Public Comment

The U.S. backed Saudi offensive against Houthi rebels has caused widespread chaos. A Saudi naval blockade cutting off food and fuel supplies has precipitated widespread famine. 80 percent of Yemen’s 25 million are in dire need of humanitarian aid and more than one million have fled their homes. Yemen is one of the most impoverished nations in the world with over 90 percent of its food imported. The Saudi-led coalition’s (UAE, Bahrain, Morocco and Jordan) indiscriminate bombing has intensified rage against the Saudis and the U.S. and boosted support for the Houthi rebels. 

The current conflict is less to do with Yemen who are innocent victims of a regional proxy war. Yemen’s fate was sealed under the highly corrupt, oppressive rule of US backed - former President Saleh and his regime. In 2011, under US pressure, Saleh’s regime gained unprecedented blanket immunity for past war crimes. Prior to the recent hostilities, Yemen was perceived to be the "successful" Arab Spring model. Many of the regional powers have been guilty of committing the most egregious crimes, the Yemini government in exile, the Saudis and their coalition partners, the Houthis and the US which provides the Saudis with billion in weapons. including outlawed cluster bombs, and logistical intelligence The ‘terror in the skies’ hovering over Yemen - US drone strikes - has intensified anger towards the US. The drone strikes are the face of America to most Yeminis.