their economic suffering and their aspiration for an opportunity to normalise their situation in the region and break their isolation," one of the Iraqi officials familiar with the course of the talks told MEE.
Iraqi political leaders and observers believe that most of the disputes between Iran and Saudi Arabia are "shows based on slogans rather than actually existing differences", as a political leader close to Kadhimi put it.
Thus, focusing on mutual interests and power-sharing in common arenas "will contribute to easing tensions in the region" and reflect positively in one way or another on Iraq, he said.
"If Iran finds an interest in clearing the air with its traditional opponent in the region through Iraqi mediation, and the United States eases its pressure on Iran, then a strong government in Iraq and a stable security situation will be more beneficial to the Iranians than a weak government and a fragile security situation," the political leader said.
"At some point, if the Iranians feel that they are in a position to strike a real deal with guarantees that cannot be repudiated, they will give up the armed groups they support and protect inside Iraq.”
The politician stressed that Tehran will not sacrifice the Houthis or Hezbollah, but would be happy to reduce its support and cover for the armed factions it backs in Iraq.
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/iran-saudi-arabia-lebanon-yemen-priorities-talks
(* A P)
Analyst: US won’t lift Iran sanctions anytime soon
The people who are ruling the United States “will not lift Iran sanctions anytime soon” because “they have no compassion, no global vision for peace,” an American author and political commentator has said.
“They are imperialists and death merchants and the profiteers of destruction,” John Steppling told Press TV in an interview on Thursday. Steppling is based in Norway.
He made the remarks after Congressional Republicans on Wednesday introduced legislation containing the “largest package” of sanctions against Iran to prevent the Joe Biden administration from potentially removing the sanctions that Washington re-imposed against Tehran when it left a landmark nuclear agreement in 2018.
When asked why the Biden administration is following the Trump administration’s foreign policy on Iran, Steppling said, “One has to take a wider and longer view of these questions. Iran has been signatory, willingly, to the non-proliferation treaty. Israel has something like 200 nuclear warheads and is signatory to no international treaties. All observer groups, the IAEA, and even US intelligence knows that Iran dismantled anything that could be used to build nuclear weapons. So, this is all sort of theatre at this point.”
The analyst called the sanctions against Iran “a dog and pony show by Washington for domestic and to some degree European consumption.”
“One has to remember the US tore up the JCPOA, which honestly hardly matters. The real issue is why, say, the KSA gets a free pass despite murdering a journalist outside their own borders?” he asked.
The commentator said that Pompeo was awful but, “the new administration is likely to end up with the same policies, but do it with a more cultured facade.”
He said that new US Foreign Secretary Antony “Blinken is not the bloated fanatical ideologue that Pompeo was, but he is still a longtime interventionist and DC insider.”
Steppling went on to point out that the US “could remove sanctions tomorrow. None of this bogus legislation has any real meaning, actually.”
“I don’t see them lifting sanctions anytime soon. Why would they? They have no compassion, no global vision for peace. They are imperialists and death merchants and the profiteers of destruction. And the propaganda machine in the US runs on xenophobia and racism. In demonizing the third world, the global south, and in particular Islam,” the analyst concluded.
https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2021/04/22/650071/US-sanctions-removal-Iran-analyst-view
(*A P)
US-General: Militärische Überlegenheit der USA in Nahost schwindet durch Einsatz iranischer Drohnen
Der Einsatz von iranischen Drohnen zur Luftüberwachung und für Angriffe im Nahen und Mittleren Osten hat die vollständige Luftüberlegenheit der USA zum ersten Mal seit dem Koreakrieg gekippt. Dies erklärte der US-Kommandant im Nahen Osten, General McKenzie, gegenüber dem US-Kongress.
Iran stelle eine "tägliche Bedrohung" für die USA und ihre Verbündeten im Nahen Osten dar, da die militärische Überlegenheit der USA in der Region nachlasse, sagte der oberste US-Kommandant im Nahen Osten, General Frank McKenzie, am Dienstag gegenüber dem US-Kongress.
Der Nahe Osten sei ein Knotenpunkt globaler Interessen und die historisch wichtigste Region für ausländische Mächte, wo sie um Einfluss und Ressourcen rivalisieren.
Seit Januar hätten von Iran unterstützte Huthi im Jemen mehr als 150 ballistische Raketen-, Marschflugkörper- und Drohnenangriffe gegen "Militär-, Infrastruktur- und zivile Ziele" in Saudi-Arabien abgefeuert, erklärte der Chef des US-Zentralkommandos (CENTCOM), General McKenzie, vor dem House Armed Services Committee im US-Repräsentantenhaus.
McKenzie warnte, dass der weitverbreitete Einsatz kleiner und mittlerer Drohnen für die Luftüberwachung und den Angriff durch Iran bedeute, dass "wir zum ersten Mal seit dem Koreakrieg ohne vollständige Luftüberlegenheit operieren".
General McKenzie hob unter anderem die wachsende regionale Präsenz Chinas und Russlands im Nahen Osten hervor. Beide Staaten nutzten ihre Nähe zur Region, ihre historischen Beziehungen und den wahrgenommenen Rückgang des US-Engagements im Nahen Osten, um "opportunistische" Beziehungen aufzubauen und zu stärken.
Russland spiele "die Rolle des Spielverderbers" für die USA, indem es militärische Mittel einsetzt, Operationen und Aktivitäten in der Grauzone führt, um den Einfluss der USA im Nahen Osten zu untergraben, sagte der US-General. China hingegen "nutzt überwiegend wirtschaftliche Mittel, um regionale Straßen zu etablieren, mit dem langfristigen Ziel, seine militärische Präsenz zu erweitern, um lebenswichtige Energie- und Handelsrouten zu sichern".
https://de.rt.com/international/116332-us-general-militarische-uberlegenheit-usa/
Mein Kommentar: US-imperialiastischer Bullshit. Die Usa beanspruchen wie selbstcerständlich weltweit eine „vollständige Luftüberlegenheit“ und es wird von einer „täglichen Bedrohung für die USA" gefaselt, wenn ein anderer Staat in seiner eigenen Region den USA auch nur halbwegs Paroli bieten kann oder auch nur der Anschein erweckt werden soll, er könnte es.
(A P)
President Rouhani: Iran wants full implementation of JCPOA, neither more nor less
(A P)
Vienna talks: China reiterates call for removal of all relevant sanctions on Iran, third parties
(A P)
South Korea releases $30m of Iran’s blocked money
Hossein Tanhaei, head of the Iran-South Korea Joint Chamber of Commerce, said on Wednesday that South Korea has released $30 million of the Islamic Republic’s frozen oil money in the Asian country to be used for purchasing COVID-19 vaccine.
https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/460088/South-Korea-releases-30m-of-Iran-s-blocked-money
My comment: Ridiculous.
cp10 Großbritannien / Great Britain
(* A K P)
Arms sales to war in Yemen back in court
CAAT case challenges decision to renew arms sales to Saudi Arabia for use in Yemen
UK has licensed at least £6.8 billion worth of arms to Saudi forces since the bombing began in March 2015, but total arms sales are far higher
Campaign Against Arms Trade has been granted permission for its legal challenge against the UK government’s decision to renew arms sales for use in the war in Yemen to proceed to the High Court.
The Honourable Mr Justice Jay ordered on the 20th April that the case was arguable, granting CAAT’s application for permission to apply for judicial review.
Since announcing its conclusion and the decision to resume licensing, the government has provided very little information on how it reached the conclusions it did, including how it decided there was no “pattern” of violations. In the time since arms sales were renewed, a number of governments, including the Biden administration, have promised to curb arms sales to the Saudi regime.
In the months that followed the decision to renew sales, the UK has licensed a further £1.45 billion worth of arms licences to Saudi Arabia, taking the total value of arms licensed since the bombing began to £6.8 billion
CAAT submitted its latest legal challenge in October, in response to the government’s resumption of new export licences. CAAT’s case argues that the government’s conclusions that there were only a “small number” of violations of IHL committed by coalition forces, and that these did not form a “pattern”, are irrational, flying in the face of the weight of evidence to the contrary. CAAT further argues that even “isolated incidents” of violations could still involve a clear risk of further violations.
