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Yemen Press Reader 169: Rolle der Stämme – Jemen, GBritanniens vergessener Konflikt - Muslimische Terroropfer und der Westen – Hadi boykottiert Friedensgespräche – Heftige Kämpfe u. Luftangriffe
The role of tribes in Yemen – Film: Yemen, Britain's forgotten conflict – Muslim victims of terror hardly interest the West – Food crisis – Hadi government refuses peace talks – UK government's complicity – AQAP training camp – Heavy fighting and air raids – and more
14.7.2016 – Diwan (** B P)
Origins of Prolonged Conflict and Instability: Youth at the periphery, isolation, vulnerability and permanent conflict (Part II)
There is nothing about Yemen that grabs hold of the imagination, and headlines, like its tribes. Think Tanks love writing about them, NGOs love boasting of the access to remote communities, and we academics, well, we love publishing their story. Every Yemeni man, wearing slacks or a thoub/zenah, and woman can point to her/his origins in a mystic tribal land, with a history just as fascinating.
Often presented as remote, lawless communities, 'tribal regions' in Yemen truly…don't exist. I mean, the entire country is tribal, as the ongoing political conflict clearly illustrates, and as the saying goes 'Yemen is tribal, and the tribe is Yemen'.
[Just one point here:]
As soon as president Hadi was constitutionally sworn in February 2014 he immediately surrounded himself with tribesmen from Abyan and Shebwa, part of thezumbra group, instead of bureaucrats from the PDRY's Socialist Party. In efforts to diminish the power of northern actors, Hadi initially adopted an approach to create distance between him and northern centers of power, he even refused to meet with Shaykh Sadeq al-Ahmar (Hashid shaykh) in private, only greeting al-Ahmar outside his Sana'a residence. Islah and many Hashid shaykhs immediately expressed their dissatisfaction with the new interim president. Islahis included in qat chews at Hadi's residence were not from Hashid, but many tribesmen from southern governorates, some Islahis, were welcomed each and every day. A number of Hadi's confidants admitted Hadi needed to balance the influence of northern tribesmen in order to consolidate power. The 'interim' president saw an immediate need to 'restructure' the tribal balance of power as a top priority, which may have led to missed opportunities elsewhere – by Fernando Carvajal
Comment by Judith Brown: This post is rather long but it outlines the history of the relationship between tribe and government in Yemen starting with the changes implemented by the ruler of North Yemen prior to 1948 and the relationship between the tribes and the British during the military occupation of the South. It also manages to include analysis of the relationship between education, tribal custom, the military, militias, and how this affects the attitudes of Yemeni youth. Worth a read if you have time.
13.7.2016 – The Guardian (** B K P)
Yemen: Britain's forgotten conflict – video
Since early 2015 Yemen has been gripped by civil war, with forces backed by a Saudi coalition fighting Iran-backed Houthi rebels. Since the start of the conflict, Britain has sold nearly £3bn worth of weapons to Saudi Arabia, a dictatorship accused of war crimes and human rights breaches by several NGOs. Owen Jones speaks to Yemenis whose lives have been destroyed by the conflict and to Sir Alan Duncan, the UK's special envoy to Yemen – by Owen Jones
https://www.theguardian.com/world/video/2016/jul/13/owen-jones-yemen-conflict-video
Comment by Judith Brown: A MUST WATCH. This video about Saudi Arabia and UK's complicity in supporting them despite their appalling human rights record in KSA and Yemen. A government minister even denies that KSA is a dictatorship!!!!!!!! Unbelievable.
Comment: Britain is just as guilty as Saudi Arabia. Yemen bleeds to death from wounds inflicted by Saudi Arabia using British weapons!
7.7.2016 – CBC (** B T)
Ramadan attacks leave Muslims wondering: Where is the public outpouring of grief and solidarity?
'Is red blood from brown skin not important?' tweets Muslim scholar about limited social media reaction
While there have been shows of public grief and solidarity at public vigils, and through hashtags like #PrayForIraq, #PrayForBangladesh and #PrayForIstanbul, they're nowhere near the widespread outpouring following massacres in Paris, Brussels and Orlando.
People did not, en masse, drape their Facebook and Twitter profile pictures with the flags of Iraq, Turkey, Yemen, Saudi Arabia or Bangladesh. Monuments around the world also didn't light up to honour victims – by Sheena Goodyear
http://www.cbc.ca/news/trending/muslim-attacks-social-media-1.3668120
15.7.2016 – Hisham Al-Omeisy (B K)
"At least 9200 civilians" killed/injured by airstrikes last year. 90% of in 2 countries: 47% in Syria, 43% in #Yemen
Only 8% of casualties by coalition's airstrikes in #Yemen populated areas were combatants. Let sink in. #Precision ?
Hard to argue for airstrikes in #Yemen when they've by far killed & injured more civilians than did combatants
4 in 10 bombs dropped are in populated areas- 91% of casualties civilian. Dangerous to be a civilian in #Yemen
Those arguing precision of airstrike, what about civilians caught in 100s of meters of bomb's lethal radius!
https://twitter.com/omeisy/status/753937224182398977 and https://twitter.com/omeisy/status/753964965715906560 and https://twitter.com/omeisy/status/753962513566429185 and 4 in 10 bombs dropped are in populated areas- 91% of casualties civilian. Dangerous to be a civilian in #Yemen and https://twitter.com/omeisy/status/753960568311152640
14.7.2016 – Al Monitor (* B H K P)
Slow response to Yemen's crisis points to government incompetence
The suffering of Yemenis continues with no end in sight for the ongoing war. It is becoming clear that no warring party will be able to claim complete victory, and that the only losers of this war are ordinary Yemeni citizens. With the destruction of basic infrastructure and the slow recovery in the "liberated" areas in the south of Yemen and most importantly the devaluation of the Yemeni riyal, the costs of this war are borne by Yemenis.
It is evident that the performance of Hadi's internationally recognized government is far from satisfactory; liberated southern cities are lacking basic infrastructure.
The severity of the humanitarian crisis could be eased by tackling the economic implications of the war. The scarcity of critical imports such as food and medicine is mainly caused by the inability of domestic commercial banks to provide importers with guarantees, for their accounts in international banks are overdrawn, according to sources who requested anonymity. This could be eased by relaxing the Saudi-led coalition's financial siege on the country and allowing Yemeni banks to ship accumulated foreign currency (Saudi riyals, Emirati dirhams and US dollars) out of the country to be deposited in international banks so trade can be resumed.
There is a need for stakeholders — be they national, regional or international — to show more responsibility and accountability toward the suffering of Yemenis.
The slow response to Yemen's humanitarian crisis poses many questions in regard to the competence of the Yemeni government and its willingness and ability to govern and manage the areas under its control — and the other parts of Yemen. It also questions the aims of the Saudi-led coalition's war on one of the poorest countries in the world. Hadi's government and the coalition's main argument for starting this war was to save Yemen, but little has been done in that regard – by Amal Nasser
http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2016/07/yemen-crisis-economic-hadi-saudi-arabia.html
Comment: A good overview article.
15.7.2016 – Agency for Technical Cooperation and Development (* A H)
As the water crisis in Yemen deepens, ACTED rehabilitates nine community water points in Al Dhale'e
For years Yemen has suffered from chronic water shortages owing to its climate, years of water mismanagement, and population growth. Nowadays, against the backdrop of prolonged conflict and instability, the country's water crisis has reached catastrophic proportions. The capital Sana'a is at risk of running out of water as soon as 2017 while an estimated 84% of the population in the southern governorate of Al Dhale'e struggle daily to find or buy enough clean water to drink, cook, and grow food.
Degraded water supply infrastructure is a significant factor in Yemen's current water scarcity. Many community water sources were overburdened or dysfunctional before the crisis, and have endured conflict-related damage and further strain due to the influx of IDPs. As part of an OCHA funded project in Al Dhale'e, ACTED is upgrading and rehabilitating the main community water points in nine of the most affected villages.
In Ad Dhale, only a tiny proportion of families are connected to the municipal supply and so most rely on community wells and boreholes for water. ACTED has therefore focused rehabilitation activities on these types of infrastructure. Wells that dried up have been deepened to better tap into groundwater while others have been covered and cleaned to improve water quality. Masonry tanks designed to store water pumped from the well have also been constructed and fitted with faucets where beneficiaries can come to collect clean water.ACTED hands over rehabilitated water points to the community
http://www.acted.org/fr/node/13011 = http://reliefweb.int/report/yemen/water-crisis-yemen-deepens-acted-rehabilitates-nine-community-water-points-al-dhale-e
15.7.2016 – World Food Programme, Logistics Cluster (A H)
Yemen: Snapshot on Shipping, Food and Fuel Imports, June 2016
In June a total of 333,643 mt of food were imported through the ports of Aden, Al Hudaydah and Saleef. Shortage of food and high food prices are recorded in the market, which is has been affected by the ongoing conflict and the restricted movement of goods.* In June, wheat flour imports constituted 58 % of the overall food imports, with 196, 684 mt imported. On Average, wheat flour prices in June were 42% higher than pre-crisis level (137 YER/KG).
In June, 51 vessels berthed at the ports of Al Hudaydah, Saleef and Aden, 30 % decrease from the 71 berths in May.* Additionally, 57 new vessels were granted access to Yemeni port-anchorage areas in June. Humanitarian berths accounted for 15 % of all berths in the Yemeni ports, with 8 vessels carrying food aid and non-food items.
http://reliefweb.int/report/yemen/yemen-snapshot-shipping-food-and-fuel-imports-june-2016 and full infograph: http://www.logcluster.org/sites/default/files/logistics_cluster_yemen_snapshot_june_v2_160715.pdf = http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/logistics_cluster_yemen_snapshot_june_v2_160715.pdf
Old man w/ little girl at grocery said needed stuff but didn't have money, had to fight off 3 other customers to pay his bill. I love #Yemen
15.7.2016 – Irish Examiner (* B E H)
Yemen bank freeze spurs famine risk
Many areas of Yemen are close to famine partly because importers are unable to buy new food stocks from abroad as over $200m is stuck in banks due to the civil war disruption, trade and aid sources involved say.
Western banks had already cut credit lines for traders shipping food to Yemen, fearing they would not be repaid due to the security chaos and fragile financial system.
Now, they are increasingly unwilling to offer letters of credit, which guarantee sellers will be paid on time.
They are reluctant to offer guarantees because the banking system has seized up – by Jonathan Saul
http://www.irishexaminer.com/world/yemen-bank-freeze-spurs-famine-risk-410516.html
14.7.2016 – International Policy Digest (A H)
Eid in Yemen Supposedly as Joyful as in Trafalgar Square
Eid is indeed a moment of joy and happiness in Islamic traditions. But unfortunately, not everyone has the privilege of celebrating Eid with enjoyment.
As witnessed throughout history, war is always detrimental to those who do not participate. In the context of Yemen, the worst consequences are faced by innocent individuals; those who have no interest in anything other than a peaceful life in their own homes without being forced to leave due to war – by Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat and Muhammad Beni Saputra
http://intpolicydigest.org/2016/07/14/eid-in-yemen-supposedly-as-joyful-as-in-trafalgar-square/
14.7.2016 – Doctors Without Borders (* B H K)
Yemen: Crisis update - July 2016
There has been a significant decrease in the number of airstrikes and violence in the north and some areas in the south, yet we are witnessing another emergency related to the patients with chronic diseases. The country is still under an embargo that hinders the importation of medication, causing patients with chronic diseases nationwide to struggle to find the treatment and medication they need. Many are dying as a result.
Patients with kidney failure are at risk of death as the dialysis treatment centres were badly affected by lack of supplies, due to import restrictions resulting from the embargo. The Yemeni Ministry of health is almost unable to cover the costs alone. Weekly sessions per patient were reduced from three to two.
