By next week, Saudi Arabia’s intervention in Yemen will have continued for a year and a half. In that time the conflict has generated over 10,000 civilian casualties and precipitated an appalling humanitarian crisis. In the wake of the fighting, Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula and ISIS are able to build strength, resources and credibility. It is unquestionably in the national interest of the United States that the conflict in Yemen end immediately. The Obama administration has stated this publicly.

Published in Peace and Diplomacy
Friday, 09 September 2016 00:00

Obama’s huge Saudi 9/11 dilemma

President Obama is facing a dilemma over legislation allowing the families of 9/11 victims to sue Saudi Arabia in U.S. courts.

The House rallied behind the legislation on Friday, passing it by unanimous voice vote. The Senate had already passed the same legislation unanimously.

Published in Peace and Diplomacy
Friday, 02 September 2016 00:00

Belated Pushback on Saudis’ War on Yemen

Saudi Arabia’s bombing campaign against Yemen’s Houthi rebels has created a humanitarian crisis, with opposition finally emerging in Congress to the U.S. assistance in the bloodbath, writes Jonathan Marshall.

Published in Peace and Diplomacy

Rep. Ted Lieu [D-CA], Rep. Ted Yoho [R-FL], Rep. John Conyers [D-MI], and Rep. Mick Mulvaney [R-SC] are circulating the following letter asking President Obama to postpone the planned arms sale to Saudi Arabia so that Congress can meaningfully debate it.]

Published in Peace and Diplomacy