The High Court will now consider whether the government’s decision to resume licensing arms sales which could be used in the war in Yemen was lawful, with a hearing likely to take place later this year.
https://caat.org.uk/news/arms-sales-to-war-in-yemen-back-in-court/
and also by The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/apr/22/campaigners-to-challenge-decision-to-resume-selling-arms-to-saudi-in-high-court
cp11 Deutschland / Germany
(A H)
Leipziger Apotheker Mohammed Radman wirbt für mehr Offenheit gegenüber Migranten
Das große Thema Migration wird derzeit von der Pandemie überschattet, dennoch bleibt es im Alltag präsent. Der 1984 aus dem Jemen gekommene Apotheker Dr. Mohammed Radman möchte anhand seines eigenen Beispiels zeigen, wie Integration funktioniert und wirbt für den Abbau von Vorurteilen gegenüber Migranten.
cp12 Andere Länder / Other countries
(A B P)
Twinkling UAEs' Towers Will not Wash Human Rights Violations
The recently released Saudi activist, Loujain Al-Hathloul, filed a complaint against UAE, including espionage, kidnapping and illegal seizure of her car. Al-Hathloul's complaint against UAE relates to her arbitrary arrest in 2018 and her unwillingness to be handed over to the Saudi authorities.
A team of experts at United Nations confirmed that UAE violated Al-Hathloul's rights by forcibly deporting her, and UN team indicated that UAE government could not evade its responsibility to facilitate the persecution of Al-Hathloul for its legitimate exercise of rights and freedoms.
In addition, UAE authorities are involved in widespread espionage operations on local critics and opponents, as the Emirates Leaks website revealed that the recent announcement of partnership agreement between the technology company in Abu Dhabi, affiliated to Tahoon bin Zayed, and Israeli company Rafael Defense and Intelligence Systems, was nothing but an episode in the series of the UAE's enhancement of its espionage capabilities for years.
The Federal National Council - legislative body with limited powers in Emirates - announced the approval of draft federal law regarding the establishment of the National Commission for Human Rights to cover up UAE's violations of human rights.
https://english.almasirah.net/post/19058/Twinkling-UAEs-Towers-Will-not-Wash-Human-Rights-Violations
(A P)
Iran expected to attack Demona reactor from Yemen: Military expert
Iran is expected to attack the Israeli nuclear reactor of Demona from Yemen and not from Syria, an Israeli military expert said Sunday.
Many of Israelis thought that the Iranian retaliation scenario was already realized by targeting Demona reactor with the Syrian missile, Amir Bar Shalom added in remark to an Israeli website.
Evidence for this was the failed interception of the missile and the Israeli silence for long hours, the expert said.
https://debriefer.net/en/news-24704.html
My comment: This sounds like propaganda BS to hinder further talks on reinstalling the Iran Nuclear Deal.
(B P)
Beyond Trudeau's nihilism, a better world is possible
In a late February interview on NBC's Meet The Press, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was asked if the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is an ally to Canada. He replied that it is not; rather, it is "a country we do business with."
And what business it is: in January 2021 alone, Canada exported $487 million worth of light armoured vehicles (LAVs) to Saudi Arabia.
A report released by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute shows that between 2018 and 2020, 545 LAVs were delivered to Saudi Arabia in accordance with the deal struck in 2014, including tank destroyers, fire support vehicles, and infantry fighting vehicles.
https://rabble.ca/columnists/2021/03/beyond-trudeaus-nihilism-better-world-possible
(A P)
Ghasemi Bites Back At Foreign Ministry Over Iran Aid To Houthis
Brigadier-General Rostam Ghasemi, economic deputy to Revolutionary Guards' commander-in-chief, lashed out Friday [April 23] at the foreign ministry after its statement repudiating his earlier claim that Iran offered military support to Yemeni Houthis. The ministry insisted the relationship was “only political.”
"The gentlemen of the foreign ministry have so got themselves entrapped in the fruitless game of the nuclear talks that they have forgotten the policies of the Islamic Republic," Ghasemi wrote in a tweet.
Ghasemi attached a video clip of remarks by Mohammad-Hossein Bagheri, chief of staff of the Armed Forces, who in 2019 said the Revolutionary Guards had sent military advisors to aid Houthis, who have been fighting a Saudi-led coalition since 2015. "We will remain alongside the people of Yemen so they can repel this aggression against their country," Bagheri says in the clip.
In an interview with the Arabic service of Russia Today on Wednesday, Ghasemi had said that the Revolutionary Guards had provided weapons "in a very limited way" to Houthis at the beginning of the Yemeni war, and had trained them in producing weapons. Only "a small number of Revolutionary Guards advisors, less than a handful" were now in Yemen, Ghasemi explained, with Houthis now able to produce their own missiles and drones.
https://iranintl.com/en/world/ghasemi-bites-back-foreign-ministry-over-iran-aid-houthis
and
(A P)
Iran only backs Yemen politically, Foreign Ministry says
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on Friday declaring Iran’s support for United Nations efforts to bring an end to the war in Yemen by the Saudi-led coalition.
In the statement, the ministry reiterated that the Islamic of Republic of Iran only provides political support to the Yemenis against the Saudi-led invasion.
The statement came after former petroleum minister Rostam Ghasemi claimed Iran provides military advice to the Yemenis.
https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/460155/Iran-only-backs-Yemen-politically-Foreign-Ministry-says
and
(A P)
Iran’s Quds Force admits training, armament of Houthis
Assistant chief of the Iran’s Quds Force Rostam Ghasemi has admitted of providing weapons to the Houthi Movement in Yemen and training its militias.
In statements to media on Wednesday, Ghasemi acknowledged that there are Iranian generals who work with the Houthis.
Ghasemi boasted that Iran could help Houthis achieve advancement in manufacturing weapons.
https://www.alsahwa-yemen.net/en/p-46442
and
(A P)
Film: Assistant Commander of Iranian Quds Force says #Tehran provides military support to #Houthis, #Iran's proxy militia in #Yemen.
We helped them (#Yemen's Houthis) with weapons manufacture technology. -All Yemenis (#Houthis) have is a result of our support. -A small nmbr of military advisors in Yemen.
https://twitter.com/RepYemenEnglish/status/1385011194675740673 = https://twitter.com/Alsakaniali/status/1385051285599264772
cp13a Waffenhandel / Arms trade
Siehe / Look at cp9, cp10
(* B K P)
Will US drone sales to the UAE clip Chinese wings in the Middle East?
Turkish, Israeli and US drones are all options for countries seeking remotely piloted vehicles in battle zones across the region
Chinese drones have become an increasingly common sight in conflict zones across the Middle East, buzzing in the skies over Iraq, Libya and Yemen.
But last week, the Biden administration announced it was pressing forward with a hugely significant $23bn arms sale to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a deal which could potentially see China's grip on the regional market loosen.
The US had been reluctant to sell armed drones to allied countries in the region, since it's a signatory of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), which, among other things, aims to prevent the proliferation of such weapons systems.
The Trump administration, frustrated that the US was losing out in this growing and lucrative market, reinterpreted the MTCR in a way that permitted the US to sell armed drones and compete with China.
Still, analysts are doubtful that either the UAE sale or future US drone exports to the region will push Beijing out of the market.
The UAE may also seek Israeli drones, now the countries have established relations.
"Israel and the UAE have already cooperated on a number of security and intelligence matters, even before the two countries normalised relations," Abi-Hanna said.
"Therefore more cooperation, to include the potential purchase of drones, will be an option on the table for the UAE as it continues to establish more concrete commercial and military ties with Israel."
More generally, he added, as with any arms purchase, "the buyer will want to find the most cost-effective and efficient equipment that it can find, which necessitates expanding the potential pool of vendors".
