Trapped in Yemen's forgotten war - Humanitarian situation - Human Rights groups: Saudi Arabia must leave UN Human Rights Council - Peace talks postponed - and more
Schwerpunkte / Key aspects
Klassifizierung / Classification
cp1 Am wichtigsten / Most important
cp2 Allgemein / General
cp3 Humanitäre Lage / Humanitarian situation
cp5 Nordjemen und Huthis / Northern Yemen and Houthis
cp6 Südjemen und Hadi-Regierung / Southern Yemen and Hadi-government
cp7 UNO und Friedensgespräche/ UN and peace talks
cp8 Saudi-Arabien / Saudi Arabia
cp9 USA
cp10 Großbritannien / Great Britain
cp14 Terrorismus / Terrorism
cp15 Propaganda
cp16 Saudische Luftangriffe / Saudi air raids
cp17 Kriegsereignisse / Theater of War
cp18 Sonstiges / Other
Klassifizierung / Classification
***
**
*
(Kein Stern / No star)
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
cp1 Am wichtigsten / Most important
30.6.2016 – Washington Post (** B K)
‘Trapped by all the sides’ in Yemen’s largely ignored war
Among the wars wrought by the Arab Spring revolutions, Yemen’s remains largely invisible to the world. Yet the conflict holds enormous stakes for Washington and its allies. Yemen, the Middle East’s poorest nation, sits along vital oil-shipping lanes in the Red Sea and has long been a key battleground between militant Islamists and the West.
Sayed’s five brothers all live in this city [Taiz]. But he hasn’t seen them in eight months. To visit their homes, he would have to cross the front lines, dodge airstrikes or shelling and pass through a web of checkpoints controlled by rival armed groups. And that is if he manages to get out of his neighborhood unharmed.
On a barricaded road near his building, snipers recently shot several residents at a traffic circle. On another road, cars and motorcycles speed to avoid entering the gunmen’s sights.
When his 9-year-old nephew was killed by a rocket, Sayed could not attend his funeral.
“What wrongs have the people of Taiz done to deserve all this?” he said.
The city is so fractured that it has two governors. Neither is in Taiz.
“How can I give up my weapons to you — so you can kill me or imprison me?” asked Abdo Al Janadi, the governor appointed by the Houthis and Saleh forces, referring to a condition made by Hadi’s side in the peace talks – by Sudarsan Raghavan
Comment: Overview of the conflict and specially on the situation of Taiz and it’s people.
Comment by Judith brown: This article is a fair description of the situation in Taiz that has suffered horribly in this war. But I would like to add a comment about its description of Hadi as 'inexperienced' and 'unpopular'. He has been the deputy president of Yemen for 16 years, so he had experience. He was and is deeply unpopular. But it fails to say that he was elected for a two year term as interim President in February 2012 and his term had expired. He is hardly the 'legitimate' president of Yemen.
https://www.facebook.com/judith.brown.794628/posts/10154476869213641
cp2 Allgemein / General
27.6.2016 – Alwaght (*A K P)
In a second look at the crisis in Yemen, there is a huge media propaganda accompanying the Saudi military operation in Yemen, used by Riyadh to affect the negotiations under way in Kuwait.
The evidences uncover huge Saudi military preparations in Lahij, Al Jawf and Marib. Websites close to the Saudi military have suggested that a number of tribal leaders linked to the Saudi-based General Ali Mohsen al-Ahmar transferred hundreds of youths from Abyan and Shabwa provinces to Marib after they were said that they would be recruited. The websites also added that their special sources in Riyadh reported that the recruited youths would be deployed to Sana'a, the capital of Yemen.
These news accompanied news uncovered by the head of political office of Ansarullah movement Saleh al-Samaad who said that “there are huge Saudi preparations under way to launch renewed large-scale aggression against Yemeni cities.” He continued that the war preparations were faced by arrangements by the “patriotic forces” to face any military escalation at prospects of failure of the political negotiations under way in Kuwait.