The situation in Taiz remains critical, with some of the heaviest and most sustained fighting in the country. MSF-run and supported hospitals in Taiz have been receiving thousands of war wounded in recent months. An increase in fighting in March, April and May necessitated the treatment of around 1,700 war wounded alone – most of the wounded coming from within the city where many civilians are caught in the middle of intense fighting. The patients MSF sees in Taiz are mainly suffering from injuries due to airstrikes, shelling, gun shots and, more recently, land mines. Movement in and out of the city remains restricted and dangerous for civilians and humanitarian actors.
http://www.msf.org/en/article/20160714-yemen-crisis-update-july-2016 = http://reliefweb.int/report/yemen/yemen-crisis-update-july-2016
15.7.2016 – Reuters (* B H K)
Yemen's war not just killing civilians with bullets: MSF
Yemen's entire health system is crumbling after months of war, with people dying from lack of medical care even in areas where there is no fighting, said medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF).
Before the conflict erupted in March last year, Yemen, one of the world's poorest countries, relied heavily on foreign doctors and imported the bulk of its medical supplies, as well as food and fuel.
Foreign medical staff have since fled, and imports have fallen and become a lot more expensive.
"Even where there is no fighting, people are dying for lack of supplies, because the whole system itself is crumbling after a year of war," Karline Kleijer, MSF's emergency coordinator for Yemen, said in a telephone interview.
Most of the hospitals in Taiz have closed and only about five are still functioning, Kleijer said. They mainly treat war wounds, and can offer very little other care.
Even away from the fighting, people across the country with chronic conditions like diabetes, asthma and hypertension, may die for lack of care, Kleijer said.
The ministry of health pays medical staff salaries in government health facilities but, if its funds are cut, many existing health centers may have to close, she said.
"The health system in Yemen is ... going down faster and faster. And that is of concern because the coping mechanisms which were there are reaching the end of the line," she said – by Alex Whiting
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-msf-idUSKCN0ZV1U1
14.7.2016 – Saba Net (A H K)
Bomblet injures three in Sa'ada
A remnant of an aggression cluster bomb was exploded on Thursday in Sahr district of Sa'ada province.
Three people were injured in the explosion, a security official in the province said.
The remnants of the aggression cluster bombs have killed and injured dozens of people in the province, including children and women, the official added.
Comment: The presents by the American friends, the Yemeni population will benefit from for decades.
Yemen: Humanitarian Snapshot - Overview of Food Security and Displacement (as of June 2016)
14 million people in 19 out of 22 governorates are either under Crisis (IPC Phase 3) or Emergency (IPC phase 4).
2.8 million displaced population of concern.
Over 760,000 IDPs are in movement trying to return to their areas of origin and require support as they seek to re-establish their livelihoods.
64% of the total IDPs are hosted in five governorates that are either in Crisis (IPC Phase 3) or Emergency (IPC Phase 4).
83% of the total IDPs are in hosted settings, increasing the burden on the host community.
34.5% of the total IDPs have poor food consumption scores. 49% are in need of food.
Humanitarian needs in Yemen continue to deepen as a consequence of the on-going conflict, disrupted and restricted imports, and a collapsing economy.
http://reliefweb.int/report/yemen/yemen-humanitarian-snapshot-overview-food-security-and-displacement-june-2016 and full infographic: http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/YEMEN_Hum.%20Snapshot_14072016_Final.pdf
Yemen Humanitarian Bulletin Issue 13 | As of 30 June 2016
SG condemns attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure in Taizz.
14.1M people are food insecure.
2.8M displaced people require assistance.
$25M allocated to NGOs from the Yemen Pooled Fund
Total population 26 m
Number of people targeted by assistance 13.6 m
Number of people targeted by health care assistance 10.6 m
Number of people targeted by food assistance 8.9 m
Number of people displaced 2.8 m
Number of deaths (WHO,17 June) 6,503
Number of injuries (WHO, 17 June) 32,169
Health system on the verge of collapse
Fifty one per cent of Yemenis suffer from food insecurity and malnutrition
Population Movement Report confirms a population of concern of 2.8M people
http://reliefweb.int/report/yemen/yemen-humanitarian-bulletin-issue-13-30-june-2016-0 and in full: http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/OCHA%20Yemen%20Humanitarian%20Bulletin%20Issue%2013%20-%2030%20June%202016.pdf
Exclusive: Yemen slides closer to famine as frozen bank funds curb food imports
Many areas of Yemen are close to famine partly because importers are unable to buy new food stocks from abroad as over $200 million is stuck in banks due to the civil war disruption, trade and aid sources involved say.
Western banks had already cut credit lines for traders shipping food to Yemen, fearing they would not be repaid due to the security chaos and fragile financial system. Now, they are increasingly unwilling to offer letters of credit, which guarantee sellers will be paid on time.
They are reluctant to offer guarantees because the banking system has seized up.
An international commodities trade source involved in the food trade with Yemen, who has knowledge of the country's financing troubles, said as much as $260 million - held in different foreign currencies in Yemeni banks - cannot be transferred abroad partly because relations with many Western banks had broken down.
This means that traders must withdraw the money in Yemen, and then send it abroad, usually by plane, a solution fraught with difficulties at a time of war.
Without imported staples such as wheat and flour, the United Nations says many areas of Yemen are now close to famine as most buffer stocks have been drawn down – by Jonathan Saul and Maha El Dahan
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-shipping-food-idUSKCN0ZU0F2 = http://news.trust.org/item/20160714060107-291ui/
Comment by Judith Brown: This is so immoral. Instead of freezing funds they should be sending food to the civilians of Yemen - that includes starving Yemeni children.
12.7.2016 – Dr. Karim ( H)
a child becomes the main provider for his family in war torn #Yemen (photo)
14.7.2016 – Alalam (A K P)
VIDEO: Yemeni Tribesmen Vow to Support Houthis against Saudi Arabia
Armed with heavy weapons, Yemeni tribesmen have joined forces in Sanaa to show their willingness to fight against Saudi-led coalition.
The men want to show the world that they are prepared to fight alongside the Houthi militias.
One tribal chief, Ziyad Al-Rafiq says they are against the Saudi aggression and "will support the militias with money and men."
Comment by Judith Brown: Now we have the other side of the story. Make no mistake, although the Houthi militias are fighting against Saudi Arabia, the Islah militias, and other extremist militias including Al Qaeda they are just as brutal. So today two stories are prominent - the growth of AQ and the growth of Houthi militias. And meanwhile USA and its ally Saudi Arabia seem unable to achieve victory against either 'side' nor do they seem capable of encouraging a genuine peace process. As long as AQAP grow, so will their opposing militias. As long as the Houthi militias grow, so will extremist Sunni militias. You have maybe seen the article on Taiz where one resident asks why he should contribute to war funds when both sides are Yemeni and both sides destroying the lives of ordinary people. It's so depressing.
SRC's President sends letter to UN Secretary-General
President of the Supreme Revolutionary Committee (SRC) Mohammed Ali al-Houthi sent Wednesday a letter to the Secretary General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon.
The letter concerns the crimes the continuous Saudi aggression against the Yemeni people, which have caused tens of thousands of civilian casualties, dead and wounded, including thousands of children who were killed by the Saudi air bombing on homes and neighborhoods.
The letter indicated that the number of victims among children has risen to more than 3,640 children, dead and wounded, as a result of the Saudi-led alliance crimes according to reports by human rights organizations and UN bodies.
"We confirm our readiness to fully cooperate in case of the formation of an international and professional committee to investigate the facts and verify these data and the crimes committed against the children of Yemen," al-Houthi said in the letter.
13.7.2016 – Hakim Almasmari (A E)
Document: Poverty reaches peak in #Yemen as Houthis raise 40% price petrol& diesel & 140% in electricity bill.
https://twitter.com/HakimAlmasmari/status/753208536050626560 and https://www.facebook.com/961126490607048/photos/a.961595153893515.1073741828.961126490607048/1061285153924514/?type=3
Comment: It's doubtful whether this really is the fault of the Houthis. Blockade = no import = less fuel = prices rise; power stations bombed by Saudis = no more or less electricity = prices rise.
13.7.2016 – Saba News (A T)
Security services seize Katyusha, shells, IEDs in Sana'a
The security services and popular committees seized on Wednesday a large quantity of explosives in Sana'a province.
The security services in cooperation with popular committees seized many Katyusha rockets, shells and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) were hidden in a water tanker in a checkpoint in Arhab district, a military official said.
Later, the tanker owner's house in Bani al-Hareth district was raided, where a large amount of shells and IEDs were found, the official added.
Security services seize 120 explosive devices in Ibb
The security services in cooperation with the popular committees seized on Monday 120 explosive devices in a secret depot in al-Nadrah district of Ibb province, a security official said.
The security services managed to find the secret depot after confessions made by the so-called Abdul-hamid Shuhait, a leader of a criminal cell which was captured late in last June in the same area, the official.
He pointed out that the depot is located near Shuhait's house, adding that the criminal cell was trying to carry out criminal acts aiming at destabilizing the security and stability of the province.
Governor of Yemen's Aden survives car bomb attack
The governor of the southern Yemeni city of Aden survived a car bomb attack targeting his convoy on Friday, security officials and eyewitnesses said.
A parked car detonated as Aidaroos al-Zubaidi and vehicles carrying his bodyguards and retinue drove in the Inma area.
One soldier was injured, medics said. There was no immediate claim of responsibility.
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-idUSKCN0ZV0VL = http://news.trust.org/item/20160715082729-c1aj7
Suicide car bomber in southern Yemen targets 2 top officials
Yemeni officials say a suicide car bomber has targeted the convoy with the governor and police chief of the southern port city of Aden but the two survived the assassination attempt unharmed.
The officials say the attack took place early on Friday as Gov. Aidarous al- Zubaidi and security chief, Shalal al-Shayaa, were en route to the district of al-Buriqa.
The officials say a guard was wounded and noted unconfirmed reports of civilians killed. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they aren't authorized to talk to reporters.
The two Aden officials have been targeted in the past. Their predecessors were killed in suicide bombings by the ISIS group – by Ahmed Al-Haj
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2016/Jul-15/362205-suicide-car-bomber-in-southern-yemen-targets-2-top-officials.ashx
14.7.2016 – Tony Toh (A P)
Hamdi Mahmod, right-hand man of #Taiz Islah leader Mikhlafi was assassinated by Abu Abbas' Salafist gunmen (graphic image)
13.7.2016 – Middle East Eye (* B K P)
Yemen's Popular Resistance fighters resort to soliciting donations
Popular Resistance in Taiz does not have funds to pay its fighters, so some volunteers are asking for donations
Throughout the Eid holidays, supporters and volunteers for the Popular Resistance in Taiz have asked civilians to donate money to help shore up finances for their cause.
While some factions in the Resistance have levied taxes on traders and vendors in the town's markets, the group still suffers from insufficient funding and is unable to pay all its fighters.
"It has become clear that the Yemeni government and the coalition countries have betrayed Taiz, so Taiz residents have to support the Resistance fighters, who are fighting for the sake of Taiz to protect our province from the invaders who came from Saada," Saeed said.
A leader of the Popular Resistance in Taiz province said some fighters do not earn enough to feed their families, and are thinking more about them going hungry more than focusing on the battles they face. Therefore, he said, residents should help them by sending cash to fight the Houthis – by Nasser Al-Sakkaf
http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/yemens-popular-resistance-fighters-resort-donations-649723656
Comment: "taxes on traders and vendors" and similar is part of the Hadi government's objections to the Houthis. "have asked civilians to donate money": that certainly is very voluntary – if a fighter holding a gun is standing at your front door asking for a "donation", what will you do??
Comment by Judith Brown: I think the problem with the Taiz Popular resistance is that it has too many enemies. They have been very intransigent and together with Hadi, Taiz is one to the two biggest obstacles for peace - although there are so many other obstacles in this disgusting war. The popular resistance in Taiz consists of Islah militias - Yemen's Muslim Brotherhood - and the militias controlled by the Salafist Abu Abbas, together with Al Qaeda fighters. The trouble for Taiz is that these groups have particular enemies - such as the well known apathy of UAE towards Islah and AQ. Unfortunately this means that those civilians choosing to remain in Taiz continue to suffer from ground war that has gone on for over a year with no sign of an end to hostilities.