Both analysts warn that the growing number of options for Middle East states to acquire armed drones could fuel further conflict and destruction in the region.
Nevertheless, Abi-Hanna anticipates an increasing demand for larger numbers of surveillance and attack drones in the Middle East. The proliferation of drones and the accompanying technology in the region will make it cheaper and more cost-effective for these states to deploy such systems.
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/china-drones-future-middle-east-arms-market
and also look at https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/israel-and-uae-partner-creation-anti-drone-artificial-intelligence-system
cp13b Wirtschaft / Economy
(* B E)
Krieg lähmt Häfen im Jemen
Die Häfen im Jemen befinden sich in schlechtem Zustand. Zu diesem Ergebnis kommt der Port of Rotterdam in einer Schadens- und Kapazitätsanalyse zur Infrastruktur und zum Betrieb der Häfen in dem Land auf der Arabischen Halbinsel.
Die Analyse führten die Niederländer 2019 und 2020 in Aden, Hodeidah, Salif, Ras Isa und Mukalla durch – im Auftrag des United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) und der niederländischen Unternehmensagentur Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland (RVO). Das Ergebnis: Die Hafenkapazität dort habe sich durch den seit 2015 im Jemen wütenden Krieg stark verringert. Die Beschaffung von elementaren Produkten des täglichen Bedarfs, beispielsweise von Arzneimitteln, Lebensmitteln und Brennstoffen, wird dadurch zunehmend schwieriger und teurer.
Das wiederum hat zu einer humanitären Katastrophe geführt.
Die Schadens- und Kapazitätsanalyse aus Rotterdam hat überdies gezeigt, dass der schlechte Zustand der Häfen vor allem auf fehlende Instandhaltungsmaßnahmen zurückzuführen ist. Ebenso seien aber auch mangelnde Fachkenntnisse im Bereich von Hafenabläufen und Verwaltung für diese Entwicklung mit verantwortlich. Die Ergebnisse der Analyse werden nun vom UNDP herangezogen, um staatliche Stellen dazu zu bewegen, die Kosten für den Import von Lebensmitteln zu senken, die Einbeziehung von Fachleuten zu vereinfachen und über die Geberländer der Vereinten Nationen entsprechende Hilfen anzustoßen.
https://www.thb.info/rubriken/haefen/detail/news/krieg-laehmt-haefen-im-jemen.html
(* B E)
Damage and Capacity Assessment: Port of Aden and Port of Mukalla
Today a key report, Damage and Capacity Assessment: Port of Aden and Port of Mukalla, was released by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Yemen that outlines urgent capacity and infrastructure needs of the Ports in Aden and Mukalla to help keep the world's potentially largest famine in 40 years at bay.
Working within a unique public-private partnership, and with the Yemeni Port Authorities, the report presents agreed-upon and achievable solutions to a variety of issues unearthed during a recent assessment. With financial and capacity development support, the solutions will allow the ports to regain the swift, efficient productivity of years past.
With approximately 90 per cent of Yemen’s food imported through the nation’s poorly maintained, war-damaged ports, there are long delivery delays and rising costs. As food, fuel, and medicine becomes increasingly expensive and less obtainable for the average Yemeni, the threat of famine grows into an increasing reality for millions.
The UN currently predicts that over 16 million Yemenis will face hunger this year – more than half of the population – while nearly 50,000 are already starving in famine-like conditions. This is not due to a lack of food, but because the high cost of imported products is driving up market prices, making the readily available food unaffordable for the average Yemeni.
Between November and December 2020, UNDP welcomed experts from the Port of Rotterdam and Solid Port Solutions to undertake the damage and capacity assessments in the Ports of Aden and Mukalla. With financial support from the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), experts spent two weeks visiting the Port Authorities and onsite locations to understand and outline the existing operational challenges.
Resulting from a historic lack of maintenance and under resourcing, and worsened by the on-going conflict, issues included the absence of overarching strategic plans; restricted access to critical equipment, infrastructure, and spare parts; limited preventative and corrective maintenance; lack of training and staff capacity building; and high war risk insurance premiums that are directly transferred to the cost of food. The findings are in line with those of a similar 2019 report of the ports of Hodeidah, Ras Issa, and Salif.
“Fifty percent of the cost price of a kilogram of wheat is made up of transport related cost such as shipping cost, insurance cost, and demurrage cost. The current inspections regime double the cost of transporting every container because they are offloaded before inspection and put on another ship before coming to Yemen,” explains Auke Lootsma, UNDP Yemen Resident Representative. “In addition, shipping companies are charged war risk insurance premiums that are 16 times higher than if they would be for any other location.”
“This assessment provides expert recommendations that will be critical for realizing future investments.
Film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BJmAuPurzE
(* B E)
Over 30 billion dollars worth of Yemeni funds smuggled put of the country since beginning of the war
Banking expert Ali Al-Twaiti has said on Thursday that the volume of Yemeni money smuggled out if the country since the beginning of the war has amounted to more than $30 billion.
Al-Twaiti said, in a post on his Facebook page: “The money smuggled out of Yemen for fear of war, amounting to more than $ 30 billion, was smuggled to several countries.”
He explained that the Arab Republic of Egypt has the largest share, with about 100,000 apartments having been bought by Yemeni expatriates, with the rest being spread across Turkey, Jordan, Djibouti, Malaysia, and other countries.
“We did not stop there; rather, the expatriates send their money to their relatives in those countries,” he added.
cp14 Terrorismus / Terrorism
(* B T)
Al-Qaeda insurgency in Yemen
The Al-Qaeda insurgency in Yemen was an armed conflict between the Yemeni government, United States, and al-Qaeda-affiliated cells in Yemen. It is a part of the Global War on Terror.
Government crackdown against al-Qaeda cells began in 2001, escalating steadily until 14 January 2010, when Yemen declared open war on al-Qaeda.[35][36] In addition to battling al-Qaeda across several provinces, Yemen was forced to contend with a Shia insurgency in the north and militant separatists in the south. Fighting with al-Qaeda escalated further during the course of the 2011 Yemeni revolution, with Jihadists seizing most of the Abyan Governorate and declaring it an Emirate. A second wave of violence began in early 2012, with militants claiming territory across the southwest amid heavy combat with government forces.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al-Qaeda_insurgency_in_Yemen
(* A K T)
A group of 37 terrorists arrived in Marib today, led by Abu Bakr Al-Sharabi, the emir of the group in #Taiz, including Afghans and other nationalities to fight the forces of Sana'a. #AlQaeda defends Marib
https://twitter.com/GhalebM0nz1i7/status/1385303564961079297
referring to https://twitter.com/0___5____0/status/1385298351877500928
Remark: Abu Bakr Al Sharabi self-proclaimed leader of the Islamist state group the world's most wanted man Trump announced his death during a military operation (???) in March 2020
https://twitter.com/griffonnageora1/status/1385311213811290115
(A T)
[Sanaa gov.] Yemeni intelligence service finds proof of direct communication between Al-Qaeda and Saudi-led coalition
Yemen’s Interior Ministry spokesman, Brigadier General Abdulkhaleq Al-Ajri, said that the Ministry’s intelligence services have “many honourable men inside the Saudi-led coalition forces in Ma’rib province to reveal the coalition’s movements.”
Brigadier General Al-Ajri explained that Yemeni intelligence has found evidence that Al-Qaeda leaders in Aden province have been communicating with Al-Qaeda leaders in Ma’rib, with the aim of tightening Al-Qaeda’s control over Ma’rib.
The spokesman stated that there are more than 85 members and leaders of Al-Qaeda who have an open connection to the outside, who were included in the ranks of the coalition during the previous stages of the war.
The Interior Ministry spokesman said that “the relationship of this organisation with the United States is no longer a secret.”
cp15 Propaganda
(A P)
International conspirators fund Houthi bloodbaths with fuel shipments, say activists
The years long Houthi war on Marib picks special momentums every time due to a form of international encouragement and in many times the Houthi bloodbath is funded through fuel shipments to the militants, Yemeni activists say.