Away from what is taking place in Kuwait, and the questions under examination, would Ansarullah movement hand over its heavy weapons? Which party would take over the arms? What would guarantee that Saudi Arabia would not repeat its aggression against the country?
http://alwaght.com/en/News/58960/Yemen-War-Failed-Peace-Talks,-Return-to-Battlefield = http://en.abna24.com/cultural/archive/2016/06/30/763218/story.html
cp3 Humanitäre Lage / Humanitarian situation
30.6.2016 – Uncloak (* A H)
When looking for cooking gas becomes a life-threatning experience
Suddenly, a big explosion happened that started a big fire on the summit of that big mountain that’s overlooking the region. And then we saw the missiles flying from the mountain towards us in a random fashion destroying everything that stands in its way. Even the houses that hid us began throwing shattered window’s glasses at us as if they hated that we stood next to them. The woman left the cylinders and were busy escaping with their children hurling loads of curses and insults. Even the greedy taxi drivers, those who drool at every hand that signal them to stop started driving with an insane speed not caring for anyone. After that everyone started running right and left carrying those cylinders over their backs except women and elderly who left everything and kept running. It got to a point that someone lost his daughter and came back grunting like a madman looking for her everywhere. Everyone here screams, cries, and most definitely escapes! – by Mohammed Salah
https://uncloak.github.io/yemen/When-looking-for-cooking-gas-becomes-a-life-threatning-experience/
30.6.2016 – Norwegian Refugee Council (* B H)
Yemen: Behind closed doors
Life has begun to return to the streets of Amran city in Yemen. But these signs of normalcy hide another reality. Most of the 2 million people who have fled their homes inside Yemen are invisible, suffering silently behind the walls of relatives' houses. This is the paradox of Yemen's story.
Yemenis are among the most resilient people I have ever met. I have been travelling in and out of the country over the past two years, and I am still surprised by how families continue with daily life, despite a year of relentless bombing.
Recently I have noticed that life has somehow returned to the streets
These signs of normalcy are comforting, but they also hide a grave reality. Eight out of ten Yemenis rely on humanitarian assistance to survive – by Gabriella Waaijman
https://www.nrc.no/news/2016/juni/yemen-behind-closed-doors/ = https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1053460464706983&id=961126490607048
30.6.2016 – World Food Programme, Logistics Cluster
Yemen Situation Update (29 June 2016)
Road update (Access constraints)
Ports updates
Hodeida port is operational with 8 vessels discharging at berth, 25 vessels awaiting at anchorage.
Saleef Port is operational with 2 vessels discharging at berth, 10 vessels awaiting at anchorage.
Aden Port is operational with 8 vessel discharging at berth, 5 vessels awaiting at anchorage.
http://reliefweb.int/report/yemen/yemen-situation-update-29-june-2016 and in full: http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/logistics_cluster_yemen_situation_update_160629.pdf
29.6.2016 – Oxfam (* A H)
Oxfam Yemen Situation Report #22, 15 Jun 2016
[Oxfam programmes in various provinces, in detail]
http://reliefweb.int/report/yemen/oxfam-yemen-situation-report-22-15-jun-2016 and in full: http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/Yemen%20External%20SitRep%2022%20160615.pdf
cp5 Nordjemen und Huthis / Northern Yemen and Houthis
30.6.2016 – Albawaba (A K)
Yemen: Houthi grenade explosion kills two, wounds 18 at civilian market
According to Youm7, a grenade explosion killed two and wounded 18 in a civilian market in the Ibb governate of Yemen.
The Ibb Media Center, which tracks the resistance in Ibb, reported that the grenade explosion came fromin-fighting between Houthi soldiers. One of the soldiers threw a grenade while in a crowded marketplace, destroying a stall and damaging several civilian properties.
Comment: This is the same incident which is quite differently described by the Houthis’ news agency:
30.6.2016 – Saba Net (A T)
Two killed, 15 injured in bomb blast in Ibb
At least two citizens killed and 15 others were wounded in an explosion of a bomb thrown by a terrorist on Thursday in a market in the city of Al-Qaidah in Ibb province.
A security official told Saba that the terrorist threw the bomb into the middle of the populous market, which led to the killing of a man and a child and injuring 15 others, most are in danger.
http://www.sabanews.net/en/news432216.htm
30.6.2016 – Saba Net (A T)
IED kills eight in Mareb
At least six people were killed on Wednesday in explosion of an improvised explosive device (IED) in Arms market in Mareb province, a local official said Thursday.
The IED was planted near one of arm stores in the market. It left eight people injured some are in critical condition, the official added.
http://www.sabanews.net/en/news432155.htm
cp6 Südjemen und Hadi-Regierung / Southern Yemen and Hadi-government
30.6.2016 – Aden Now (A)
A storm of protest cut off main roads and burning tires due to disruption of water and electricity and the requirements of the people (images)
https://twitter.com/AdenNowNews/status/748442135310000129
29.6.2016 – Saba Net (A T)
IED dismantled in Ibb
An explosive expert team dismantled on Wednesday an improvised explosive device (IED) in a house of a wanted man in al-Dhehar district of Ibb province, a military official said.