12.7.2016 – Nasser Arrabyee (A P T)
Yemen Qaeda/ISIS starting first step to rule by separating boys&girls from celebrationsNTaiz schools. 2day Central
YemenQaeda/ISIS stormed children celebration &fired bullets to separate girls from boys in this schoolNTaiz central (photos)
Comment: Quite interesting that in the part of Taiz "freed" from Houthi rule Al Qaida is of such a powerful position.
U.N. asks Saudi to show how coalition prevents Yemen child deaths
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon pushed Saudi Arabia on Thursday to provide information on actions they are taking to prevent the killing and wounding of children in Yemen as Riyadh said it was conducting its military operations with "great care."
Ban met with Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir in New York to further discuss a U.N. report on children and armed conflict that briefly blacklisted a Saudi-led military coalition for killing children in Yemen.
"The Secretary-General welcomed the Coalition's readiness to take the necessary concrete measures to end and prevent violations against children," Ban's spokesman Stephane Dujarric said after the meeting.
Ban told Jubeir he hoped "the coalition would be able to provide information on the concrete actions they have taken" ahead of a Security Council meeting on the report on Aug. 2, Dujarric said.
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-saudi-un-idUSKCN0ZU2BC
Comment: LOL. "Voice of America" took the headline "Ahead of Peace Talks, UN Presses to Reduce Yemen War's Effect on Children", which shows a rather ill mentality: Killing less children seems to be ok.
Comment by Judith Brown: Hmmm interesting question. I wonder how they will get out of this one - a few more tantrums, a few more threats of reducing the UN budget, a few more appeals to their favourite ally USA?
Yemen Talks Could Be Held after the Arab Summit
The Yemeni government announced on Thursday that it would not participate in the second round of peace talks, which were scheduled to be held on Friday in Kuwait.
The head of the Yemeni government's advisory group, Abdullah Al-Olaymi, said on his Twitter account that the Yemeni government delegation will be ready to go to Kuwait when the atmosphere of consultations becomes appropriate.
A Yemeni governmental source was quoted by AFP as saying that the government postponed its participation in Kuwait Talks till after the Arab Summit, which will be held in Nouakchott in Mauritania later this month.
Yemeni Deputy Prime Minister and Civil Service Minister Abdulaziz Al-Jabari said the government was keen on conducting positive negotiations in Kuwait and reaching a peace agreement.
In comments to Asharq al-Awsat newspaper, Al-Jabari said: "We want to commit to the regulations to implement what has been agreed on." He added that participating in the negotiations with the same current circumstances would lead to results similar to those reached in the first round of talks – by Arafat Madabish
http://english.aawsat.com/2016/07/article55354507/yemen-talks-held-arab-summit
Comment: The last sentence is the only logic one in this article; Al-Jabiri's statement is true due to the unwillingness of the Hadi government to move just one step and it's –even in the eyes of the UN – odd interpretation of UN resolution 2216. And the whole story shows which side is the obstacle of these peace talks – and of any possible peace process in Yemen.
Intra-Yemeni Talks to Resume in Kuwait on July 16
The talks between Yemen's Houthi rebels and the government delegation will reconvene in Kuwait on July 16, Al Arabiya broadcaster reported Thursday, citing a source in the government delegation.
http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160714/1042984388/yemen-talks-resumption.html
15.7.2016 – Alzawaya (A P)
National Yemeni Delegation in Oman and from There Will Head to Kuwait to Resume Negotiations
Sources confirmed the arrival of the Yemeni national delegation representing Ansarullah and General People's Congress parties accompanied by the UN envoy to Yemen, Wald Al-Sheikh, to Salalah airport in the Sultanate of Oman.
Yemeni national delegation will be heading from Oman to Kuwait to resume negotiations with Riyadh's delegation as planned by the UN
http://www.alzawaya.net/?p=25715&lang=en
14.7.2016 – Peter Salisbury (A P)
Many in #Yemen see talks as irrelevance to reality on the ground, ignoring agenda of i.e. significantly empowered Hirak/S secessionists
What is lost in all of this is the fact that dominant anti-Sally-Hoot forces on the ground (i.e. in Taiz, Aden, wider south) not included
https://twitter.com/altoflacoblanco/status/753663104987328512 and https://twitter.com/altoflacoblanco/status/753662482749726720
National delegation, UN envoy head to Kuwait
The national delegation, accompanied by the UN envoy to Yemen, headed on Thursday to Kuwait to participate in the second round of consultations to start Friday.
In a statement before departing Sana'a Airport, head of the General People's Congress (GPC) delegation Arif al-Zoka confirmed that the solution to the Yemeni crisis lies in a consensual executive authority to manage the country affairs in the coming stage.
" We hope the seriousness of the international community and the United Nations in bringing peace to Yemen," al-Zoka said.
He pointed out that the other side dose want a solution, saying " but we as a national delegation will seek to find a solution leading to stopping the brutal aggression and lifting the unjust siege on the Yemeni people."
" We are with peace not with surrender," he stressed.
For his part, head of Ansarullah delegation Mohammed Abdusalam said they discussed with the UN envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh in Sana'a the points agreed upon in the first round of Kuwait consultations, as well as some standing issues at the borders and the escalation in some fronts.
"We will not accept any new map or conception except those we already discussed during the seventy-day consultations in Kuwait," he said.
14.7.2016 – AFP (* A P)
Yemen govt threatens to boycott peace talks
Yemen's government threatened Thursday to boycott UN-brokered peace talks, on the eve of their expected resumption in Kuwait, unless Iran-backed rebels commit to the terms of a United Nations resolution.
The UN said however that it still had not been informed of any boycott from any side while affirming that the talks were scheduled to resume on Friday after a two-week break.
More than two months of negotiations between President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi's Saudi-backed government and the Huthi rebels and their allies have failed to make any headway.
"Our delegation will not travel to Kuwait until the United Nations fulfils its commitments" to pressure the rebels to "implement (Security Council) Resolution 2216," a presidency official told AFP from Riyadh.
Security arrangements under Resolution 2216 require the rebels and their allies to withdraw from areas they have occupied since 2014, including Sanaa, and hand over heavy weapons.
For the talks to resume, UN envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed must obtain "written guarantees from the other party to commit to the references of the talks that have been agreed on," including the resolution, said the source who requested anonymity.
14.7.2016 – Islam Times (* A P)
Fault Lines in Yemen's Peace Negotiations
The Yemeni peace negotiations in Kuwait between national delegation, comprised of Ansarullah movement and the General People's Congress, with the so-called "Riyadh delegation" for working out a peace deal to end the war in the country have seen an array of ups and downs during their holding period.
Without doubt, one of the reasons obstructing conclusion of the underway national Yemeni negotiations, aside from the sizable rifts between the opposing sides, is setting unreasonable preconditions by the Riyadh-based delegation on the one hand and the non-commitment to the truce in some regions of war in Yemen on the other hand.
In fact Ansarullah movement believes that before discussing the main stage of the peace process which includes talks on heavy and mid-weight weapons delivery, retreatment from some cities, and forming the national unity government, there must be an agreement for fixing the faltering ceasefire. Then and in next steps the two sides could solve the sticking points by balanced steps as the negotiation process goes ahead.
It appears that the ceasefire is a case the delegation of the resigned president of Yemen Abd Rabbuh Mansour Hadi, which has a full-scale backing of Saudi Arabia, wants to use as a pressure factor during the peace talks process.
http://islamtimes.org/en/doc/news/552532/
14.7.2016 – Fars News (A P)
Ansarullah Rejects Any Solution for Yemen without End for Saudi Aggression
Yemen's Ansarullah movement said any solution to end the conflict in the country must guarantee the end of the Saudi aggression and its siege of the impoverished country.
Writing on his Facebook account, Ansarullah spokesman Mohammad Abdulsalam said on Thursday movement will reject any peace plans that fail to stop Saudi aggression, its air and naval blockade, and remove economic restrictions, presstv reported.
Abdulsalam made the comments after meeting with UN special envoy to Yemen Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed in the capital Sana'a.
The spokesman said any solution to end the crisis should be agreed by all the involved parties.
Abdulsalam's remarks come as a fresh round of UN-sponsored peace talks between warring sides is set to kick off in Kuwait on Friday.
http://dgchekhabar.com/en/live/19673/ansarullah-rejects-any-solution-for-yemen-without-end-for-saudi-aggression and by Anadolu: http://aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/houthis-solution-to-yemen-crisis-must-be-by-consensus/607409
Comment: "any solution to end the conflict in the country must guarantee the end of the Saudi aggression and its siege" just makes sense. When peace is achieved, any actions of war must come to an end. When peace is achieved, external interference cannot persist. – "any solution to end the crisis should be agreed by all the involved parties", that sounds t be absolutely trivial, but is not. For Hadi and his government, the logic is: ""any solution to end the crisis should be agreed by us alone"
Yemeni president says Houthi-Saleh rebels reject peace roadmap
Yemen's President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi today said the rebel Houthi militia and allied forces loyal to now-ousted president Ali Abdullah Saleh continue to reject what he described as "clear determinants" of a roadmap to a peaceful settlement in Yemen.
State Yemen news agency quoted Hadi as saying the government's commitment to peace efforts was faced only by "procrastination and stalling (on peace talks) by the rebels" who perpetrated a coup d'etat.
Hadi was speaking during a meeting with U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission in Yemen Richard H. Riley and British Charge d'Affaires in Yemen Andrew Hunter.
Hadi further stressed that the humanitarian situation is worsening in several besieged Yemeni cities at the hands of rebel Houthi-Saleh militia which continue to block the entry of food and medicine to civilians.
https://www.wam.ae/en/news/arab/1395297739279.html = http://www.fananews.com/en/uae/320475/
Comment: See also the articles below. That really is crazy because Hadi definitely has rejected the UN envoys roadmap. What the Houthis always have rejected Hadi's own "roadmap" which is quite simple: The Houthis disappear, Hadi gets full power in the whole country. And now Hadi either thinks the public would be so stupid that it could not realize that, or he himself is so confused that he takes his fairytale world for reality.
Yemen gov't urged to snub UN peace talks with Houthis
A second round of the talks between the Yemeni government and Houthis is planned to start in Kuwait on Friday.
In a joint statement on Tuesday, nine political parties called on the government not to participate in the talks until the Houthis and their allies respect UN Security Council Resolution 2216, which recognized President Abd Rabbuh Mansour Hadi and demanded the Houthis to hand over cities and surrender arms.
"The Houthis must fulfill their pledges regarding taking confidence-building measures, including the release of detainees, ending the siege on cities and opening safe corridors," the statement said.
A Yemeni government source earlier told Anadolu Agency that UN envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed has failed to persuade the government delegation to join the new round of peace talks in Kuwait.
http://aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/yemen-gov-t-urged-to-snub-un-peace-talks-with-houthis/606734
Comment: The Hadi government increases it's pressure on the UN envoy. They just want to use the Kuwait talks to fully defeat the Houthis – what just is a crazy politics (see below).
Comment by Judith brown: Well it seems crazy to me how in dispute after dispute the senior 'peacemakers' put so many conditions on peace that it becomes elusive - and Yemen is no exception.
UN envoy arrives in Sana'a
Special Envoy for Yemen Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed arrived on Wednesday in Sana'a. During the visit, Ahmed will meet with the national political components to discuss the possible efforts to resume Kuwait peace talks to be resumed in Kuwait on July 15th.
http://www.sabanews.net/en/news433266.htm and by Anadolu http://aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/un-envoy-in-sanaa-in-run-up-to-fresh-yemen-talks/606944
12.7.2016 – News Yemen TV (A P)
Ansarullah Spokesman No preconditions to resume negotiations
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjG3NB07c1A
12.7.2016 – Al Arabiya (A P)
Yemen says no to talks before setting deadline
Deputy Prime Minister Abdul Malik al-Mekhlafi of Yemen's internationally recognized government on Tuesday said there will be "no going back" to peace talks if there were no "guarantees" and a timetable, Al Arabiya News Channel reported.