Ali Abdulwahid, an activist and political observer said, “The long Houthi offensive on Marib has especially intensified since the militia received the signal from the US that they would be removed from the terror list.”
https://www.alsahwa-yemen.net/en/p-46496
(A P)
You do not care about #Yemen. It’s just a case you use to advance your political agenda at home. So save us the fake humanity @ChrisMurphyCT
https://twitter.com/Ndawsari/status/1386878277864894471
(A P)
Arab League Secretary General Refuses to Turn Yemen into Launching Site for Attacks on Saudi Arabia
The Secretary General of the Arab League, Ahmed Aboul Gheit affirmed that preserving a unified and independent Yemen that has full sovereignty over its national soil constitutes the basic starting point for any settlement of the existing military conflict in Yemen. He refused to turn Yemen into a launching site for attacks on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He also refused that Yemen's fate depends on regional agendas that are indifferent to the interests of Yemen or the suffering of Yemenis.
https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2221605
My comment: This would be serious if it would mean to reject Saudi interference. Otherwise it’s ridiculous.
(A P)
Yemeni activists call on gov’t to rebel against pressures, purchase arms
Abdullah Khaled, a journalist, said, “It is overdue that President Hadi and other state officials speak up against the obvious pressures that ban the government from purchasing arms even as the government risks losing the remaining strongholds in the country.”
In a political debate with his friends in a night socializing session this Ramadan, Abdullah was gnashed his teeth every time he mentioned Hadi, the Arab Coalition or the international community. “Why is this undeclared international red line against the government’s access to armament, while Iran’s Shia religious terrorists can? There is an international determination to not allow any legitimate government to restore power or even survive in Yemen.”
“The blame is on our state leaders who submitted to secret pressures and went into deafening silence from the early years of the war.”
Abu Sufyan, a rights activist in the session, was busy writing an article that has now been published on Akbar Taiz. “Everyone should know that the Houthis have the supremacy of arms in quality and quantity,” his opinion begins. He says, “The heroes of the army are holding fast with simple firearms and the Arab Coalition is refusing to allow them to acquire quality arms to this moment. But the blame is on the cowardly Yemeni leadership. Some countries are willing to sell arms to Yemen for sure, but President Hadi should be bold to speak up against the pressures and strike purchase contracts.”
https://www.alsahwa-yemen.net/en/p-46480
(A P)
Abdulsalam: Blind Dependency on Saudi Support is Destructing to Mercenaries
The head of the [Sanaa gov.] national delegation, Muhammad Abdlusalam, called on mercenaries at home to save themselves from blind dependence on the foreign support in our country.
(A P)
Sammad is a Martyr but Living within the Yemeni People
Alsammad took the lead of the Yemeni ship and sailed it in turbulent seas, not afraid of the huge waves and storms that heading toward him from every direction. A skillful leader, relying on God and trusting in him, and the greater the challenges, the greater his strength and toughness which he derived from the strength of his belief in the mighty God.
A man who gave another meaning to presidency, to people who suffered decades of oppression and oppressive rulers. They were ignorant of the true meaning of presidency and leadership. He also suffered greatly from the restrictions of guardianship and subordination, and the exploitation of positions to plunder rights and plunder wealth, so he established the doctrine of a state for the people, not a people for the state.
https://english.almasirah.net/post/19034/Sammad-is-a-Martyr-but-Living-within-the-Yemeni-People
(A P)
American ProHouthis r using videos of Houthis supporters crying out (Nazis style) their sloagan&calling for death2 Americans&other nations. Do those American morons know that they r considered as targets for the Houthis terrorism ideology.R they American or Iranian American?
https://twitter.com/Abu_Asaad_Yemen/status/1386152873713704961
and film: https://twitter.com/YemenEmbassy_DC/status/1386306945167073281
(A P)
Cartoon: #Houthis and #Peace in #Yemen
https://twitter.com/RepYemenEnglish/status/1386339073011318789
(A P)
Deutscher Wahlkampf, Iran, Israel - der fehlende Teil
Wenn es im Israel und den Iran geht, unterscheidet sich die Spitze der Grünen in ihrer Äquidistanz nicht vom restlichen deutschen Mainstream.
(A P)
Houthis are preparing a generation of terrorists, Yemen minister warns
The Iran-backed Houthi militia is brainwashing thousands of children to prepare a generation of terrorists in regions under its control, the Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism in Yemen's internationally recognised government Muammar Al-Eryani warned on Thursday.
It is indoctrinating children with hostile slogans, extremist sectarian ideas imported from Tehran and the culture of death, he said in the statement on Twitter.
https://debriefer.net/en/news-24653.html
(A P)
Don’t Scold Israel for Doing Us a Favor
Israel’s clandestine campaign against the Iranian nuclear program is doing more for peace than any diplomatic rigmarole.
The world’s most powerful countries are trying to bribe Iran to live by the promises it already made as a state-party of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. And yet all the same countries, along with Iran, are all disgruntled with Israel. Go figure.
But legal considerations aside, what about the suggested imprudence of Israel’s mounting strikes against Iran’s nuclear program? The notion that attacking the Islamic Republic and impeding the mullahs’ tireless quest for a nuclear bomb will hasten war is bizarre.
https://thebulwark.com/dont-scold-israel-for-doing-us-a-favor/
Comment: This is exactly the macho BS that got us into Iraq and kept us in Afghanistan: The only real solution is a military solution. Diplomacy is for wimps. In fact, the only thing that has worked is the agreement we had stopping Iran - before Trump broke it - that Biden will restore.
https://twitter.com/Cirincione/status/1385543479342809088
(A P)
The Fatemiyoun Army: Iran’s Afghan Crusaders in Syria
What is less known, however, is Tehran’s more recent spiraling proxy warfare with the establishment of a transnational network of Shia militant groups, deployed to confront its adversaries across a variety of battlefields in the wider region. The Fatemiyoun Army is one of these newer proxies, composed entirely of Afghan Shia fighters, deployed to defend Iranian interests in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen.
With the dwindling of the war in Syria, a number of these fighters were deployed to Yemen to support the Iranian Houthi allies, some returned to Iran, and many relocated to Afghanistan.
https://thediplomat.com/2021/04/the-fatemiyoun-army-irans-afghan-crusaders-in-syria/
(A P)
Iran und die Atomverhandlungen in Wien
Der Nationale Widerstandsrat Iran (NWRI) vergleicht in einem Leitartikel auf seiner Webseite die Atomverhandlungen mit dem iranischen Regime mit der Aufgabe, einen Würfel durch ein rundes Loch zu pressen – das geht einfach nicht. Teheran wird seine atomaren Bestrebungen niemals aufgeben und es spielt dabei keine Rolle, wie die Gespräche ausgehen, ob mit oder ohne Einigung! Das Atomprogramm gehört nämlich zum Machtanspruch und zum Machterhalt des Mullah-Regimes, egal ob „Hardliner“ oder „Moderate“ an der Macht sind.
Ein bedeutendes Faustpfand der iranischen Regierung bei diesen Verhandlungen ist das eigene Volk. Wie eine Geisel wird es als Schutzschild der internationalen Gemeinschaft vorgehalten. Mit Drohungen und Forderungen sollen die Gesprächspartner und die UNO weichgekocht werden, die Sanktionen doch endlich zu lockern und dem iranischen Volk nicht länger zu schaden. Doch das iranische leidet nicht unter oder wegen der Sanktionen, das Volk leidet unter seiner eigenen Regierung, die ihm die dringendsten Ansprüche vorenthält.
https://www.freitag.de/autoren/dholz/iran-und-die-atomverhandlungen-in-wien-5
(A P)
Dr. Al Rabeeah: Saudi Arabia is Biggest Supporter of Humanitarian Work in Yemen
Adviser at the Royal Court and Supervisor General of King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Rabeeah has confirmed that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the largest supporter of humanitarian work in Yemen, with aid exceeding USD 17.3 billion, including USD 3.5 billion were provided through KSrelief.