The IED was a gas cylinder filled with large quantities of TNT and other high explosives materials, the official added.
http://www.sabanews.net/en/news432053.htm
cp7 UNO und Friedensgespräche / UN and peace talks
30.6.2016 – Reuters (* A P)
Saudi Arabia 'alarmed and outraged' by rights groups' criticism
Saudi Arabia on Thursday said it was "alarmed and outraged" by a call from Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch for the kingdom to be suspended from the U.N. Human Rights Council until a Saudi-led military coalition stops killing civilians in Yemen.
"We were alarmed and outraged at Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch's statement accusing Saudi Arabia of unlawful attacks in Yemen," the Saudi U.N. mission said in a statement.
"Saudi Arabia and the coalition have complied with international law at every stage in the campaign to restore Yemen's legitimate government," it said, adding that the coalition's main goal was "the protection of civilians."
"We deeply regret the loss of any civilian life," the statement said.
"We have created an independent team of experts tasked with assessing such cases and developing enhanced targeting mechanisms to ensure the safety and protection of civilians," the Saudi statement said.
It added: "Attempts at delegitimizing Saudi Arabia's efforts to restore stability and find a sustainable political solution by these organizations run counter to their very mission and risks peace and security in Yemen and the world."
http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-saudi-un-rights-idUKKCN0ZG2X3?rpc=401&
Comment: This is really a ridiculous statement. Saudi tales and realitiy just do not have anything in common. See more below.
Comment by Judith Brown: Well surprise surprise. I expect Saudi Arabia might try to give a large donation to HRW and Amnesty now to silence their criticisms.
https://www.facebook.com/judith.brown.794628/posts/10154476870958641
30.6.2016 – New York Times (* A P)
2 Groups Call to Oust Saudis from U.N. Human Rights Council
Saudi Arabiashould be ousted from the United Nations Human Rights Council for its unlawful killings of civilians inYemen,Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International said jointlyon Wednesday, an unusual demand meant to draw attention to one of the world’s most powerful countries, embroiled in one of the world’s most brutal wars.
The chances of that happening are slim to none. The suspension of any country from an elected body of the United Nations is extraordinary, and it would be all the more so for a country with powerful friends like the United States. The proposal would need a two-thirds majority vote in the 193-member General Assembly – by Somini Sengupta
30.6.2016 – AP (* A P)
The Saudi ambassador to the Human Rights Council said Thursday that his country rejects "accusations" from two top human rights groups, who have called for Saudi Arabia's suspension from the U.N.-backed body over its military campaign in Yemen.
Ambassador Faisal Trad said that Saudi Arabia was "keen" to abide by international law, review allegations about its military operations and assist aid workers and advocacy groups in Yemen.
In an email to The Associated Press, Trad countered that the two groups were "rejecting the facts" and "the truth about what is happening in Yemen," pointing to "violations" committed by the rebels.
"With regard to Yemen, Saudi Arabia and the coalition (are) keen to abide by international humanitarian law and apply the highest international rules of engagement which corresponds with international regulations," Trad wrote.
Comment: The Saudi reaction is typical, and odd as always. Ruthlessly bombing a country for 15 months just to reinstall a president whose term has ended long before cannot be according to international law. The Saudis never had reviewed allegations against their military, block advocacy groups like HRW and AI. It’s interesting who is “rejecting the facts”. HRW and AI have investigated many facts on the Saudi air raids in Yemen. Just images showing the facts you can see here http://poorworld.net/YemenWar.htm and here http://yemenwarcrimes.blogspot.de/ in all extent. There are violations by the rebels, but they are of no interest when speaking about Saudi violations. That’s the typical trick of distraction, be aware.
Saudi media adopt this agency report, see http://www.arabnews.com/node/947161/saudi-arabia . But there at the end once sentence is added: “UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, after initially criticizing Saudi Arabia, has also acknowledged kingdom's peacekeeping efforts and continuing aid to developing countries in the region and worldwide.” In this case, the Saudis take Ban Ki-Moon as a witness for their position. Yes, Ban Ki-Moon had made himself the monkey of the Saudis by flattering them after the UN-Saudi blacklist affair. That’s the consequence now: He shows up as a really wretched figure. – And also realize the image to illustrate this article: “Food aid distributed by King Salman Center to Yemenis”. That should be the main effort of the Saudis in Yemen??? A ruined town like Saada or a killed child would have fitted better.
29.6.2016 – Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International (** A P)
Joint NGO Statement: Suspend Saudi Arabia from the UN Human Rights Council
We call upon the United Nations General Assembly to immediately suspend the membership rights of Saudi Arabia in the UN Human Rights Council.