Mekhlafi, who is also Yemen's foreign minister, was heading the government's delegation.
Mekhlafi also reiterated the Yemeni government's spokesman Rajih Badi emphasis to resume peace talks only if there were guarantees, deadline and accepting "legitimacy" of Hadi's government.
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2016/07/12/Yemen-no-going-back-to-talks-before-setting-deadline.html
Comment: "Yemen" is really a silly wording as all parties are Yemeni; here it should mean: Hadi government. See comment to following article. And one more precondition by the Hadi government. Just see who really is the trouble maker in these peace talks.
Comment by Judith Brown: There is an irony here. The conflict began in Yemen because of a dispute over Hadi's legitimacy, which was a real issue as Hadi was elected in February 2012 as an interim president for a fixed term of two years that had expired by Hadi had clung to power and the situation exploded in March 2015 - a year and a month after his term had actually ended. Hadi is making it a condition that the Houthis recognise his legitimacy but the whole point is that he doesn't have it - and in addition Hadi must be the least popular person in Yemen at this point in time. And if rumours are true he's not universally popular with the leaders of the Saudi led coalition countries either.
U.N. Special Envoy to Yemen Seeks to Meet President Hadi, Save Peace Negotiations
United Nations Special Envoy to Yemen Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed has requested to meet with Yemeni President Abd Rabbuh Mansour Hadi in an attempt to save peace negotiations in the war-torn country, according to well-informed sources.
Yassin Makawi, the advisor of the Yemeni president, told Asharq al-Awsat newspaper on Monday that Ould Cheikh Ahmed had asked to meet with Hadi, in the wake of the latter's threats to boycott the ongoing peace talks in Kuwait if the United Nations keeps insisting on a roadmap for the formation of a unity government.
Makawi, who is also a member of the Yemeni governmental delegation to Kuwait Talks, said that the U.N. envoy to Yemen put his roadmap on the negotiations table before it was discussed and approved by the governmental delegation.
He also noted that the Yemeni government has severely criticized the U.N. special envoy for failing to abide by U.N. Security Council Resolution 2216.
Makawi stressed the need for Ould Cheikh Ahmed to set up mechanisms to implement Resolution 2216, rather than in engaging in compromises that do not fall within the framework of the international resolution.
The Yemeni president's advisor said that Ould Cheikh Ahmed's briefing to the U.N. Security Council was not in line with Resolution 2216, adding that his proposal to form a unity government came in accordance with the plans set by the Houthis and disregarded international sanctions imposed on the rebels.
Makawi said that a unity government could not be formed with a group that hampered the country's political peace process and the Gulf initiative, instigated war and threatened security in other neighboring countries, including Saudi Arabia – by Arafat Madabish
http://english.aawsat.com/2016/07/article55354274/u-n-special-envoy-yemen-seeking-meet-hadi-save-peace-negotiations and also http://www.arabnews.com/node/952911/saudiarabia
Comment: Again and again: The Hadi government does not want any "peace" – which always is some sort of compromise and, as between different factions within one country, some sort of power sharing. He really thinks he could get full rule through these talks, using even his own odd interpretation of UN resolution 2216 to achieve this.
Comment by Andreas Kindl, German Ambassador in Yemen: In my dictionary, 'consultations' has a notion of 'jointness', 'give-and-take of advice', 'open deliberations' and 'political wisdom
https://twitter.com/AmbSanaa/status/752959686891175936
Comment by Hisham Al-Omeisy: Apparently, Sana'a is under siege by fictional #Yemen Nat'l forces to crush Iran backed rebellion! Saudi #Propaganda
Comment by Super: Surreal! It's like watching a Hindi movie, full of malarkey
https://twitter.com/AwesomeMoy/status/752869562278969349
12.7.2016 – RIA Novosti (A P)
Media: the Houthis have confirmed the return to the Yemen talks in Kuwait
The head of delegation who seized power in Yemen, rebels from the movement "Ansar Allah" (Houthis) Muhammad Abdessalam confirmed that the Houthis intend in due time to return to Kuwait in the Yemen negotiations with the delegation of the deposed President Abd rabbu Mansour Hadi.
"We confirm that all arrangements reached during the first round of talks with the UN special envoy, and the time of convening the next round of talks in Kuwait without preconditions to achieve full-scale solutions," reads the statement of Abdessalam issued on Tuesday by the Kuwaiti newspaper "al-Raya al-am".
http://visitwinchestervirginia.com/media-the-houthis-have-confirmed-the-return-to-the-yemen-talks-in-kuwait/
13.7.2016 – Brookings (* A P)
What the Iran deal has meant for Saudi Arabia and regional tensions
One unintended but very important consequence of the Iran nuclear deal has been to aggravate and intensify Saudi Arabia's concerns about Iran's regional goals and intentions. This fueling of Saudi fears has in turn fanned sectarian tensions in the region to unprecedented levels.
Of course stoking Saudi angst and perhaps even paranoia was not the intention of the deal's negotiators. They sought to reduce tensions and prevent a nuclear arms race. A combination of circumstances outside their control exacerbated the problem of Saudi-Iranian rivalry that dates back before the Iranian revolution. But the results are likely to haunt the region for years to come.
In the end, Riyadh and Tehran are the only players who can deescalate the situation. The Saudis show no sign of interest in that road. – by Bruce Riedel
http://www.brookings.edu/blogs/markaz/posts/2016/07/13-iran-deal-saudi-arabia-tensions-riedel
15.7.2016 – Hisham Al-Omeisy (A T)
Council of Senior Scholars, Saudi's highest religious body: Nice attacks result of Syria regime's crimes. Seriously!
Saudi contribution to UN's 1.8 Bil #Yemen HRP is 4 Mil! UN removed Saudi from blacklist for meager "$4 M"!
13.7.2016 – Jerusalem Post (* B T)
Saudi Arabia's new jihadists: Poorly trained but hard to stop
The coordination but poor training appear to be a sign of ISIS's operational model, recruiting would-be jihadists online and managing plots remotely with minimal involvement in training.
The coordination but poor training appear to be a sign of Islamic State's operational model in Saudi Arabia, recruiting would-be jihadists online and managing plots remotely with minimal involvement in training.
An Islamic State recruit inside the kingdom will then seek friends or relatives to join him in an attack, while his handlers in Syria or Iraq suggest a target and help to provide explosives and instructions on how to make a bomb.
That low profile makes it very difficult for the security forces to identify networks or uncover attacks before they are carried out, and Islamic State's minimal investment in operations means it has little to lose if a plot goes awry.
http://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Saudi-Arabias-new-jihadists-Poorly-trained-but-hard-to-stop-460364
13.7.2016 – Fair Observer (* B E P)
Demographic Tsunami Heads for Saudi Arabia
Vision 2030 seeks to address Saudi Arabia's economic challenges, but quick solutions are not necessarily on the horizon.
The Saudi Arabian National Transformation Plan and Vision 2030 have already over stimulated the saliva glands of banking and advisory community. Of course, these stakeholders are looking for fees from the Aramco IPO, forthcoming bond issues and the investments the proceeds will go into. Indeed, optimism about change is in the air—if not from those expats about to be taxed for the first time.
But Saudi Arabia's problems cannot be fixed by financial engineering. Saudi Arabia is deeply dysfunctional, and the government survives because years of surplus oil revenues have compensated for and indeed created a culture of entitlement for the Saudi population.
With oil now well below Saudi Arabia's budget break-even price—and likely to remain so—this situation can continue for only a few years.
Missing from Vision 2030 is any thought that the destiny about to befall the Saudi population should affect the Saud family itself. This is a fault line that will likely rupture and require a renegotiation of the current social compact.
When faced with a similar problem, Louis XVI assembled the Estates General. It didn't go so well – by Ian McCredie
http://www.fairobserver.com/region/middle_east_north_africa/demographic-tsunami-heads-saudi-arabia-23943/
13.7.2016 – Financial Times (* A E P)
Low oil price and austerity overshadow Eid in Saudi Arabia
Consumer confidence takes a hit from spending cuts as part of drive to reduce reliance on oil
This year, the celebrations took place in a distinctly more frugal climate, one clouded by fragile consumer confidence and a stuttering economy as Saudi Arabiareels from the plunge in oil prices and the impact of government austerity measures.
"The number one economic worry is the government budget — the cuts in spending and lower revenues," said a government employee, who did not want to be named. "Everything else is a product of that, for example, sales in retail have taken a nosedive."
Jason Tuvey, Middle East economist at Capital Economics, said: "Austerity is hitting hard, especially on the construction sector and consumer sentiment."
Capital Economics says Saudi consumer spending growth is slowing sharply, and forecasts that it will settle at about 2-3 per cent through 2018 — a marked fall from the 6-7 per cent during the past decade – by Simeon Kerr
https://next.ft.com/content/7fbdfc5a-48db-11e6-8d68-72e9211e86ab
Saudi regime arrests prominent Shia cleric Sheikh Habib
Sheikh Habib was arrested in the Shia majority Qatif region, along with three of his companions on Saturday. They were reportedly transferred to a facility in the capital Riyadh for questioning. The senior cleric is known for his criticism of the Saudi regime and its policies towards the Shias.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mw4fW2mkRYM
8.7.2016 – Hürrüyet (* A P)
Saudi prince luxury yacht in Bodrum
the world's most expensive one of the rented yacht and 4 days ago at Bodrum anchored the at the British flagged mega luxury yacht "Solandge " Saudi guests are stored as secrets Arabia Prince Nawaf Al Saud, relatives and appeared to be guests. Prince Nawaf bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and his retinue, Hacımehle make water sports in the bay, or in the deck of 10 playing mannequin it was fun to dance accompanied by music. Saudi royal family, while eating dinner at an upscale restaurant in the Yalikavak neighborhood, left thousand euro tip – by Yasar Anter (28 images of Saudi princes' luxury life)
http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/galeri-40139725
Comment: The hypocrisy of the #Saudi Family is worse than this, it's just a reminder: Saudi prince with his family and friends while women are not allowed to drive in his country and have to wear a burka.
15.7.2016 – Kebab Forever (A H)
Film: A weekend for #Saudi women eating spaghetti with burka; While #Al_Saud women spend their weekend in Turkey in bikini.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ytiXRyc0qk = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZgzQjIDTic
5.7.2016 – AWD News (* A P T)
Saudi Prince and international investor al-Waleed bin Talal visits the injured ISIS commander in a hospital
Yesterday, a picture was surfaced on Arab social websites, showing the Saudi Prince and multi-millionaire media tycoon al-Waleed bin Talal visiting the notorious ISIS military commander Abu Omar al-Maghribi in a luxurious hospital in Saudi capital, Riyadh.
Renowned for his entrepreneurial acumen and immense political influence within Saudi foreign ministry, al-Waleed bin Talal is spearheading the Saudi media campaign seeking to give an innocuous and friendly picture of ISIS and other terrorist organizations to Arab viewers.
Dr. Richard Macmillan, a retired CIA counterterrorism expert in Illinois believes that Mr. Bin Talal's blatant visit to an ISIS warlord is tantamount to an overt peace accord between the oil-rich Saudi Arabia and so-called Islamic State.
http://awdnews.com/top-news/saudi-prince-and-international-investor-al-waleed-bin-talal-visits-the-injured-isis-commander-in-a-hospital
15.7.2016 – The Great Middle East (* A K P)
US military may increase presence in Yemen, Iraq
The US military is weighing an increase in its presence in Yemen to better challenge Al Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula, building on momentum against the group after a successful offensive by Gulf allies, a top US general told Reuters.
US Army General Joseph Votel, who oversees American troops in the region, said in an interview that a variety of locations could be suitable for American forces but did not disclose potential sites or suggest a recommendation was imminent.
"We want to be able to work within a very secure environment to focus on the very (particular) mission we have there – which is principally focused on Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)," he said, speaking in Baghdad.
