Saudi Arabia

By Bernard Haykel | (Project Syndicate) | – – In 2017, Saudi Arabia will continue to pursue two key goals: to reduce its economy’s dependence on oil revenues and government spending; and to position the Kingdom as a regional hegemon that can meet any threat. The country’s transformation will be difficult, but it is necessary, […]

Displaced and Refugees

Under Saudi Bombing, Specter of Famine Haunts Yemen’s Children

contributors

By Tharanga Yakupitiyage | (Inter Press Service) | – – UNITED NATIONS, Jan 6 2017 (IPS) – Millions of Yemenis could soon face widespread famine if no action is taken to improve food access through humanitarian or trade means, an early warning system has said. Up to eight million Yemenis are severely food insecure while […]

Iran

Iran reaps the benefits, as US and Saudi Flounder in ME

contributors

By Shahram Akbarzadeh | (Informed Comment) | – – The Islamic republic of Iran starts 2017 in a strong regional position, much to the annoyance of its detractors. Iran has managed to secure reprieve from international sanctions, see its ally in Syria survive a most devastating threat, and grow its military influence in the region […]

Bahrain

With Fall of Aleppo, will a Russo-Iranian Middle East challenge Trump?

Juan Cole

By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) | – – On Thursday, the Syrian government announced that the last of those who wanted to be evacuated from the East Aleppo pocket had been bused out, and that the Bashar al-Assad regime had reestablished complete control over the entire city of Aleppo. Bashar al-Assad in his remarks […]

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia Admits to Using Illegal UK Cluster Bombs in Yemen

contributors

TeleSur | – – “If Saudi forces are prepared to use cluster bombs, then why is the U.K. continuing to arm and support the regime?” a campaigner asked. Saudi Arabia admitted Monday it used illegal U.K.-made cluster bombs in Yemen as the Gulf state continues its aggressive air campaign there, backed with the help of […]

Children

A Yemeni Child Dies Every 10 Minutes as Saudi Attacks Continue

contributors

TeleSur | – – The U.N. said malnutrition and other preventable diseases are killing thousands of children in Yemen as its health system is on the verge of collapse. Every 10 minutes at least one Yemeni child dies of preventable diseases such as malnutrition, diarrhea, and respiratory tract infections, the United Nations said Tuesday, blaming […]

Displaced and Refugees

WikiLeaks Yemen Files Unmask Washington’s Bloody Role

contributors

TeleSur | – – More than 10,000 – mostly civilians – have been killed and more than 3 million have been displaced in the conflict. Whistleblowing organization Wikileaks on Friday dropped yet another batch of files, this time detailing evidence of the United States arming, training and financing Yemeni forces in the build up to […]

Displaced and Refugees

Another Saudi War Crime in Yemen as 43 Prisoners dead in Airstrike

Juan Cole

By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) | – – Saudi airstrikes targeting a judiciary building in al-Hudayda, a port on the western coast of Yemen under Houthi control, have killed some 43 people and wounded dozens of others, most of them prisoners. The strike on the judiciary building, which had a prison attached, could have […]

Saudi Arabia

Why is the US helping Saudi Arabia target Yemen’s future?

Neil Thompson

London (Informed Comment) – Saudi Arabia has long been accused of needlessly hitting civilian targets during its air campaign in neighbouring Yemen. Most commentators have put this down to a mixture of indifference and military incompetence on the part of the Saudi armed forces. Their capabilities against hardened fighters like the rebel Houthis were long […]