General Assembly Resolution 60/251, which created the Human Rights Council, provides that “the General Assembly, by a two-thirds majority of the members present and voting, may suspend the rights of membership in the Council of a member of the Council that commits gross and systematic violations of human rights.”
Saudi Arabia has committed gross and systematic violations of human rights during its time as a Council member
Despite well-documented violations by the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen, there has been no accountability.
http://reliefweb.int/report/yemen/joint-ngo-statement-suspend-saudi-arabia-un-human-rights-council
1.7.2016 – Junge Welt (A P)
Fatale Einseitigkeit: Friedensverhandlungen im Jemen nach zehn Wochen ohne Annäherung unterbrochen
Die jemenitischen Bürgerkriegsparteien haben ihre Friedensgespräche unterbrochen. Seit dem 21. April hatten sie unter Vermittlung der UNO in Kuwait verhandelt. Bereits am 10. April war ein Waffenstillstand in Kraft getreten, der die Kämpfe zwar nicht beendet, aber doch reduziert hat. Die am Mittwoch angekündigte Verhandlungspause bis zum 15. Juli soll für Beratungen der Delegationen mit ihren jeweiligen Führungen genutzt werden, heißt es in einer Stellungnahme des mauretanischen UN-Sonderbeauftragten für den Jemen, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed. Sie würden dann mit »praktischen Empfehlungen« nach Kuwait zurückkehren. Dahinter verbirgt sich die Tatsache, dass die Gespräche, abgesehen vom mehrmaligen Austausch von einigen hundert Kriegsgefangenen, bisher zu keinen Ergebnissen geführt haben. Auch der persönliche Einsatz von UN-Generalsekretär Ban Ki Moon, der am Wochenende nach Kuwait gekommen war, brachte keinen Durchbruch. Die Verhandlungen sind festgefahren – von Knut Mellenthin
https://www.jungewelt.de/loginFailed.php?ref=/2016/07-01/123.php
30.6.2016 – Living in Yemen on the Edge (A P)
Peace Delegates left#Kuwaitafter 77 days of#PeaceTalks. Further discussions after July 15. May the end of#Ramadanand#Eidbring reasoning to all parties.
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1053472611372435&id=961126490607048
30.6.2016 – Saba Net (A P)
National delegation meets Kuwaiti FM
The national delegation met on Thursday in Kuwait with the Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah.
In the meeting, the national delegation demanded to put an end to the arbitrary decisions by Riyadh’s delegation in the economic file, refusing using this paper as a means to pressure on the national delegation in the consultations.
In this regard, the national delegation stressed the need to lift the blockade imposed by the aggression forces on all Yemen.
The delegation explained that the vision and debates have become clear for the executive authority in the presidency institution, government and the military and security committee and all what relating to the guarantees.
http://www.sabanews.net/en/news432210.htm
Comment: National delegation = Houthi / Saleh del.
30.6.2016 – UN News Centre (* A P)
Remarks by the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed
After extensive deliberations with the two delegations, I presented a road map that encompassed a number of practical proposals aimed at ending the conflict and resuming the peaceful political process. Those proposals included the security arrangements referenced in Resolution 2216 (2015) and the creation of a national unity government that would work towards the provision of essential services and re-starting the country’s economy. In accordance with the road map I proposed, the national unity government would assume the task of organizing a political dialogue that will determine the subsequent steps needed to reach a comprehensive political solution.
After reaffirming their commitment to Resolution 2216 (2015) and the related Resolutions and statements, the outcomes of the National Dialogue Conference, and the Gulf Initiative and its implementation mechanism; before leaving the talks to confer with their leaderships, the two delegations committed themselves to the following:
(i) Reaffirm commitment to the terms and conditions of the Cessation of Hostilities, and to strengthening the mechanisms for its implementation;
(ii) Relocate the De-escalation and Coordination Committee to Dhahran al-Janoub in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in order to strengthen respect for the Cessation of Hostilities;
(iii) Facilitate the adoption of urgent measures for free and unhindered humanitarian access and access for essential goods;
(iv) Facilitate the urgent release of detainees in accordance with the principles proposed by the committee on detainees, which was established during the Kuwait talks;
(v) Abstain from any acts or decisions likely to undermine the prospects of finalising these negotiations;
(vi) Protect the confidentiality of the proceedings and documents associated with the negotiations; and
(vii) Co-operate with the Special Envoy in relation to any matter connected with the completion of the negotiations.
http://www.un.org/sg/offthecuff/index.asp?nid=4607
Comment: UN resolution 2216 is totally one-sided and thus it proved to be one of the main blockades for a peaceful solution: it gives one side the possibility to request all and to give nothing.