"We will try to posture the force where we can best do that." Despite significant US strikes, including one that killed AQAP's leader last year, US counter-terrorism efforts have been undermined by Yemen's civil war, pitting government forces against Iran-allied Houthi rebels.
Votel acknowledged the benefits of gaining greater visibility in Yemen and said a key goal would be working with US partners there.
"If we can continue to better understand what Al Qaida's doing, regain the situational awareness that we lost when we all had to depart Yemen here some time ago, that's what I'm interested in doing," Votel said.
http://en.thegreatmiddleeast.com/2016/07/15/us-military-may-increase-presence-in-yemen-iraq/ and by International Business Times: http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/us-military-further-increase-presence-iraq-yemen-drive-out-isis-al-qaeda-1570756 and by Reuters: http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-yemen-military-idUSKCN0ZV0EV
Comment: LOL when thinking the US just will fight against Al Qaida in Yemen. Their interference – alongside with Saudi and Hadi forces – in the Saudi-Yemeni (Houthi) and the Yemeni civil war (Hadi-Houthi-Islah-Separatists) will be inevitable.
15.7.2016 – Xinhua (* A K P)
Feature: Innocent civilians continue to die in U.S. drone strikes in Yemen
That was only one of hundreds of such drone strikes in Yemen that were supposed to target terrorists but actually killed and maimed many civilians, including women and children.
"In our district, drones have also killed army officers, by mistake," Al-Qawili said.
Sometimes authorities would visit families of civilian victims, say sorry and offer financial compensation, he said. "But apologies and money cannot bring back the dead."
Since 2009, the United States have killed several hundred civilians through drone strikes and other covert counter-terrorism operations, reports said.
In two mis-directed strikes admitted by the Yemeni authorities, at least 56 civilians, including 24 children, were killed. The two attacks occurred in the provinces of Abyan in 2009 and Baidha in 2013.
The statistics published by the Bureau for Investigative Journalism put the number of confirmed drone strikes in Yemen at between 126 and 146.
It said between 550 and 802 people were killed in the strikes, including between 65 and 101 civilians, and between 96 and 226 others were injured.
The Bureau said there were also between 89 and 106 other possible drone strikes that were not confirmed in Yemen, in which between 351 and 503 were killed and between 82 and 109 injured. Civilian casualties from those strikes were between 26 and 61 – by Fuad Rajeh
14.7.2016 – Foreign Policy in Focus (* B K P)
Why Exactly Is the U.S. at War in Yemen?
The United States is currently waging war in six Middle East countries — Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Somalia, Libya, and Yemen. None of the countries in which the U.S.military is involved poses a threat to our national security, least of all Yemen.
Two questions come to mind: Why are the Saudis doing this? And why is the U.S. providing them with military support?
As to why the United States helping the Saudis wage a destructive war in a country that in no way threatens it, an American official gave the answer last April. Our aid, he said, "is a message to our partners that we are … willing to give them support. It is a message to the Iranians that we're watching." The Obama administration, in other words, wants to reassure the Saudis and other Gulf monarchs that if the United states signs a nuclear agreement with Iran, they needn't worry. The White House will continue to support them and to treat Iran as an adversary.
An even more urgent reason for supporting a war by some of the world's most oppressive regimes is that Saudi Arabia and the Gulf emirates keep our weapons factories operating full time – by Rachelle Marshall
http://fpif.org/why-exactly-is-the-u-s-at-war-in-yemen/ = http://www.peaceandjustice.org/why-exactly-is-the-u-s-at-war-in-yemen/
14.7.2016 – KTLA (A P)
Long-Classified Pages on Alleged Saudi Arabia Ties to 9/11 Could Be Released Friday: Sources
The long-classified pages detailing alleged ties of the Saudi Arabian government to the 9/11 hijackers will be released by Congress as early as Friday, sources told CNN Thursday.
Known as the "28 pages," the secret document was part of a 2002 congressional investigation of the Sept. 11 attacks and has been classified since the report's completion. It turns out there are actually 29 pages, sources said.
Sources said there are still some procedural steps that need to be taken before the release, which members of both parties in Congress and family members of victims have been seeking for years.
http://ktla.com/2016/07/14/long-classified-pages-on-alleged-saudi-arabia-ties-to-911-could-be-released-friday-sources/
13.7.2016 – Brookings (A P)
CIA Chief Says Saudi Arabia Must Adapt Society to 21st Century
While Saudi Arabia is a U.S. ally in the fight to defeat Islamic State, the Gulf Arab nation must modernize a traditional society that has been exploited in the past to spawn terrorists, according to the chief of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency.
"Saudi Arabia is among our closest counterterrorism partners," CIA Director John Brennan said Wednesday in a speech at the Brookings Institution in Washington. The kingdom has been a target of Islamic State attacks and, before that, of al-Qaeda terrorists, he said.
Still, he added, fundamentalist, Saudi-supported organizations were "fully exploited" by those who sought a springboard for militancy and terrorism.
"The Saudi government and leadership today has inherited a history whereby there have been a number of individuals both inside of Saudi Arabia as well as outside who have embraced a rather fundamentalist -- extremist in some areas -- version of the Islamic faith, which has allowed individuals who then move toward violence and terrorism to exploit that and capitalize on that," Brennan said.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-07-13/cia-chief-says-saudi-arabia-must-adapt-society-to-21st-century
Comment: That all is a contradiction in itself. The Saudis are one of or even just the most important propagators of terrorism in the world. Good luck, dear US. With such a "close counterterrorism partner".
13.7.2016 – The American Conservative (* B K P)
The Indefensible U.S.-Backed War on Yemen Continues
Unfortunately, the Saudis have reason to be confident that most U.S. arms sales and shipments will continue regardless of how they use them. They face no real criticism from the administration for their bombing of civilian areas and their use of inherently indiscriminate weapons (i.e., cluster munitions). On the contrary, administration officials are more likely to echo Saudi talking points or defend the coalition's actions. There is an effort in Congress to impose stricter conditions on the transfer of weapons to the Saudis, and the administration has belatedly suspended the transfer of cluster bombs, but on the whole the Saudis and their allies have been able to do as they please with minimal consequences in Washington. That is to the lasting shame of this administration and most members of Congress, but regrettably that is what our government has done about a war that it has backed all the way from the beginning – by Daniel Larison
http://www.theamericanconservative.com/larison/the-indefensible-u-s-backed-war-on-yemen-continues-2/
12.7.2016 – Defense One (* B K P)
It's Time for America to Distance Itself From Saudi Actions in Yemen
Riyadh is killing civilians with American help, and it's jeopardizing the international credibility of the United States.
That foreign policy tenet [standing by its friends and allies around the world], however, is increasingly causing the United States more grief than benefit, particularly when America's allies are engaging in activity that is at best questionable and at worst against international humanitarian law. Washington's logistical aid to the Saudi-led Arab coalition fighting against the Houthis in Yemen fits that category perfectly.
All of this begs a fundamental question that is far too often avoided in Washington: at what point does an alliance begin to jeopardize the international credibility and good name of the United States of America?
Whatever the merits of Riyadh's intervention in Yemen, the fact remains that its conduct in the conflict over the past 16 months – and Washington's association with it – is severely straining the kinds of relationships among ordinary Yemenis that the U.S. will undoubtedly need in the future if it wishes to implement a successful counterterrorism strategy in that country.
U.S. assistance to Saudi Arabia in Yemen has come about almost as a reflex. If Riyadh requests U.S. military capabilities, the U.S. agrees with barely any questions asked. This no-strings-attached aid, however, has merely made the situation in Yemen worse by providing the Saudis with the false sense of confidence that Washington's unique military capacity will be available regardless of how it conducts the war. Besides keeping Al-Qaeda in check, there is very little reason for the United States to be taking sides in a civil war that doesn't directly threaten America's interests in the region.
For far too long, sustaining an alliance for alliance's sake has been viewed in Washington as the overarching national security objective. It is far past time for the U.S. to take a good and hard look at which alliances actually serve U.S. national security interests and which alliances need to be refined based upon that ally's behavior. The U.S. cannot afford to give its allies a blank check – by Daniel R. De Petris
http://www.defenseone.com/ideas/2016/07/time-america-distance-itself-saudi-actions-yemen/129834/
Comment: The author of course is right that there is no reason for the US to support Saudi Arabia in Yemen.But he should go even further: The US own interests generally must stand in second place when promoting them would include offences against human rights, the law of war, international law. The author never states that – he just places US interests first. And, one special expression: "Whatever the merits of Riyadh's intervention in Yemen": There simple are none.
US Eisenhower Carrier Moves to Yemen Region to Back Anti-Daesh Efforts
The carrier strike group will conduct maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions for Operation Inherent Resolve
The aircraft carrier Dwight D. Eisenhower strike group has moved from the Eastern Mediterranean to the edge of the Arabian Peninsula, where it will continue supporting efforts to defeat Daesh terrorist group, the US Navy said in a press release on Tuesday.
"The strike group will conduct maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions for Operation Inherent Resolve," the campaign to defeat the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq, the release explained.
http://sputniknews.com/military/20160712/1042859161/eisenhower-carrier-yemen-daesh-efforts.html
Comment: "to Back Anti-Daesh Efforts": LOL. And the US had claimed: "We have no boots on the ground in Yemen".
Comment by Judith Brown: US getting more involved in Yemen. This time moving an aircraft carrier to the region
12.7.2016 – British government in response to House of Commons, International Development Committee (A P)
Crisis in Yemen: Government Response to the Committee's Fourth Report of Session 2015–16, Second Special Report of Session 2016–17.
[Response is point by point. Here from the government's answers relating directly to the war]
We disagree that there has been a failure to hold parties to account.
Saudi Arabia takes its IHL obligations very seriously. Saudi Arabia has publicly stated that it is investigating reports of alleged violations of IHL, and that lessons will be acted upon. In January, Saudi Arabia also announced the result of one investigation, the lessons that have been learnt from this investigation and the changes that have been applied to processes.
Saudi Arabia has processes and procedures in place to ensure respect for the principles of IHL. This includes establishing an Independent Committee with foreign advisers to assess Saudi Arabian military activity in Yemen in order to minimise possible civilian casualties and improve internal procedures. We have provided advice to this Independent Committee and have provided training and advice to the Saudi Coalition, to support continued compliance with IHL.
This includes the RAF sharing best practice with the Royal Saudi Air Force through the provision of three International Targeting Courses and UK Service Personnel visiting the Saudis to provide advice to a range of personnel in Saudi headquarters and the Saudi Ministry of Defence on how they can improve their processes, including advice to support IHL compliance.
We disagree that there is evidence that the Saudi-led Coalition is engaged in an indiscriminate bombing campaign. The UK has considerable insight into the systems, processes and procedures that the Saudis have in place as a result of the liaison officers, logistical and technical support, training and defence engagement work we conduct with them.
The Foreign Secretary raised the importance of compliance with IHL with the Saudi Government during his visit to the region late May, emphasising the importance for thorough and conclusive investigations of alleged IHL breaches to be conducted. The key test for our continued arms exports to Saudi Arabia in relation to IHL is whether there is a clear risk that the items to be licensed might be used in a serious violation of IHL. Having regard to all the information available to us, we assess that this test has not been met. The Government is therefore satisfied that extant licences for Saudi Arabia are compliant with the UK's export licensing criteria.
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201617/cmselect/cmintdev/557/557.pdf
Comment: As related to the conflict and the war, the comments of the government just are ridiculous as they had been ever. Look, this answer again shows how much involved the UK is on one side of this war – and they don't let destroy their profits from arms sales and their geopolitical interests by such bagatelles like the evidence of a destroyed country and lots of killed civilians. Complicity.
Comments by Iona Craig: British govt denies their is evidence of indiscriminate bombing in Yemen in response to IDC. Weapons sales continue.
So bombing at least six civilian buses in one province within weeks isn't indiscriminate
https://twitter.com/ionacraig/status/753642790207229952 and https://twitter.com/ionacraig/status/753644726587428868
Comment by Hisham Al-Omeisy: Well I guess will just have to forever mistrust anyone who says has "considerable insight".
