

The aid agencies warn that Trump’s decision to continue US military involvement will escalate the ongoing war in the trouble-plagued region. They also say the weapons used by the Saudis in the reckless bombing of mostly civilian targets, including schools and hospitals, are largely from the United States: F-15 fighter planes, Bell helicopters, drones, air-to-surface missiles, M60 battle tanks, laser-guided bombs and heavy artillery.

However, Trump’s veto on April 16 is designed to ensure the uninterrupted flow of these American-made weapons into the war zone described by the United Nations as the “world’s worst humanitarian disaster”.

Trump vetoes resolution on ending US involvement in Yemen war

In its latest report released last month, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) has also said that arms imports by Middle Eastern countries increased by 87 percent between 2009–13 and 2014–18 and accounted for 35 per cent of global arms imports in 2014–18. Saudi Arabia became the world’s largest arms importer in 2014–18, with an increase of 192 percent compared with 2009–13. Currently, the US is one of the largest arms suppliers to Saudi Arabia.

Justifying US arms sales to Saudi Arabia, Trump has repeatedly said that if the US doesn’t sell weapons, the Chinese and the Russians will sell them. His argument is basically irrelevant, and avoids the question of whether the US wants to be complicit in supporting the killing of civilians in Yemen. The United Nations, aid agencies and Congress think the US should not be and that’s the real argument here: The US being complicit in Saudi war crimes.

That said, in a statement released April 17, the 15-member UN Security Council reiterated their call on the warring parties to fulfil their obligations under international human rights law and international humanitarian law, including ensuring the protection of civilians. They expressed deep concern at the devastating impact this conflict has had on civilians, especially Yemeni children.

They reminded the Saudis and their allies of their obligations towards children affected by the war, and called on them to engage constructively with the Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict to implement their commitments and obligations.

At any rate, Trump’s veto only encourages a Saudi regime that has shown a propensity for recklessness in Yemen, a recklessness that the Armed Conflict and Location Event Data Project says has killed more than 70,000 in Yemen just since January 2016. At least 10,000 people were killed just in the past five months.

As the war grinds on and civilian casualties mount, the Trump administration must answer for its support of the Saudi campaign at the UN, which is prolonging the conflict. Even if Saudi Arabia balks at ending its airstrikes, it can’t keep up the war without US weaponry, intelligence, and logistical help. The Trump administration should stop this bloodshed.

As for the UN, the suffering in Yemen will not stop unless the world body stops supporting Saudi Arabia with top seats at the Human Rights Council and tacit consent. Yemen needs more than joint statements and emergency food aid appeals. UN statements need to follow with actions and aid has to reach the Yemenis.

This entire war has gone by without much comment and resolution at the Security Council. In fact, the opposite has happened as Saudi Arabia’s depleted stores of munitions have been hastily replenished by permanent members France, the UK and the US. These past months – despite evidence that these weapons have been used to massacre civilians – they have continued to supply Saudi Arabia with arms.

In these difficult times, the people of Yemen should realize that no one is going to help them if they don’t help themselves. America’s aggression which began with Obama continues under Trump and will certainly be extended to the next administration. Imperial Washington has flat-out gone mad in its delusional self-righteousness and ridiculous claims that the wanton destruction inflicted on Yemen and the veto by Trump are justified.

Yemen Protests Trump Veto of Congressional Resolution to Stop Supporting Saudi War


Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here