30.6.2016 – Gulf News (* A P)
Yemen roadmap presented to rival parties
Roadmap includes a national unity government and a commitment to hold a comprehensive political dialogue
UN Special Envoy to Yemen Esmail Ould Shaikh Ahmad said on Thursday said the rival parties taking part in ongoing peace negotiations in Kuwait have reached common ground in finding a solution to end the conflict.
He said a tentative roadmap has been presented which includes a national unity government and a commitment to hold a comprehensive political dialogue.
The rival parties, he said, have also agreed to a renewed commitment to abide by the terms of a previously agreed ceasefire.
He voiced optimism that a resolution to the conflict in Yemen is near
He also said he has received assurances that Yemen would receive “huge cash injections” to rescue its morbid economy, without mentioning where the funds would come from.
http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/yemen/yemen-roadmap-presented-to-rival-parties-1.1855464 and by Al Arabiya (Saudi media): http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2016/06/30/UN-envoy-says-he-gave-road-map-to-Yemen-s-warring-sides-.html
Comment: How many of these “road maps” there had been already?
30.6.2016 – Press TV Iran (A P)
Yemen rival parties free 700 prisoners in over 2 months: UN envoy
The UN special envoy for Yemen says the country’s warring sides have released more than 700 prisoners since the beginning of the peace talks.
http://presstv.ir/Detail/2016/06/30/472985/Yemen-UN-Ismail-Ould-Cheikh-Ahmed
cp8 Saudi-Arabien / Saudi Arabia
30.6.2016 – Democracy Now (B K P)
Jeremy Corbyn talks about Saudi Arabia
Amy Goodman interviews Jeremy Corbyn on Democracy Now. She asks him about the role of Saudi Arabia.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJDnNKFZebU
30.6.2016 – Amnesty International (** A P)
Saudi Arabien muss den Uno-Menschenrechtsrat verlassen
Gemeinsame Forderung von Amnesty International und Human Rights Watch
Saudi Arabien ist für „schwerwiegende und systematische Menschenrechtsverletzungen“ verantwortlich, sowohl im In- als auch im Ausland. Zudem nutzt Riad seine Position im Uno-Menschenrechtsrat aus, um die Untersuchung von mutmaßlichen Kriegsverbrechen zu vereiteln. Das stellen Amnesty International und Human Rights Watch in einer gemeinsamen Erklärung fest und fordern von der Uno-Generalversammlung die Suspendierung des Landes vom Uno-Menschenrechtsrat.
Saudi Arabien soll das Recht entzogen werden, weiterhin Mitglied des höchsten Menschenrechtsgremiums der Welt zu sein, bis das Land die unrechtmäßigen Angriffe der von ihm geführten Militärkoalition im Jemen einstellt und diese unabhängig und glaubwürdig untersucht worden sind.
Auch die Liste der Menschenrechtsverletzungen in Saudi Arabien spricht gegen eine weitere Mitgliedschaft des Landes im Uno-Menschenrechtsrat.
https://www.amnesty.at/de/saudiarabien/
29.6.2016 – Amnesty International (* A H)
3 Ways Saudi Arabia Is Abusing Human Rights – and How They’re Getting Away With It
1. Crackdown on activists
Saudi Arabia has continued a sweeping crackdown on human rights activists. All of the country’s prominent and independent human rights defenders have been imprisoned, threatened into silence or have fled the country
2. Horrendous execution spree
Since it was elected to the Human Rights Council, Saudi Arabia has carried out a horrendous execution spree with at least 350 people executed since November 2013.
3. Evidence of war crimes in Yemen
…And they get away with it, in part because they’re protected by their allies
Saudi Arabia’s allies put economic interests and security links before human rights. They refuse to publicly criticize the country, effectively giving it a free pass to do what it wants. They also shamelessly back the Kingdom’s repression in the name of the so-called ‘war on terror’. Both theUKandUS governmentsare providing weapons, logistical support and intelligence to the Saudi Arabia-led coalition in Yemen.
Despite all this, Saudi Arabia still sits on the UN’s Human Rights Council
29.6.2016 – Middle East Eye (**A P)
REVEALED: The UAE-backed plan to make young Saudi prince a king
Emirati ruler Mohammed bin Zayed reportedly supporting plan to install Mohammed bin Salman as Saudi Arabia's king 'by end of the year'
Saudi Arabia’s deputy crown prince is being advised by the UAE on how he can win backing from the United States and become king by the end of 2016, Middle East Eye can reveal.