Reports on the same subject:
UK launches defense of its Saudi allies over claims of indiscriminate bombing in Yemen
The report warns that breaches of those laws mean "the UK should not be providing arms to one of the parties to the conflict."
The Government denied that the Saudi-led bombing was "indiscriminate" and claimed to have "considerable insight into the systems, processes and procedures that the Saudis have in place," as UK personnel are embedded with Saudi forces.
It also claimed that then-foreign secretary Philip Hammond had "raised the importance of compliance with IHL with the Saudi Government during his visit to the region late May, emphasising the importance for thorough and conclusive investigations of alleged IHL breaches to be conducted."
The government asserted that it has a "key test" in place in relation to "our continued arms exports to Saudi Arabia," which determines "whether there is a clear risk that the items to be licensed might be used in a serious violation of IHL."
NGOs dealing with Britain's global arms trade have not taken the government's response well. Within hours, Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT) spokesman Andrew Smith issued a statement.
"Despite overwhelming evidence that Saudi forces have broken international humanitarian law, the government has continued to arm and support the regime," […] "We are always being told how 'rigorous' and 'robust' UK arms export controls supposedly are, but the decision to keep arming Saudi shows how hollow those words are. There is a humanitarian crisis in Yemen, and the UK government has been complicit in it," Smith added.
https://www.rt.com/uk/351045-yemen-crisis-report-committee/
14.7.2016 – CAAT (* A P)
UK government 'in denial' about its role in Yemen
Andrew Smith of Campaign Against Arms Trade said: "We are always being told how 'rigorous' and 'robust' UK arms export controls supposedly are, but the decision to keep arming Saudi shows how hollow those words are. There is a humanitarian crisis in Yemen, and the UK government has been complicit in it. There must be a full investigation into the serious allegations of war crimes being committed by Saudi forces, but it needs to be fully independent."
http://oneworld.org/2016/07/14/uk-government-in-denial-about-its-role-in-yemen/
13.7.2016 – Vice News (* B K P)
Film: EXCLUSIVE: WHAT CANADA ISN'T TELLING YOU ABOUT THE SAUDI ARMS DEAL
Documents obtained by VICE News show that Canada is doing its best to facilitate the $15-billion sale of light armoured vehicles to Saudi Arabia. The internal records reveal that the government arranged for Saudi Arabia to test the vehicles made by General Dynamics Land Systems Canada on Canadian military bases. And contrary to the government's official position, the deal is between the Saudis and a government agency, not a private company. The revelations add to concerns about the military vehicles being used against civilians as new reports emerge about the Kingdom using Canadian military equipment against its own people.
http://en.daily.vice.com/videos/exclusive-what-canada-isnt-telling-you-about-the-saudi-arms-deal?utm_source=vicefbca or https://twitter.com/vicecanada/status/753297590628651008
You can get 10yrs in Bahraini prison for saying 'we want peace' – son of trialed activist Rajab
The trial of prominent Bahraini human rights activist Nabeel Rajab has been postponed for a month. According to reports he now faces additional charges over alleged insults against the Saudi government. RT crossed live by Adam Rajab, Nabeel's son.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCmTd-PiUbY
12.7.2016 – Defense News (B K)
Raytheon Touts Patriot Anti-Missile Performance in Yemen War
Raytheon has claimed a Patriot anti-missile system used by Saudi Arabia has had a "100 percent success rate" in intercepting missile attacks by Yemeni rebels.
Speaking at the Farnborough Air Show on Tuesday, Ralph Acaba, Raytheon's vice president for Integrated Air and Missile Defense, said the Raytheon system employed by a Saudi-led coalition had successfully handled "well over a couple of dozen intercepts" of missiles over the last year.
"Every target engaged was destroyed," he said.
http://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/show-daily/farnborough/2016/07/12/raytheon-touts-patriot-anti-missile-performance-yemen-war/86998912/
15.7.2016 – Danish Refugee Council, Regional Mixed Migration Secretariat (* A H)
Mixed Migration in the Horn of Africa & Yemen Region, June 2016
Internal displacement: There are currently 2.8 million persons internally displaced within Yemen.
Continued arrivals from the Horn of Africa: A total of at least 14,373 migrants and asylum seekers (84% Ethiopians and 16% Somalis) arrived from the Horn of Africa to Yemen via the Red Sea, Arabian Sea and Gulf of Aden in June 2016. This represents a 46% increase on arrivals reported in May.
At least 2,091 (2,079 Ethiopians and 12 Somalis) migrants and asylum seekers were recorded to have arrived on the Red Sea coast of Yemen in June 2016, a 39% increase on arrivals in May. The migrants arrived aboard 25 boats which departed from Obock, Djibouti landing in various towns in Ta'iz and Lahj governorates. Due to the reduction of monitoring missions along Yemen's coast, it is likely that the actual number of arrivals from the Horn of Africa to Yemen was higher during the period.
Migrant vulnerability: Migrants, asylum seekers and refugees arriving in Yemen on the Red Sea coasts in June reported witnessing or being victim to numerous violations along their journeys and on arrival in Yemen. Violations ranged from physical abuse, robbery and interception.
Upon arrival in Yemen on the Red Sea coast, migrants continued to face the risk of abduction by criminal networks and possible trafficking elements. New arrivals reported the abduction of 287 persons in June, a significant climb.
Departures from Yemen: As of 30th June 2016, the number of people fleeing Yemen to the Horn of Africa (Djibouti, Ethiopia, Somalia and Sudan) had totalled 87,417 persons (35,562 in Djibouti, 32,624 in Somalia, 12,808 in Ethiopia, and 6,420 in Sudan). Yemenis and Somalis represent the largest proportion of people moving out of Yemen, accounting for 30% and 35% of movements respectively. Djibouti remained as the primary destination for Yemeni nationals, with 75% of those moving opting to travel to Djibouti.
http://reliefweb.int/report/yemen/mixed-migration-horn-africa-yemen-region-june-2016 and http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/RMMS_Mixed_Migration_Monthly_Summary_June_2016.pdf and map: http://reliefweb.int/map/yemen/mixed-migration-horn-africa-and-yemen-june-2016
14.7.2016 – Saba Net (A H)
Yemen deports 150 illegal African migrants
The Yemeni authorities deported on Thursday 150 Ethiopians, who had entered the country illegally and have been held by the security services.
The deportation of the Ethiopian infiltrators was implemented in coordination and cooperation with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), an official at the migration, passports and nationality authority said.
He pointed out that they were deported on a ship sailed from Hodeidah International Port to Djibouti, to be transferred then overland to Ethiopia according to an agreement with the IOM.
Comment: From Hodeida = by the Houthi government.
Somalia Task Force on Yemen Situation: Inter-Agency Update #12 (16 June – 30 June 2016)
32,624 Arrivals from Yemen since 27 March 2015, at the early onset of the crisis
6,858 Yemenis registered in Somalia since 27 March 2015 (including Somalis with dual Yemeni-Somali citizenship)
20,515 Arrivals registered at Reception Centres in Berbera, Bossaso and Mogadishu since 27 March 2015
52% Registered arrivals expressing intention to return to Mogadishu
9,992 Somali returnees provided with onward transportation assistance since 27 March 2015
USD 39.3 million Requested for the Somalia Response Plan for Yemen Crisis (January - December 2016)
During the reporting period, there have been six boat arrivals from Yemen to Somalia, two in Puntland (13 Yemeni, 58 Somali and 1Tanzanian), four in Somaliland, ( 41 arrivals in Somaliland; 33 Yemenis, 7 Somali and 1 Sudanese), carrying a total of 113 individuals.
http://reliefweb.int/report/somalia/somalia-task-force-yemen-situation-inter-agency-update-12-16-june-30-june-2016 and in full: http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/%2312Somaliainter-agencyupdate16June-30June2016.pdf
Siehe / See cp 1, cp6
14.7.2016 – Ihsan (* A P)
How do you make a terrorist? Preach this in Mecca under the sponsorship of Saudi Arabia. See the film and learn what is preached in Saudi Arabia.
https://twitter.com/Thawra_city/status/753770146355740672
14.7.2016 – Bassem (A T P)
Dear @TheEconomist You can't kill the idea of #ISIS & cheer for Wahhabism at the same time. 2 R mutually exclusive (images)
https://twitter.com/BBassem7/status/753809820629635072
14.7.2016 – Long War Journal (* A T)
AQAP details 'special forces' training camp
Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) has released a video showing the Hamza al Zinjibari training camp for its "special forces." The video was produced by both AQAP's Al Malahem Media, as well as Ansar al Sharia's Morasil (Correspondent). Ansar al Sharia is another front for AQAP in Yemen.
The camp, which is named after the former military leader of AQAP, appears to be within a large compound in an area controlled by the jihadist group, likely in southern Yemen, where it is the strongest. The US killed Zinjibari, who is also known as Jalal Bala'idi, in a drone strike in February 2016. Zinjibari was a prominent field commander in the provinces of Abyan, Bayda, Hadramout, Lahj, and Shabwa. He led AQAP's takeover of the town of Jaar in December 2015.
In the AQAP video, fighters and recruits are shown undergoing weapons and physical training, live fire exercises, as well as training in martial arts. The fighters are also trained to conduct assaults and kidnappings using vehicles.
The bulk of the training may be held indoors to avoid detection from US drones (images)
Senior AQAP leaders, including Khalid Batarfi and Ibrahim al Qosi, give speeches in the video – by Bill Rogio and Caleb Weiss
http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2016/07/aqap-details-special-forces-training-camp.php
Comment by Judith Brown: This is a very important article indeed. I really recommend this to anyone interested in Yemen and the growth of al Qaeda there. It is worth recapping that prior to the commencement of the US drone campaign there was a handful of AQ operatives in Yemen - the same as in Pakistan,the more the drones killed, the more extremist militias grew. Now there is not only AQAP in Yemen but also Daesh. Interestingly these organisations seem to have swapped roles in Yemen with AQAP being territorial and controlling a state within a state and Daesh conducting spectacular attacks in strategic positions, such as recruits queuing up for joining the military, checkpoints, and mosques where their perceived opponents worship
On the same subject:
14.7.2016 – Fox News (* A T)
Al Qaeda's Yemen branch takes aim at US, 'liberation' of Palestinians
Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula has unveiled a new special operations training video featuring jihadis taunting the U.S. and vowing to fight to capture Palestine and the Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.
Video reviewed by The Foreign Desk shows militants at the Hamzah Zinjibari training camp being put through training exercises and are taught combat skills, while an Islamic cleric dressed in military fatigues emphasizes the "long game" of jihad and how "thousands" of militants have benefited from various terror training camps throughout Yemen.
The camp, named after Jalal Baleedi a.k.a. Hamza Al Zinjibari, an Al Qaeda leader killed by the U.S. in a drone strike earlier this year, is unique in that much of the training appears to be held indoors, a move possibly initiated to avoid detection in the aftermath of Zinjibari's death in February.
After basic warmups involving stretching, push-ups and boxing drills, militants practice shooting balloons, bottles, moving targets and eventually train for drive-by shootings from the back of a motorcycle and again from a vehicle simulating kidnappings.
http://www.foxnews.com/world/2016/07/14/al-qaedas-yemen-branch-takes-aim-at-us-liberation-palestinians.html
14.7.2016 – United against ISIS (A T)
#Saudi cooperates with #ISIS in Iraq
#Iraqi security forces have seized the uniform of Saudi national guard troops in Al-Karma region from Fallujah.
An Iraqi officer reports about finding a Saudi national guard's uniform in Al-Karma region from Fallujah, which indicated that Saudi officers cooperate with Daesh member in #Iraq.
13.7.2016 – Middle East Eye (A P)
The Houthis are ensuring that Yemeni civilian deaths result from Saudi-led airstrikes
Houthi and Saleh militias are still using Yemen civilians as human shields while they continue to benifit from the anti-Saudi media outcry
It is as if the Houthi militiamen and allies occupying Yemen's capital, Sanaa, are happy with the mounting civilian casualties resulting from Saudi-led coalition airstrikes on the country - even though these strikes aim at restoring the power base of the rebels' enemy, President Abd Rabbuh Hadi.