This came during his participation yesterday in the meeting organized virtually by the National Council on US-Arab Relations entitled "Humanitarian Challenges in Yemen".
Dr. Al Rabeeah stressed that Saudi Arabia is one of the top countries donating aid around the world, as humanitarian projects through KSrelief exceeded 1,556 projects in 59 countries with a value exceeding USD 5 billion and projects set for Yemen amounted to 590 projects with a value of USD 3,533,096,000.
Dr. Al Rabeeah stressed that Saudi Arabia’s aid are provided without discrimination, exception or distinction due to race, color and religion, adding that KSrelief's programs being implemented in Yemen include the governorates that are still under the terrorist Houthi militia.”
https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2220617
(A P)
Syrian militants are fighting alongside Houthis under the supervision of Iran./Bawabati
https://www.alsahwa-yemen.net/en/p-46430
(A P)
THREAD: For the past several weeks, @ErikSperling, an antiwar activist and former US congressional aid, has been relentlessly trolling academics, analysts, displaced Yemenis, etc who have spent years trying to separate fact from fiction in Yemen’s exceptionally complex war
https://twitter.com/Macoombs/status/1384960284431994882
(A P)
Yemeni Defense Ministry Command Meeting Praises Saudi Arabia's Stance with Yemen in the Battle of Joint Defense Against Iranian Expansionist Plans
https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2220392
(A P)
Quds Force admits involvement in Houthi war: Yemeni gov't
Its commander's recent remarks mean that the Quds Force fights with the Iranian-backed Houthi group in Yemen's ongoing war, the Yemeni information minister tweeted on Wednesday.
Ismael Qaani's remarks, at the funeral of his deputy Mohamed Hejazi, are a "new official confession from the Iranian regime of field involvement in fighting alongside the Houthis, as well as smuggling the arms and experts" to the group, Moammar al-Eryani said.
https://debriefer.net/en/news-24623.html
(A P)
More Saudi coalition „We are benefactors“ propaganda
https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2221724
https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2221710
https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2221695
http://en.adenpress.news/news/32798
https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2221361
https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2221081
https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2220859
https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2220857
https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2220811
https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2220619
cp16 Saudische Luftangriffe / Saudi air raids
(* A K pH)
Saudi coalition air raids and shelling day by day
April 25: https://www.facebook.com/lcrdye/photos/a.551858951631141/2000019726815049/
April 24: https://www.facebook.com/lcrdye/photos/a.551858951631141/2000019236815098/
April 23: https://www.facebook.com/lcrdye/photos/a.551858951631141/2000018743481814/
April 22: https://www.facebook.com/lcrdye/photos/a.551858951631141/2000017560148599/
April 21: https://www.facebook.com/lcrdye/photos/a.551858951631141/2000016706815351/
(A K pH)
US-Saudi Targets Agricultural Refrigerator Increasing Food Insecurity
The Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation condemned the targeting of the central agricultural refrigerator belonging to a farmer in Sa’adah governorate, US-Saudi airstrikes.
A statement issued by the ministry indicated that the aggression's warplanes launched a raid on a farm in the Qahza area, causing the complete destruction of the central refrigerator.
The statement pointed out that the refrigerator was a safe haven for agricultural products in Sa’adah Governorate and contributed to helping farmers preserve the agricultural products and fruits that they depend on as a main source of income for them and their families.
The statement stated that the central refrigerator contained more than 15,000 baskets of various fruits, that is, more than three thousand tons of various fruits, and generators for the refrigerator, while the total cost of the refrigerator is estimated at about $ 150,000, not to mention the losses and damages to its facilities.
It denounced the deliberate and systematic targeting of the agricultural sector, as well as civilian objects and residential areas, indicating that this would lead to more suffering with the siege imposed on the Yemeni people for more than six years.
and also https://www.saba.ye/en/news3137630.htm
(A K pH)
More Saudi coalition air raids
https://en.mehrnews.com/news/172652/Saudi-coalition-attacks-residential-areas-in-Yemen City of Sirwah
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3138030.htm Marib p.
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3137872.htm Marib p.
https://english.almasirah.net/post/19031/US-Saudi-Aggression-s-Daily-Update-for-Saturday-%2C-April-24%2C-2021 Marib p., Hajjah p.
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3137794.htm Marib p.
https://english.almasirah.net/post/19015/US-Saudi-Aggression-s-Daily-Update-for-Friday%2C-April-23%2C-2021 Marib p., Saada p., Hajjah p.
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3137632.htm Marib p.
https://english.almasirah.net/post/19001/US-Saudi-Aggression-s-Daily-Update-for-Thursday%2C-April-22%2C-2021 Marib p., Saada p.
https://english.almasirah.net/post/18982/US-Saudi-Aggression-s-Daily-Update-for-Wednesday%2C-April-21%2C-2021 Marib p., Saada p.
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3137445.htm Marib p.
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3137445.htm / https://debriefer.net/en/news-24611.html Marib p.
cp17 Kriegsereignisse / Theater of War
Siehe / Look at cp17a, cp18
Im Jemen herrscht ein militärisches Patt. Eine größere Offensive mit größeren Erfolgen und Geländegewinnen für eine Seite bleiben seit der Offensive der saudischen Koalition gegen Hodeidah im Jahr 2018 aus. Kleinere Offensiven, ständige gegenseitige Angriffe und Gefechte mit Toten auf beiden Seiten und Opfern unter der Zivilbevölkerung gibt es aber ständig. Besonders betroffen sind die Provinzen Hodeidah, Taiz, Al Bayda, Al Dhalea, der Bezirk Nehm in der Provinz Sanaa, die Provinzen Al Jawf, Marib, Hajjah und Saada.
There is a military stalemate in Yemen. A larger offensive with greater successes and territorial gains for one side has been absent since the Saudi coalition's offensive against Hodeidah in 2018. Smaller offensives, constant mutual attacks and skirmishes killing fighters of both sides and causing victims among the civilian population are constant. The provinces of Hodeidah, Taiz, Al Bayda, Al Dhalea, the district of Nehm in the province of Sanaa, the provinces of Al Jawf, Marib, Hajjah and Saada are particularly affected.
(A K pS)
KSrelief's Masam Project Dismantles 1,835 Mines in Yemen during Last Week
King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) Project (Masam) for clearing mines in Yemen, dismantled, during the third week of April 2021, a total of 1,835 mines, including 57 anti-personnel mines, 962 anti-tank mines, 812 unexploded ordnance and 4 explosive devices.
Since the beginning of the project, as many as 236,864 mines have been dismantled.
https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2221655
(A K pH)
[Sanaa gov.] Air Force carries out attack on King Khalid Air Base
The Air Force on Saturday carried out an offensive operation against King Khalid Air Base in Khamis Mushait, armed forces spokesman Yahya Sare'i said.
Sare'i added the Air Force drones hit King Khalid Air Base with a Qasef drone 2k.
He emphasized the hit was accurate, indicating the targeting comes within the framework of the natural and legitimate response to the escalation of the aggression and the continuous siege on Yemen.
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3137920.htm
(A K pH)
[Sanaa gov.] Army hits Khaled airbase
The army's drone on Sunday hit Khaled airbase in Khamis Mushait, armed forces spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Sari'e said.
Sari'e added one drone of Qasef-2k targeted the airbase, adding the hits were accurate.
The attacks are a legitimate response on the aggression's escalation and all-out siege on the Yemeni people, he said.
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3137808.htm
and also https://english.almasirah.net/post/19036/Air-Force-Conducts-Fresh-Attack-on-Saudi-Air-Base
and
(A K)
Saudi-led coalition says it has destroyed Houthi armed drone
Yemen's Houthi movement said on Sunday it had attacked and hit a military air base in southern Saudi Arabia with a drone, but the Saudi-led coalition fighting the group said it had intercepted and destroyed an armed drone fired into the kingdom.