Two well-placed Saudi sources told MEE on condition of anonymity that Abu Dhabi's crown prince, Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, is advising Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud on a two-pronged approach to become the United States’ preferred choice as the next ruler of Saudi Arabia.
The first Saudi source said Bin Zayed has told Bin Salman that to be accepted by the Americans he must “end the rule of Wahhabism” - a reference to the ultra-conservative brand of Islam practised in Saudi Arabia.
Bin Zayed, the de factor ruler of the UAE, has also told Bin Salman that he must open a “strong channel of communication” with Israel if he is to be Washington’s preferred candidate to be king – by Rori Donaghy
http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/revealed-uae-backed-plan-young-saudi-prince-be-king-1655506265
Comment: This would explain the heavy propaganda campaign in favor of prince Salman, always showing him as the “new hope” for Saudi Arabia, standing at the crossroads to decide whether he will follow the path of modernization (including a slow-down if Wahabism, which certainly is what the US dislikes most with the Saudis) or not – which would mean to follow the path of crisis Saudi Arabia actually is facing.
cp9 USA
29.6.2016 – Lobelog (* B K P)
Why Is the United States Still Backing Saudi Arabia in Yemen?
The United States has made over $37 billion in arms sales offers to Saudi Arabia since the Iran nuclear negotiations began in November 2013, with $13.2 billion of that total coming since the beginning of Saudi Arabia’s intervention in Yemen in March 2015. And according to data compiled by the Security Assistance Monitor, the United States has trained nearly 10,000 members of the Saudi armed forces since the start of the Obama administration.
None of the arguments for arming Saudi Arabia justifies supporting a war that has killed thousands of civilians and left millions sick and hungry.
Beyond the brief official readout supplied by the White House, details of President Obama’s meeting with MBS [Saudi prince Salman] have been hard to come by. But it’s clear that the president did not threaten to do what should be done: condition U.S. arms transfers to Saudi Arabia on an end to its bombing campaign in Yemen, as well as on good faith efforts to end the war there. The myth that U.S. arms sales promote peace and stability in the Middle East must be abandoned in favor of a more balanced approach that values diplomacy over arms transfers. The alternative—more war and more civilian carnage—is unacceptable by William D. Hartung
http://lobelog.com/why-is-the-united-states-still-backing-saudi-arabia-in-yemen/
29.6.2015 – The Intercept (* A P)
Where Are The Drone Casualty Figures the White House Promised Months Ago?
Despite months of repeated promises, the White House has yet to release its estimate of civilian casualties from the administration’s drone program – a delayed disclosure the New York Times Editorial Board described as “too little, too late.” – by Alex Emmons
29.6.2016 – Stars and Stripes (* A P)
US to reveal drones’ civilian toll
President Barack Obama is expected to disclose as early as Friday that U.S. military and CIA drone strikes inadvertently have killed about 100 civilians since 2009 in countries where the United States is not officially at war, according to U.S. officials who were not authorized to speak publicly.
The long-awaited report focuses on the so-called shadow wars in Yemen, Pakistan, Libya and Somalia and only during Obama’s tenure. It covers about 500 drone attacks in all.
The tally does not include civilian casualties for Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan, where U.S. forces have launched thousands of air attacks as part of wars and where the Pentagon formally investigates allegations of civilian deaths.
Obama plans to issue an executive order that would call on his successor to annually disclose the number of civilians killed in drone strikes, officials said, a goal he announced in 2013 but met only in his last year in office – by W. J. Hennigan
http://www.stripes.com/news/us/us-to-reveal-drones-civilian-toll-1.416908
That are only the CIA drone strikes, a little part of those made by the Pentagon.
17.6.2016 – The White House (A P)
Readout of the President’s Meeting with Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Deputy Crown Prince and Minister of Defense of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
The President expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s contributions to the campaign against ISIL.
On Syria, they reaffirmed the importance of supporting the cessation of hostilities and a political transition away from Asad.
With regard to Yemen, the President welcomed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to concluding a political settlement of the conflict and of GCC support to address urgent humanitarian needs and rebuild the country. More broadly, the President and Deputy Crown Prince discussed Iran’s destabilizing activities and agreed to explore avenues that could lead to a de-escalation of tensions. They also discussed the important role Saudi Arabia can play in addressing extremist ideology.
Comment: That is rather funny. The Saudi contribution to the fight against ISIL is minor. In Syria, the US and the Saudis have fueled hostilities for years. Whether Assad should go or stay is only a matter of the Syrians and not of US and Saudis. Saudi and US have fueled war in Yemen and destroyed the country by attacking it the one, by delivering arms and political support the other. Obama would have been prudent not to take a side in the Saudi-Iranian conflict. Saudi Arabia is one of the main promoters of extremist ideology.
? – William Blum (** B K P)
United States bombings of other countries
There appears to be something about launching bombs or missiles from afar onto cities and people that appeals to American military and political leaders. In part it has to do with a conscious desire to not risk American lives in ground combat. And in part, perhaps not entirely conscious, it has to do with not wishing to look upon the gory remains of the victims, allowing American GIs and TV viewers at home to cling to their warm fuzzy feelings about themselves, their government, and their marvelous “family values”.
A terrorist is someone who has a bomb but doesn’t have an air force.
The bombing list: [starting from 1950; Yemen twice]
https://williamblum.org/chapters/rogue-state/united-states-bombings-of-other-countries = http://www.globalresearch.ca/united-states-bombings-of-other-countries-americas-bombing-list/5533371
cp10 Großbritannien / Great Britain
30.6.2016 – CAAT (* A P)
Stop Arming Saudi Arabia
The High Court has ruled that we can take the government’s decision to keep arming Saudi Arabia to a Judicial Review! The courts will now consider the legality of the UK's ongoing arms sales to Saudi Arabia. Read more about what our judicial review means and how you can support the campaign.
https://www.caat.org.uk/campaigns/stop-arming-saudi
30.6.2016 – The Guardian (* A P)
British arms exports to Saudi Arabia to be scrutinised in high court
Anti-arms trade campaigners have won the first round of a legal attempt to prevent the government from selling weapons toSaudi Arabiabecause of allegations of widespread civilian deaths in Yemen.
In a hearing at the high court in London Mr Justice Gilbart gave permission for a judicial review into whether arms sales to the country breach British and European weapons export laws. The hearings must go ahead by 1 February next year, the judge ruled – by Alice Ross
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/30/british-arms-exports-to-saudi-arabia-to-be-scrutinised-in-high-court and Sputnik News: http://sputniknews.com/europe/20160630/1042237275/british-court-arms-saudi.html
cp14 Terrorismus / Terrorism
30.6.2016 – CNN (* B T)
ISIS' Ramadan terror campaign
ISIS explicitly called for terrorist attacks during the holy month of Ramadan, which commenced three weeks ago.
Abu Muhammad al-Adnani, the spokesman for ISIS, released an audiotape in late May in which he called for attacks, saying, "Ramadan, the month of conquest and jihad... make it a month of calamity everywhere for the non-believers."
Beginning on Monday, ISIS or its affiliated groups started carrying out multiple attacks across the Middle East – by Peter Bergen
http://edition.cnn.com/2016/06/29/opinions/airport-terror-istanbul-analysis-bergen/index.html
30.6.2016 – Living in Yemen on the Edge (A T)
10 pm local time: huge explosion at the weapons market in#Mareb. Unclear number of dead and wounded. Being Ramadan, place was crowded. It's the 4th such event in the last 3 months. New trend.
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1053093054743724&id=961126490607048
29.6.2016 – Jamila Hanan (A T)
The only politician I've seen asking the right questions about terrorism is @jeremycorbyn
https://twitter.com/JamilaHanan/status/748344456617811968
cp15 Propaganda
30.6.2016 – Bahrain News Agency (A P)
His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa has stressed Bahrain’s unwavering firm stances in supporting Yemen’s legitimacy and protecting its security, stability and Arab identity as well as the people's aspirations for development.
The will of the people should determine the future of Yemen, and not those who support expansionist ambitions and sectarian discord, HRH Premier emphasised.
HRH Premier made the statements while receiving the Yemeni Vice-President, Lieutenant-General Ali Mohsen Al-Ahmar, currently on a visit to Bahrain.
What happened in Yemen has proved the strength of the firm and unified Arab stance against threats to the Arab security, and people’s identity, HRH Premier said.
https://www.bna.bh/portal/en/news/734522
Comment: “The will of the people should determine the future of Yemen, and not those who support expansionist ambitions and sectarian discord, HRH Premier emphasized”. This is the most ridiculous sentence in this report. External interference – by whom ever – in any case is preventing that “the will of the people can determine” the future of a country, which country ever. And what about Bahrain itself? If requesting this for Yemen, then more than logical would be the statement as well: “The will of the people should determine the future of Bahrain”. And the Bahrain government in the moment makes all efforts – and by means of violence and oppression – that exactly this does not come true, that the will of the people should NOT determine the future of Bahrain. So just shut up on Yemen. – And who are those who” support expansionist ambitions and sectarian discord” in Yemen? That is a perfect description of Saudi politics towards Yemen, as it is since many decades.