The Houthi rebels and their allies from the camp of deposed president Ali Abdullah Saleh seem happy because they are using the smoke-screen of international criticism on Saudi Arabia to establish weapons stores, human shields and military headquarters in civilian infrastructure such as schools and hospital – by Basem Alabsi
http://www.middleeasteye.net/columns/houthis-are-ensuring-civilian-deaths-result-saudi-led-airstrikes-1438541794
Comment by Judith Brown: Another one sided perspective. Whilst I am certain that the Houthi-Saleh alliance flag up deaths and destruction at the hand of their enemies, whilst at the same time they commit atrocities themselves - this is done by both sides. I'm not sure how they ascertain that civilians are used as human shields. But the answer is to stop the war and work for peace - with no preconditions for talks by either side.
Comment: A similar propaganda as the article cited below, might be even more odd as the Houthis are incriminated to use the civilians as "human shields". This of course happens in some way – but the same way, all parties in this conflict do that, without any difference. Here, this incrimination is used in the way as if it would totally discharge the Saudi coalition from their air campain, putting the whole blame for the victims of the air raids on the Houthis. For more, see my comment to the article below.
Interview with Hooria Mashhour: On the rebels′ blacklist
Fearing for her life in her home country, a former minister from Yemen applied to Germany for asylum. Now she′s working for the integration of refugees. Interview by Ali Almakhlafi
Following these dramatic events which unfolded in the Yemeni capital, in the course of which ministers and the President (whose bodyguard was killed) were besieged, I felt compelled to leave Yemen. Several ministers are still in detention to this day. There are tens of thousands of detained journalists, politicians and human rights activists in Yemen.
No one, not even the UN with its political clout, has managed to exert pressure on the rebels to free these people. These are representatives of civil society, not members of the military. They are not guilty of any crime that would justify their imprisonment. Some of them were taken to unknown locations, so that their families would have no idea what had happened to them. This was the situation at the time. So I had no choice but to find a safe place for myself.
http://en.qantara.de/content/interview-with-hooria-mashhour-on-the-rebels-blacklist
und die deutsche Version, wurde bereits im Yemen Press Reader 150 (mit Kommentar von mir) vorgestellt: http://de.qantara.de/inhalt/interview-mit-hooria-mashhour-im-fadenkreuz-der-jemenitischen-putschisten
Comment by Judith Brown: Well this is a rather one sided view of the Yemen conflict - a member of Hadi's government who is now a refugee in Germany. She backs Hadi and puts the blame for the conflict on Saleh and the Houthis. But nonetheless it is a perspective and it demonstrates the polarisation of the Yemeni society.
Comment: There is no reason to euphemize the crimes committed by the Houthis. Trying to blame them for the failure of the political process from 2012–2014, however, is much too simple. Hadi wanted to outmaneuver them politically, that was a thing they could not accept. By her really adventurous appraisal of the Saudi intervention as it is reproduced here - the air war and the destruction of half the country are not worth to be mentioned by any word, there are cited different odd justifications for the deadly intervention, and (not quoted here), the defamation of Yemeni human rights organizations that make the air war their topic – show this tirade of Mrs Mansoor to be just a (not even good) propaganda event.
15.7.2016 – Arab News (A H P)
Fuel relief enables 82 hospitals in Yemen to work around the clock
Nasser Ba'oom, minister of Public Health and Population and member of the Higher Committee for Relief in Yemen, said that the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, in coordination with the World Health Organization office in Yemen, has provided petroleum products to most government hospitals across the provinces for the past six months.
Ba'oom added that the center's grant to provide petroleum products will cover 82 hospitals in all governorates, and will contribute to ending the hospitals' power cuts, enabling them to work around the clock.
The minister praised center's rapid response, which came in response to the demands of the High Committee for Relief to support the hospitals with oil products in order to relieve citizens of their suffering.
Comment: Saudi Arabian propaganda showing the Saudis as great benefactors. Nearly 16 months of bombing campaign and blockade of imports are not part of the story, which completely is as such: We bomb you, we destroy you, we feed you with 0,2 % of the sum we gave for destroying and starving you, we demand to be praised by you, and we praise ourselves.
13.7.2016 – Saudi Gazette (A H P)
Salman center's humanitarian services in Yemen appreciated
Yemenis have commended King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center outstanding services since its inception. The organization's health services have benefited 11 million Yemeni children, women and men during the past months.
According to a report in Al-Jazirah Arabic daily, the center's health programs for Yemenis were carried out with the support of World Health Organization (WHO).
The center has financed the deployment of 12 medical teams in the Yemeni provinces of Sanaa, Aden, Abyan, Sa'dah, Hajjah and Socotra for providing primary healthcare services. They provided consultancy services to 132,000 women and children.
http://saudigazette.com.sa/saudi-arabia/salman-centers-humanitarian-services-yemen-appreciated/
Comment: Bomb me first, feed me then, let me commend you.
12.7.2016 – Marc Owen Jones (* A P)
Are Twitter Bots on Yemen and Bahrain Hashtags linked to News Broadcaster Saudi 24?
Over the past few weeks, investigations published on this blog have revealed that thousands of apparently automated bot accounts on Twitter have been polluting the Bahrain hashtag with sectarian Tweets. On some days, these sectarian bots accounted for over 50% of the Tweets on the Bahrain hashtag.
This morning, some fellow Tweeps alerted me to the use of similar bots on the #Yemen hashtag, so I did some preliminary tests. Sure enough, the same bots on the #Bahrain hashtag are using the Yemen hashtag to promote the idea of Iranian influence in Yemen, a common trope in Gulf politics. The accounts are indeed the same, and some have changed from Tweeting about Bahrain to tweeting about Yemen. Many still continue to tweet on the #Bahrain hashtag.
What is interesting about virtually all the videos analysed on the #Bahrain and Yemen hashtag is that they contain links almost exclusively to the YouTube channel Saudi 24. Saudi 24 is a satellite channel that I am still trying to find more information on – by Marc Owen Jones
https://marcowenjones.wordpress.com/2016/07/12/are-twitter-bots-on-yemen-and-bahrain-hashtags-linked-to-news-broadcaster-saudi-24/
12.7.2016 – Mustafa Al-Khaqani (A P)
Alarabiya: "Swedish studies: Iran 2nd most racist in the world" Sweden_AR: "Can you provide link to these studies?"
https://twitter.com/Khaqani_M/status/752945642364809216
Comment by Hisham Al-Omeisy: Painful to watch Saudis struggle with propaganda. Will any of Saudi's friends plz help..anyone..seriously!?
12.7.2016 – 7 Days (A K P)
UAE Foreign Minister: 'We are committed to fight in Yemen'
The foreign minister of the UAE says his country is committed to continue its support of Yemen's internationally recognised government of President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi.
HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan said after talks with his Cypriot counterpart on Monday that the UAE is also "very much committed" to pursuing al-Qaida in Yemen where the group has taken root because of the lack of government control.
http://7days.ae/uae-foreign-minister-committed-fight-yemen/89068
Comment: Fighting against the Houthis is not even mentioned, pretending that the fight would be mainly against Al Qaida.
"Well-informed sources" told Saudi's Awsat Houthis were so terrified they grew wings & flew out of siege (propaganda in photo)
4.7.2016 – Sahafah (A P)
The political parties in Yemen praised the role of Saudi Arabia and the Arab coalition in restoring legitimacy
http://m.sahafah.net/show2492124.html and in translation: https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=ar&tl=en&js=y&prev=_t&hl=de&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fm.sahafah.net%2Fshow2492124.html&edit-text=
Deadly WAR ZONE: 51 Saudi airstrikes over 24 hours bombard #Yemen regions of Hajjah, Nihm, Jawf & Mareb.
Saudi F-16 downed in W Yemen: Report
A Saudi F-16 warplane has crashed in the west-central Yemeni province of Sana'a, killing one of its pilots, Yemeni media reports say.
According to Yemen's khabaragency.net website, the incident took place in the province's Nihm district on Thursday night, with one unnamed source saying it had been brought down by Ansarullah fighters.
"The Yemeni army's air defense force and Popular Committees targeted a Saudi F-16 warplane on Thursday night and managed to down it in the Nihm district east of the capital Sana'a," the source was reported as saying.
According to the report, the aircraft didn't make it to the King Khalid Airbase near Khamis Mushait, killing one of its pilots as it disintegrated while the other pilot survived the crash.
http://parstoday.com/en/news/middle_east-i18625-saudi_f_16_downed_in_w_yemen_report
Saudi war jets wage raids on al-Dhaher
Saudi jets wage raids on Jizan
Saudi warplanes launch raids on several provinces
The Saudi fighter jets have waged many raids on al-Arqob and Yam areas in Khawlan al-Teyal district of Sana'a province, a military official said Thursday.
The Saudi warplanes launched raids on Kahbob in the southern city of Taiz province.
The warplanes launched many raids on Haradh and Midi districts in Hajjah province and launched an air raid on al-Moton district in Jawf province.
"Friendly Fire": Saudische Luftstreikräfte beschießen eigene Truppen in Jemen
Die Royal Saudi Air Force hat eigene Stellungen in Jemen unter Beschuss genommen, wie Al-Masdar (AMN) News unter Berufung auf der "Ansar Allah"-Bewegung nahe Medien meldet.
Der Zwischenfall habe sich nahe der Stadt Fadhat Al-Nihm ereignet, wo saudische Bodentruppen stationiert gewesen seien.
http://de.sputniknews.com/politik/20160714/311421606/saudische-koalition-beschiesst-sich-selber.html
Saudi airstrike targets hirelings in Fardhat Nehm
Saudi war jets waged a raid on a gathering of hirelings down Fardhat Nehm area west of Mareb province, a local official said Wednesday.
The official confirmed that the airstrike targeted a military site of the hirelings down the Fardhat Nehm area, which resulted in several dead and injured among them.
Comment: Once again: "Friendly fire".
Two fishermen killed in Hodeida
Two fishermen were killed on Wednesday in a Saudi raid on Hodeida province. The Saudi warplanes targeted their boat off the coast of al-Khukhah town, a local official said.
http://www.sabanews.net/en/news433252.htm and by Yemen Post (3 killed): https://twitter.com/YemenPostNews/status/753244690883997696 and image (graphic): https://twitter.com/MasirahTV/status/753256224389468164 and images (graphic): https://www.facebook.com/SaudiArabia.war.crimes.against.Yemen/posts/1562136357415686
The Saudi fighter jets launched on Tuesday three raids on Al-Hothira military site in Jizan.
A military official said to Saba that the raids targeted Kutaf district of Sa'ada province causing serious damage to citizens' houses and farms.
Saudi warplanes wage raids on Yemen
The Saudi warplanes launched four raids on al-Arqob area in Khawlan district, a military official said Wednesday.
The warplanes waged raids on Yam, Haid al-Dhahab, al-Majaweh areas in Nehm district of Sana'a. At the same time, the Riyadh's hirelings pounded Bani Bareq area in the district.
The warplanes waged an air raid on Dhubab city in Taiz province. The Riyadh's hirelings targeted al-Ghawi and Ghurab, al-Shabaka al-Hamra and al-Madrab areas in al-Waze'yah district of Taiz.
The Saudi warplanes launched two air raids on Abs district in Hajjah province. At the same time, the hirelings pounded Haradh and Midi districts with artillery shells in the same province.
Two fishermen were killed by a Saudi raid on Hodeida province. The Saudi warplanes targeted their boat off the coast of al-Khukhah town.
The Saudi fighter jets launched three raids on al-Hothira military site in Jizan. The raids targeted Kutaf district of Sa'ada province causing serious damage to citizens' houses and farms.
In Mareb province, the Saudi fighter jets waged an air raid on Serwah.
The warplanes waged many raids on al-Moton and al-Masloub districts in Jawf province.