(A K pS)
[Hadi gov.] Yemeni Army Downs Houthi Drones Targeting Marib and Taiz
https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2221048
and also https://debriefer.net/en/news-24674.html (Taiz: spy drone)
(A K pS)
Houthi-laid mine kills one child, wounds six others in Taiz
One child was killed and seven others wounded on Friday in an explosion of a landmine laid by the Iran-backed Houthi militia in Taiz, Yemen’s third largest city.
Local sources said the mine went off while the children were grazing their sheep in Al Aslami sub-district, southeast the six-year besieged city of Taiz.
https://republicanyemen.net/archives/27808
(A K pH)
Saudi Artillery Shells Target Homes Injuring Citizen
A citizen was injured Friday by the Saudi artillery shells of populated villages of Munabih Border District in Sa’adah Governorate.
https://english.almasirah.net/post/19003/Saudi-Artillery-Shells-Target-Homes-Injuring-Citizen%C2%A0
(A K)
Jemen: Huthi-Bewegung greift erneut Ölanlagen und Militärbasis in Saudi-Arabien an
Die Ansarullah-Bewegung (Huthi-Milizen) griff nach eigenen Angaben erneut Öleinrichtungen in Saudi-Arabien mit Drohnen an. Die Bewegung teilte am Freitag mit, eine Reihe von Vergeltungsangriffen auf einen Luftwaffenstützpunkt in der südwestlichen Region Asir sowie auf eine staatliche Öleinrichtung in Dschāzān lanciert zu haben.
https://de.rt.com/der-nahe-osten/116489-jemen-huthi-bewegung-greift-erneut/
(A K pH)
Second Retaliatory Attack, Qasef-2K Drone Targets King Khalid base
Yemen’s Armed Forces Spokesman announced that the Air Force targeted again an important military site at Saudi depth, on Friday.
The Armed Forces spokesman, Brigadier General Yahya Sare’e, stated that the Air Force carried out a retaliatory attack with a Qasef-2K drone targeting the King Khalid base in Khamis Mushait, at nine in the morning.
and also https://www.saba.ye/en/news3137631.htm
(A K pH)
Qasef-2K, Sammad-3 Drones Hit Saudi Military, Vital Sites
Yemen’s Armed Forces Spokesman confirmed that the Air Force targeted an important military and vital sites at Saudi depth,
“The military site at King Khalid Air Base in Khamis Mushait was accurately hit with two indigenously-manufactured Qasef-2K drones,” Brigadier General Yahya Sare’e said.
He added that the Air Force also hit the Aramco company in Jizan accurately with a Sammad-3 drone.
He indicated that targeting Saudi sites is “a natural and legitimate response to the escalation of aggression and the all-over siege on our country.”
and also https://www.saba.ye/en/news3137631.htm
https://hodhodyemennews.net/2021/04/23/new-yemeni-airstrikes-hit-khamis-mushait-and-jizan/
(A K pH)
[Sanaa gov.] Air force targets King Khaled Airbase
The air force of the army and popular committees on Thursday waged an attack on King Khaled airbase in Khamis Mushait, armed forces spokesman Yahya Sare'i said.
Sare'i added the air force launched a Qasef 2k drone, targeting a military site at the airbase, conforming the drone hit its target accurately.
He said the targeting comes within the framework of a legitimate response on the aggression's escalation and an all-out siege on the Yemeni people.
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3137444.htm
and also https://hodhodyemennews.net/2021/04/22/yemeni-forces-keep-striking-saudi-airbase-at-khamis-mushait/
and
(A K pS)
Coalition downs Houthi drone targeting Khamis Mushait
http://en.adenpress.news/news/32771
cp17a Kriegsereignisse: Schlacht um Marib / Theater of War: Marib battle
Siehe / Look at cp4
(* B K P)
Jemen: Der Kampf um Marib wird immer härter
Der Ausgang der Kämpfe um die Stadt Marib, der letzten Hochburg der von Saudi-Arabien unterstützten jemenitischen Regierung im Norden des Landes, könnte den zukünftigen Verlauf des Jemen-Konflikts, der sich nun schon im siebten Jahr befindet, erheblich verändern.
Der Verlust von Marib, das von einer sich verschlimmernden humanitären Krise heimgesucht wird, wäre ein schwerer Schlag für die Regierung und würde den vom Iran unterstützten Rebellen größeren Einfluss bei zukünftigen Verhandlungen geben. Er könnte sie sie sogar anspornen, weiter nach Süden vorzustoßen, sagen Beobachter.
Hunderte von Kämpfern wurden seit Beginn der groß angelegten Offensive im Februar getötet, wie lokale Quellen berichten. Kommandeure der Regierungstruppen erzählen, dass die Milizen Kämpfer in immer neuen Wellen aus scheinbar unerschöpflichen Reserven in Richtung der Frontlinien rund um die Regionalhauptstadt Marib schicken.
„Die Strategie der Huthi zielt darauf ab, uns zu erschöpfen“, sagt ein jemenitischer Kommandeur an der sandigen Al-Kanais-Front im Norden der Stadt, wo regierungsloyale Soldaten in Schützenlöchern kauern oder schwere Maschinengewehre auf dem Heck von Pickups bedienen. Der Kommandeur berichtet von einem Muster, das sich an mehreren Frontlinien abzeichnet: die Huthis treiben Wellen junger Rekruten, viele von ihnen Kinder, vor sich her, mit dem Ziel, die Regierungstruppen zu zermürben und zu zwingen, ihre Munition aufzubrauchen.
Auf stundenlange Feuergefechte folgt typischerweise eine kurze Ruhepause, um die Leichen einzusammeln. Dann rückt eine tödlichere Welle erfahrener Huthi-Kämpfer unter ständigem Beschuss nach, schildert der Kommandeur die Strategie der Rebellen, die die loyalen Kräfte unter Druck setzt. „Den Huthis ist es egal, wie viele ihrer Männer sterben“, fügt er hinzu; ein Punkt, der von anderen jemenitischen Offiziellen, darunter Maribs Gouverneur Sultan al-Aradah, bestätigt wurde.
Marib zahlt einen hohen Preis, seitdem die Huthis, die das Gebiet bereits im letzten Jahr einnehmen wollten, ihre Offensive im Februar mit großer Verstärkung wieder aufgenommen haben. Die Stadt und einige abgelegene Gebiete der Provinz bilden die letzten von der Regierung kontrollierten Gebiete im Norden, der Rest des Territoriums einschließlich der Hauptstadt Sanaa ist unter Kontrolle der Rebellen.
Neutrale Beobachter des Konflikts sind alarmiert über die hohen Verluste in der Gegend von Marib. Ein internationaler Beamter sagte der AFP: „Die Huthis scheinen eine Menge Kämpfer zu haben, die sie in die Schlacht werfen können. Am Ende des Tages werden die Huthis sagen: ‚Wir haben immer noch Kämpfer … und wir können Menschen und junge Männer opfern‘.“
https://www.mena-watch.com/jemen-der-kampf-um-marib-wird-immer-brutaler/
The English version already had been published April 21: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/afp/article-9494129/Large-scale-Huthi-offensive-roils-Yemens-oil-rich-Marib.html
(B K pH)
THE HOUTHIS RENEW THEIR PUSH ON MARIB, WILL IT FALL?
Yemen puppet government sources said the Houthis poured in hundreds of reinforcements in recent days to achieve the gains, resorting to motorcycles after the coalition targeted their military vehicles.
As typical for any Houthi success, MSM and NGOs begin calling that a humanitarian disaster is incoming, as if Saudi Arabia’s frequent bombing of civilians and the blockade on al-Hudaydah isn’t causing one.