cp16 Saudische Luftangriffe / Saudi air raids
30.6.2016 – Saba Net (A K PH)
Saudi warplanes wage five raids on Mareb
http://www.sabanews.net/en/news432162.htm
30.6.2016 – Saba Net (A K PH)
Saudi warplanes wage raids on Taiz
http://www.sabanews.net/en/news432161.htm
30.6.2016 – Saba Net (A K PH)
Saudi jets launch raids on al-Ghail
The hostile jets targeted a house and destroyed it completely.
http://www.sabanews.net/en/news432159.htm
30.6.2016 – Saba Net (A K PH)
Saudi aggression intensifies raids on Sana'a, Jawf
The Saudi aggression continued on Wednesday to breach the UN-sponsored ceasefire and waged six raids on some areas in Nehm district of Sana'a province, a military official said.
The Saudi warplanes launched two raids on al-Ghail district of Jawf province. The hostile warplanes continued to fly on the skies of the capital, Taiz, Mareb, Sana'a and Jawf.
http://www.sabanews.net/en/news432157.htm
29.6.2016 – Ahmad Alghobary (A K)
Breaking : Reports of civilians killed by #Saudi warplane in Nehm district #Sanaa
https://twitter.com/AhmadAlgohbary/status/748298225833107456
29.6.2016 – Dr. Karim (A K)
2 #Saudi-led airstrikes targeting a citizen's house in #Aljawf
https://twitter.com/StopDestroYemen/status/748287966796201985
Ahmad Alghobary (A K)
Breaking: 2 #Saudi air strikes targeted Algail district in Aljawf city
https://twitter.com/AhmadAlgohbary/status/748289934864293889
29.6.2016 – Saba Net (A K PH)
In Jawf province, the Saudi warplanes launched four air raids on al-Moton district and an air raid on al-Masloub district in the same province.
The Saudi warplanes flew intensively on the skies of Mareb, Jawf, Taiz, Nehm district of Sana'a province and the western districts of Sa'ada province.
http://www.sabanews.net/en/news432047.htm
cp17 Kriegsereignisse / Theater of War
30.6.2016 – Saba Net (A K PH)
Saudi aggression intensifies raids on Sana'a, Jawf
The Riyadh's hirelings in Taiz province pounded al-Qashuba and Ghurab areas in al-Waze'yah district with artillery shells. They also targeted Tha'abat area in Taiz city with Machine guns.
The hirelings pounded some areas in Nehm district with artillery shells. The army and popular committees destroyed two armored military vehicles in Mareb province when the hirelings tried to advance towards al-Mashjah area in the province.
http://www.sabanews.net/en/news432157.htm
29.6.2016 – Saba Net (A K PH)
Hirelings execute man in Taiz
The Riyadh's hirelings have executed a man in Taiz province, a military official said Wednesday.
In Taiz also, the hirelings burnt a house in al-Jahmalia, targeted al-Bakhaitah area in al-Waze'yah district and pounded al-Ghawi area in the district with medium weapons.
http://www.sabanews.net/en/news432047.htm
cp18 Sonstiges / Other
30.6.2016 – RTL (D K)
Bürgerkrieg im Jemen betrifft auch die Tiere: Dieser Löwe kämpft mit aller Kraft ums Überleben
Hinter Gitterstäben gefangen, heult der stark geschwächte Löwe täglich in seinem viel zu kleinen, blutverschmierten und mit Urin verschmutzten Gehege - er ist nur noch ein Schatten seiner Selbst.
Doch zwischen allen Explosionen, Schießereien und Angriffen gibt es noch eine kleine Gruppe Freiwilliger, die das traurige Geschöpf nicht vergessen haben und sich für sein Überleben einsetzen.
30.6.2016 – India Times (D K)
A Volunteer Crosses The Front Line Of Yemen War Everyday, To Save Starving Animals At A Zoo
While civil war rages through Yemen, a lion - among many other animals - is slowly dying unable to even roar for help in the din of the tank shells and air raids that are taking place every day.
One man, the owner of an internet cafe that has been razed to the ground in the attacks, has been has been leading a group of volunteers to take food and water for the animals at the zoo, through the front line.
There are about 266 animals at the zoo including 19 lions and 26 leopards – by Susmita Mukherjee
Vorige / Previous:
https://www.freitag.de/autoren/dklose/krieg-im-jemen-neue-artikel-zum-nachlesen-164
Neue Artikel zum Nachlesen 1-164: / Yemen Press Reader 1-164:
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 und / andhttp://yemenwarcrimes.blogspot.de/
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