Saudi raids target areas in Jawf / Saudi-led war jets wage two raids on Jawf
The Saudi-led coalition launched on Monday three raids on al-Amri area in Thubab district of Taiz province, a military official said.
The Saudi warplanes flew intensively on the skies of Mocha and Kahbob areas in Taiz province.
The hostile war jets waged an air raid on Abs district and two others on al-Majaweh area of Hajjah province, while another raid targeted al-Salata site in Nehm district of Sana'a province.
Saudi warplanes conduct simultaneous strikes across Yemen
Saudi military aircraft have conducted a round of simultaneous attacks against several areas across Yemen in violation of a UN-brokered ceasefire.
In the Tuesday morning bombing, explosions ripped through Nihm district northeast of Sana'a as Saudi warplanes launched three airstrikes against residential neighborhoods, Arabic-language Yemen Press reported.
Saudi warplanes also struck al-Maton district in the northern province of al-Jawf. A similar aerial attack was conducted on Kitaf wa al-Boqe'e district in the northwestern Sa'ada Province.
Separately, Saudi warplanes carried out two airstrikes against Abs district in the northwestern province of Hajjah.
http://www.presstv.us/Detail/2016/07/12/474771/Saudi-airstrikes-Yemen-Nihm-alMaton-alJawf-Saada = http://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2016/07/12/1128010/saudi-jets-conduct-simultaneous-strikes-across-yemen
15.7.2016 – South Front (A K)
Jemen: Kräfte der Huthi erobern einige Anhöhen im Westen von Ma'rib
https://de.southfront.org/krafte-der-huthi-erobern-einige-anhohen-im-westen-von-marib/
Dozens of hirelings killed in Taiz
Dozens of Riyadh's hirelings were killed on Thursday in the south part of Taiz province, a military official said.
The hirelings attempted to advance towards Kahbob area in Taiz, the official said, adding the army and popular committee repelled them and killed almost 100 hirelings.
Some military vehicles and ordnance were destroyed, the official said.
The Riyadh's hirelings pounded many areas in Serwah with artillery shells
The Riyadh's hirelings pounded on Wednesday Mabda'a and Bani Bareq areas in Nehm of Sana'a. At the same time, the army and popular committees managed to destroy two armored military vehicles in Nehm.
The Riyadh's hirelings pounded al-Hamra area in al-Waze'yah district of Taiz.
The army and popular committees foiled an advance towards Kahbob. They managed to destroy a military vehicle in the same area. A number of mercenaries were killed or injured in the area.
The army and popular committees destroyed three military vehicles when they tried to advance towards hills surrounding Kawfal area.
The army and popular committees targeted the reinforcement convoy heading towards the hirelings in al-Abedya area of Baidha province. Three military vehicles were destroyed and a number of hirelings were killed in the operation.
Sudanese Commander, 16 Pro-Hadi Forces Killed in Yemen Missile Attack in Lahij
A senior Sudanese officer and 16 other forces affiliated to fugitive president Mansour Hadi were killed in missile attacks launched by Yemen's Ansarullah Movement in the Southern province of Lahij.
Al-Masirah news channel announced the news on Thursday quoting military sources.
"A Sudanese colonel was killed along with 16 forces affiliated to the so-called Arab coalition in Ansarullah movement's missile attack in Lahij, Southern Yemen," the source said.
The source added that the attack had targeted the Arab coalition forces' gathering center in Kersh region in Lahij.
14.7.2016 – Tagesschau (A K)
Video: Bürgerkrieg im Jemen: Mindestens 44 Menschen sterben bei neuen Gefechten
https://www.tagesschau.de/multimedia/video/video-199341.html
13.7.2016 – AFP (A K)
Yemen clashes kill 44 as UN seeks talks
Fighting in Yemen killed at least 44 people in a 24-hour period to Wednesday, military officials said, as the UN's peace envoy arrived in the capital to meet rebels. Government forces clashed with the Huthi rebels and fighters loyal to ousted president Ali Abdullah Saleh in battles across western Yemen.
http://omanobserver.om/yemen-clashes-kill-44-as-un-seeks-talks/
13.7.2016 – New York Times (A K)
Saudi Arabia Says Guard Killed by Land Mine on Yemen Border
An Interior Ministry statement issued late on Tuesday says the guard died in the Saudi province of Jazan, along the mountainous border the kingdom shares with Yemen.
The statement did not say who laid the land mine.
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2016/07/13/world/middleeast/ap-ml-yemen.html
Comment: It will take decades to de-mine the border and Yemen
Many mercenaries killed in Mareb
The army and popular committees repulsed an attempt by hirelings to advance on Haid Thahab Mount in Fardhat Nehm western Mareb province, a military official said Wednesday.
A large numbers of the hirelings were killed or wounded during the confrontations, the official added.
He pointed out that the mercenaries tried to advance toward Haid Thahab under the cover of the intense overflights of the hostile warplanes.
Army launches ballistic missile on Tadaween camp
The army and popular committees fired on Wednesday a ballistic missile on hireling gatherings in Mareb province.
The missile force fired a Zelzal-3 rocket on Tadaween military camp in the province, a military official said.
The rocket hit its target accurately and made violent explosions in the camp, the official added.
Army foils advance on Kawfal
The army and popular committees repulsed on Wednesday an attempt of the Riyadh's hirelings to advance towards hills overlooking Kawfal military camp in Mareb province.
A military official said many hirelings were killed or injured in the attempt, adding two armored military vehicles were destroyed.
A number of hirelings were killed or injured and some others captured when they tried to advance towards Haid al-Dhahab and Baiden areas in the same district.
The hirelings attempted to advance towards al-Jahmalia and Klaba areas in Taiz. The army and popular committees repelled them and killed many of them.
The hirelings in Taiz province targeted al-Sarari area in Sabr al-Mawadem district with artillery shells and machines guns.
In Mareb province, the hirelings targeted many areas in the district of Serwah. The hirelings targeted al-Ghail district in the same province with different kinds of weapons.
Saudi Military Base Hit Hard by Yemenis' Ballistic Missile in Ma'rib Province
The Yemeni army pounded the Saudi-led forces' strategic military base in Ma'rib province with a Zalzal 3 ballistic missile on Wednesday.
Al-Tadavin military base which is under Saudi Arabia's control was hit by Yemen's Zalzal 3 ballistic missile.
The forces loyal to former fugitive president Mansour Hadi were also present in Al-Tadavin military base at the time it was hit by the missile.
Initial reports indicated scores of casualties in the Yemeni missile attack on al-Tadavin military base.
Al-Tadavin military base is located between Ma'rib and al-Jawf provinces in the Northern parts of Yemen.
In a relevant development earlier on Wednesday, the Yemeni forces repelled the Saudi-led forces' fourth attack on their military positions in the Western part of Ma'rib province, inflicting heavy losses on them in a counteroffensive.
Comment by Judith Brown: Iranian perspective now. The news is always selected to suit political aims and this is another example.
Yemeni Army, Popular Forces Take Battle to Saudi Soil Again, Win Back Several Key Military Positions
The Yemeni army and Ansarullah fighters pushed the Saudi-led forces back inside Saudi Arabia, and managed to seize back several strategic military positions in the kingdom near the border with Yemen.
The Yemeni forces took control of the Saudi military positions near al-Tawwal border crossing in heavy clashes with the Saudi troops.
The Yemeni forces' advances came after several weeks of halt.
The clashes between the Yemeni and Saudi forces also intensified in Harz border region in Hajjah province.
Meantime, the Yemeni defense ministry announced that 50 pro-Hadi militias were killed in heavy clashes with the Yemeni forces near Farza 9 region in Ma'rib province.
On Monday, the Yemeni army and popular forces' missiles hit and destroyed the arms and ammunition depots of Saudi-led forces in the city of al-Hazm in al-Jawf province on Monday as the Arab coalition continued to violate the ceasefire.
"Saudi Arabia's weapons and ammunition depots were annihilated in Shihat region of al-Hazm city in al-Jawf province," battlefield sources said.
The sources noted that heavy smoke could be seen after the Yemeni missiles hit Saudi arms arsenal.
The Saudi-led forces sustained heavy casualties as the Yemeni missiles precisely struck their arms and ammunition depots.
http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950422001458 and films by News Yemen TV and Al Masirah: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttlfTsYJ2Eg and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMdxueZcMgE and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Him2E0WvSaY
The army and popular committees repulsed an attempt of the Riyadh's hirelings to advance towards Yam area in Nehm in Sana'a. A number of the hirelings were killed or injured during the confrontations.
The mercenaries in Taiz province pounded the army and popular committees sites in Thubab city. They also targeted al-Shabaka area and al-Hamra village in al-Waze'yah district with artillery shells.
Army destroys four vehicles belonging to hirelings in Mareb
The army and popular committees destroyed four armored military vehicles belonging to hirelings in Serwah district of Mareb province, a military official said Monday.
A number of hirelings who were in the vehicles were killed or injured, the official added.
He pointed out that the army and popular committees managed to cleanse a number of the important sites in serwah, including Haid al-Nadhara site, Tabat al-Khatab and Tabat al-Zubair in Kawfal area.
Many hirelings killed in Mareb
A large number of hirelings were killed during a failed infiltration attempt in Mareb province, a military official said Tuesday.
A number of the hirelings were injured and some others were captured in the failed attempt, the official added.
He explained that the army and popular committees forces repulsed an attempt by the mercenaries to infiltrate toward Haid and Badin in Nehm area in the western part of Mareb province.
The army and committees repelled another attempt by the hirelings to advance on Yam mountains, killing and injuring a number of them, he said.
It is the fifth attempt over the last 48 hours and the bodies of many of mercenaries are still scattered in Fardhat Nehm area, according to the military official.
http://www.sabanews.net/en/news433176.htm and by Fars News http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950422000932
Army drives hirelings out of Attias Mountain in Mareb
The army and popular committees cleansed on Tuesday Attias Mountain Range in Serwah district of Mareb province.
The armed forces in cooperation with popular committees drove the hirelings entirely out of Attias Mountain Range, which overlooks the western side of Kovel camp and also cleanse most of Wadi al-Malh area, eastern Serwah, a military official said.
Dozens of the hirelings were killed or injured during the clashes and eight military vehicles and a tank was destroyed, he added.
The operation cams as a reply to the violations of the ceasefire committed by the Saudi aggression and its hirelings, the official said.
10.7.2016 – Mohammed Basha (A K)
Pro #Houthi forces are pushing to recapture lost territories between Naqel Bani Gaylan and the Jawf Marib roundabout in eastern Nehim
12.7.2016 – Living in Yemen on the Edge (A K)
According to the local media, during an interview the Governor of Aden confirmed that 6 ships of weapons from Iran were seized while trying to be smuggled in the country.
He asked for the Coalition to patrol the area of Bab el Mandab and expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the coalition forces to support local authorities in imposing security and stability. He pointed out that the city of Aden is witnessing an improvement in security.
12.7.2016 – Mojahedin (A K P)
The Iran-backed Al Houthis that occupied the Yemeni capital has displayed new missiles believed to have Iranian specifications, according to media reports.
Sky News Arabia cited military experts casting doubt over Al Houthi claims of local design, saying that they are likely to be Iranian imports.
The coalition fighting to restore the internationally-recognised government of Yemeni President Abd Rabbo Mansour Hadi accuses Iran of supplying Al Houthis with weapons.
Military experts told Sky News that the building of such weapons in Yemen requires advanced technology which Al Houthis and their ally, ousted President Ali Abdullah Saleh, do not possess.
The experts said that only two regimes, Iran and Syria, as well as Iran-backed Lebanese militia Hezbollah, are known to own such missiles.
The new missile has been names Zelzal 3 (Earthquake 3).
https://www.mojahedin.org/newsen/48219/Yemen-Houthis-display-new-Iranian-regime-designed-missiles and see in film by News Yemen TV: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sy2bz3OLT8
Comment: From the site of the Iranian "opposition" which itself was blamed to be a terrorist organization.