“The city’s fall could also lead to a humanitarian disaster, as vast numbers of civilians displaced from fighting elsewhere have sought refuge in the area.”
https://southfront.org/the-houthis-renew-their-push-on-marib-will-it-fall-map-update/
(B K P)
Fear is growing amongst residents in Marib of an imminent Houthi push into the city. The frontline is now within 5 miles of the city. Houthi projectiles have already reached beyond the eastern edge, meaning they have the entire city within range.
Uncertainty remains over whether the Houthis will storm the city or instead, establish a Taiz-style siege then head to political negotiations while holding to ransom the Yemeni government’s last strong hold.
https://twitter.com/ionacraig/status/1386656778117697540
(A K P)
Yemenis Launch Social Media Campaign to Support Marib
Hundreds of Yemeni activists are campaigning on social media for backing army forces on battlefronts west of Yemen’s Marib governorate, where Iran-backed Houthi militias have been fighting pro-government forces fiercely for four months in a row.
In their social media posts, both civilians and politicians urged more reinforcement to army forces in Marib, arguing that the battle there is vital to defeating the Iranian project in Yemen.
They also called for a swift victory, deploying additional defense brigades to Marib and driving Houthi militias out of positions they hold in the governorate.
https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/2940106/yemenis-launch-social-media-campaign-support-marib
(A K)
[Hadi] Government forces make great advances against Houthis in Marib
https://debriefer.net/en/news-24724.html
(A K pH)
Al-Jazeera correspondent: “Do not expect any victory for Hadi forces”
Al-Jazeera correspondent Samir al-Nimri said that the situation in Ma’rib is “more dangerous than ever” and claimed that anyone who says otherwise is lying.
Al-Nimri explained that Saudi-backed puppet ruler Hadi, his deputy and his Prime Minister “do not care about the timing of the sale of crude oil, and supply it to the Saudi National Bank to share its shares. They only exchange congratulations in Riyadh hotels, and wait every day for a new leader who will be martyred, so they can send messages of condolences.”
Al-Nimri addressed the supporters of the Hadi administration by saying: “Do not expect any victory as long as the group that handed over Aden is still ruling us.”
(A K pS)
Marib takeover humanitarian, economic disaster: Yemeni [pro-Hadi gov.] Parliament Speaker
Persistent fighting will lead to a grave humanitarian, environmental and economic disaster affecting every part in Yemen, the Yemeni Parliament Speaker warned on Sunday, especially if oil and gas facilities come under "Houthi terrorist acts".
https://debriefer.net/en/news-24712.html
(A K)
Yemeni minister denies reports of Houthi takeover of key Marib area
On Sunday, AFP cited a military source which stated that the Houthis had captured the Al-Kassara area of Marib.
The source told the news agency that the Yemeni rebel group had taken control of the Kassara front with the battle moving to the Al-Mil area, just six kilometres from the centre of Marib.
Hours later, Yemeni Information Minister Moammar Al-Eryani denied this report in a tweet thread as the battle for the strategic province continues.
"We deny news published by Agence France Press on control of Iranian-backed Houthi militia over alKassara area northwest of Marib &express our deep regret that a global agency subjected to misinformation &promotion of unfounded news aim of raising morale of the collapsed militia," Al-Eryani tweeted.
and also https://www.alsahwa-yemen.net/en/p-46495
and
(A K pS)
[Hadi] Yemeni government denies AFP report of Houthi takeover of area northwest of Marib
https://www.arabnews.com/node/1848731/middle-east
and also https://republicanyemen.net/archives/27817
and
(A K pS)
Western media maintain propaganda for Yemen’s Shia terrorists
The French AFP reported today that the Houthi “rebels have taken full control of the northwest Kassara battlefront” in Marib “and made progress on western frontlines despite airstrikes by the Saudi-led coalition which backs Yemen's government.” The story was republished by other international media outlets. Army officials completely denied the story as “baseless.”
The story was not seen on no seen on any local Yemeni media outlets save the Houthi “War Media” website.
https://www.alsahwa-yemen.net/en/p-46479
and also https://almasdaronline.com/articles/222729
(A K)
Huthi rücken auf letzte Regierungs-Hochburg im Norden Jemens vor
Bei den jüngsten Kämpfen zwischen Regierungstruppen und Aufständischen im Jemen sind mindestens 65 Menschen getötet worden. Unter den Toten der vergangenen beiden Tage in der nördlichen Provinz Marib seien 26 Soldaten, hieß es am Sonntag aus Militärkreisen. Die Huthi-Rebellen rückten zudem bis zur Kassara-Front vor und befinden sich nun nur noch sechs Kilometer von der Provinzhauptstadt Marib entfernt.
https://www.stol.it/artikel/politik/65-tote-bei-kaempfen-um-provinz-marib-im-jemen
(A K pH)
[Sanaa gov.] Yemeni Forces Make Remarkable Advances in Battle for Liberation of Ma’rib
Yemeni Armed Forces and allied fighters from Popular Committees made remarkable gains against militants loyal to former Riyadh-backed president, Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi, in the battle for the full liberation of the strategic city of Ma’rib, his last stronghold in Northern Yemen.
On Sunday, Yemeni forces advanced closer to the Center of Ma’rib city, the capital of an eponymous province, and managed to take full control of the Northwest Kassara battlefield.
and
(A K)
Yemen Rebels Advance on Marib, Dozens Reported Dead
Yemen's Houthi rebels have made major gains in the battle for the government's last northern stronghold, advancing close to the center of Marib city despite heavy casualties, military sources said Sunday.
The rebels have taken full control of the Kassara battlefield to the northwest and made progress on western front lines despite airstrikes by the Saudi-led coalition that backs Yemen's government, the loyalist military sources said.
Marib and its surrounding oil fields make up the last significant pocket of government-held territory in the north, the rest of which is under rebel control, including the capital Sanaa.
Fierce fighting has left at least 65 dead over the past two days alone, including about 25 loyalist personnel, among them four officers, the government sources told AFP.
The Iran-backed Houthis rarely disclose their own losses.
The loyalist officials said fighting had now moved to the Al-Mil area, 6 kilometers (4 miles) from the center of Marib, they said.
However, mountains around Al-Mil remain a formidable barrier to the rebels who have been battling to reach Marib since February.
https://www.voanews.com/middle-east/yemen-rebels-advance-marib-dozens-reported-dead
and
(A K)
Intense battles flare in Yemen's Marib amid progress by Houthis
Intense battles flared up on Sunday near Yemen's oil-rich province of Marib amid intensified airstrikes launched by the Saudi Arabia-led coalition, a military official told Xinhua.
According to a local military official who asked to remain anonymous, the battles are still going on between the Houthi militia and Yemen's government forces, leaving scores of killed and injured during the past 24 hours.
The source said that the Houthis gained military progress on-ground and largely advanced towards the oil-rich city of Marib that's controlled by the Saudi-backed Yemeni government.
"Key areas located in Marib's western part were fully captured by the Houthi attackers who are still having the upper hand in the ongoing battles raging over the control of the strategic city," the official said.
He confirmed that Major Gen. Abdullah al-Hadhri, head of the pro-government Military Justice Department, was killed along with 23 soldiers while fighting off Iran-backed Houthis in the Mashjah battlefront in Marib during the past 24 hours.
http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2021-04/25/c_139905332.htm
and also https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20210426-yemens-houthis-advance-towards-marib/
https://www.thedefensepost.com/2021/04/26/yemen-houthis-advance-marib/
(A K pS)
[Hadi gov.] Yemeni army advances in Marib, other fronts: SPA
https://english.alarabiya.net/News/gulf/2021/04/25/Yemeni-army-advances-in-Marib-other-fronts-SPA
(A K pH)
[Sanaa gov.] Yemeni army, Ansarullah forces make progress on Ma’rib
https://en.mehrnews.com/news/172568/Yemeni-army-Ansarullah-forces-make-progress-on-Ma-rib
(* B K P)
In a fabled desert city, a decisive battle could determine Yemen's fate
The scenes serve as a metaphor of Marib's place in Yemen. It is a tiny island of hope in a sea of discarded dreams. After six years of war, the city of more than 2 million people has emerged as pivotal in Yemen's future. It is a gateway to much of the country's oil and gas wealth, and home to a growing population of internally displaced persons (IDPs). It's also the internationally-recognized Yemeni government's last major stronghold in the north.
CNN was in Marib at the invitation of the Yemeni government.
If it lost Marib, Hadi's government and its Saudi backers would have little leverage at eventual peace talks with Houthi rebels, would lose military credibility, and likely encourage the Houthis to continue fighting.
The Houthis control almost everything west of Marib including the Yemeni capital of Sanaa.
As one minister told CNN: "Yemen is a diamond in the hands of coal merchants." If he meant his own political class he didn't say so.
But people here say blame doesn't just reside locally. They point to US President Joe Biden's recent decision to end American support for Saudi Arabia's military campaign against Houthi rebels. The move reverses an eleventh hour decision by Donald Trump in the final days of his administration that brought backlash from bipartisan politicians and humanitarian organizations.
In meetings with government and tribal leaders this past week, Biden's recent revocation of the Houthis' designation as a foreign terrorist organization was the main talking point. All feel that Biden's diplomacy has emboldened the Houthis, resulting in a ramping up of attacks on Marib. The city is a long-desired jewel in the group's constellation of country-wide conquests.
What is clear in Marib is that without war and disorganized leadership, prosperity could be within reach. The region sits atop ample oil and gas reserves, enough to raise 16.2 million people (or around half the nation) out of the food insecurity they currently endure, and breathe life into the moribund economy.
All feel that Biden's diplomacy has emboldened the Houthis, resulting in a ramping up of attacks on Marib. The city is a long-desired jewel in the group's constellation of country-wide conquests.
Yemeni officials are trying to figure out if Biden is out of his depth, miscalculating the Houthis, or if his Yemen policy is simply a by-product of his policy to entice Iran back to compliance with the nuclear deal, or the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
By backing off on the Houthis, the President could be throwing a bone to their putative sponsors in Tehran, the Yemeni government believes. Either way, people here fear he is storing up problems for the future.
By design or default, Biden has created a new pivot in Yemen's war here in Marib and the Houthis' reinvigorated reach for the city it is forcing all sides to face dormant questions.
That the Yemeni government's principal backers, the Saudi government, recently offered the Houthis a countrywide ceasefire, and are calling for more international pressure on the rebels, is a significant sign that the diplomatic ground in Yemen is shifting.
https://edition.cnn.com/2021/04/23/middleeast/yemen-marib-war-intl/index.html
(A K)
Dozens of Houthi fighters, including leader, killed in Marib fighting
https://debriefer.net/en/news-24662.html
and
(A K)
Film: Yemen: Heavy fighting as Houthi forces continue offensive in battle of Marib
(A K)
Yemeni [Hadi] gov't troops seize crucial sites west Marib
https://debriefer.net/en/news-24638.html
(* B K pH)
On the verge of liberation
[Sanaa gov.] Yemeni forces have closed in on the strategic oil-rich city of Marib in their latest efforts to liberate the city from Saudi-backed mercenaries.
The Yemeni Army and “popular committees” have launched an operation to capture Marib, the last stronghold of the Saudi-backed forces in northern Yemen. The Yemeni forces have successfully advanced toward the city and besieged it but they are yet to enter Marib.
Al-Jaish, a Yemeni newspaper affiliated with Yemen’s Defense Ministry, said on Monday that the Yemeni Army and Popular Committees are about to liberate the city. According to Al-Jaish, Sanaa has completed all the preparations required to liberate Marib after it successfully targeted and weakened the forces of Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi and other forces affiliated with Daesh and Al Qaeda. The Yemeni newspaper said the army and the committees, which have reached the outskirts of the city, are quietly conducting the battle in the areas where the displaced persons' camps are located, in order to protect the lives of civilians.
It also said that the Hadi forces are hiding behind the displaced people in the vicinity of Marib.
While Sanaa forces are preparing for another round of battles, the Saudi-backed forces seem to be losing interest in the fight against Sanaa. On Tuesday, at least 20 people including a member of parliament defected to Sanaa from Marib. Upon their arrival in Sanaa, they said that the coalition of aggression and mercenaries live in a difficult situation after the army and the popular committees were able to beleaguer them and confine them to narrow places.
They said that the Saudi-backed forces have suffered great defeats and losses over the course of the fight in Marib.
This is while the Sanaa forces are now planning new operations.
https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/460124/On-the-verge-of-liberation
My remark: From Iran.
(A K)
Yemeni gov't troops ambush, kill, injure Houthis in Marib
https://debriefer.net/en/news-24622.html
cp18 Kampf um Hodeidah / Hodeidah battle
Seit dem Abkommen von Stockholm vom 13. Dezember 2018 gibt es einen Waffenstillstand für Hodeidah. Zwar bleiben größere Offensiven aus, kleinere Gefechte gibt es aber laufend, und beide Seiten werfen sich ständig Verstöße gegen den Waffenstillstand vor.
Since the Stockholm Agreement of December 13, 2018, a ceasefire has been in place for Hodeidah. There are no major offensives, but smaller battles are going on and both sides constantly are accusing each other of violating the ceasefire.
(A K P)
Houthis, UN Mission discuss proposal to operate Hudaydah Airport
The Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Houthi government Hisham Sharaf on Sunday met with the Deputy Head for the United Nations Mission to support the Hudaydah Agreement Daniela Kroslak.
They discussed a proposal to use Hudaydah Airport within the operations of the UN Mission after its rehabilitation, the Sanaa-based Saba news agency reported.
They also discussed the activities of the Mission in the coming period, including arrangements for a meeting of the warring parties in Stockholm.
Sharaf hoped not to fragment the solution to the crisis in Yemen within current efforts to reach a political settlement, according to the agency.
https://debriefer.net/en/news-24719.html
(A K P)
[Sanaa gov.] FM: US, Saudi, and Emirati Aggression Deliberately Violated Stockholm Agreement on Hodeidah
(A K pS)
Joint forces seize detonators heading to Houthis
http://en.adenpress.news/news/32801
(A K pH)
Daily violations as reported by the Houthi side
cp19 Sonstiges / Other
(-)
Photos: Hadramout again and again, full of beauty and peace
https://twitter.com/HanaShowafi/status/1384941999959285760
(C)
A Tribe and Its States: Yemen’s 1972 Bayḥān Massacre Revisited [2019]
(-)
This is how Ramadan looks like in the city of Taiz (Photos)
https://twitter.com/HanaShowafi/status/1386664563844829188
(A)
Film: a cleaning initiative in the city of Radaa in Al-Bayda governorate
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BR5dE0xSmU
(-)
Photo: The Bridge of Sighs (Yemen) was built in the 17th century. The footbridge constructed of limestone is located high up in the al-Ahnum mountains, named for al-Ahnum tribe, the indigenous inhabitants of these mountains. more: http://instagram.com/archaeologyart
https://twitter.com/archaeologyart/status/1386379543414460425
Vorige / Previous:
https://www.freitag.de/autoren/dklose/jemenkrieg-mosaik-736-yemen-war-mosaic-736
Jemenkrieg-Mosaik 1-736 / Yemen War Mosaic 1-736:
https://www.freitag.de/autoren/dklose oder / or http://poorworld.net/YemenWar.htm
Der saudische Luftkrieg im Bild / Saudi aerial war images:
(18 +, Nichts für Sensible!) / (18 +; Graphic!)
http://poorworld.net/YemenWar.htm
http://yemenwarcrimes.blogspot.de/
Liste aller Luftangriffe / and list of all air raids:
http://yemendataproject.org/data/
Untersuchung ausgewählter Luftangriffe durch Bellingcat / Bellingcat investigations of selected air raids:
Untersuchungen von Angriffen, hunderte von Filmen / Investigations of attacks, hundreds of films:
