Sen. Sanders Withdraws Yemen War Powers Resolution

Improve the News Foundation -

Facts

  • US Sen. Bernie Sanders (D-Vt.) withdrew his request to vote on the Yemen War Powers Resolution on Tuesday, citing White House opposition. The resolution would have forced the US government to cease its support for the war in Yemen.
  • The White House was reportedly pressuring senators to vote against the resolution, with presidential aides making it clear that Pres. Joe Biden “strongly opposed” the bill and would veto it if it made it to his desk.
  • In a statement, Sanders said he would work with the Biden admin. to reach an agreement on ending the war, and if no agreement is reached he'll "bring this resolution back for a vote in the near future and do everything possible to end this horrific conflict.”
  • This comes as the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) released a report on Monday stating that more than 11K children have been killed or maimed in Yemen's civil war since it began in late 2014.
  • In his first month as president, Biden ceased US aid for Saudi-led operations in Yemen, but the US allegedly continues to sell weapons to Saudi Arabia and share intelligence.
  • Over the past summer, a war powers resolution introduced by Sanders in the Senate and House representatives sought to end US intelligence sharing, direct military personnel, and logistical support for Saudi-led forces.

Sources: AntiWar, Intercept, Common Dreams, Improve the News, and Hill.

Narratives

  • Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by FT. Saudi Arabia is a valuable ally, and the US must keep supporting Riyadh against the Iran-backed Houthis, who are a terrorist organization. Even though the Saudis have met some of the Houthis’ demands, the rebels won’t let up, leaving the Saudis with no choice but to continue their efforts. Ideally, the US can help the Saudis win the war while also doing a better job of focusing on military targets and being open about any mistakes they make.
  • Establishment-critical narrative, as provided by CounterPunch. The time to act to stop the inhumane suffering in Yemen is now. The Saudis and Emiratis are conducting war crimes and the Houthis' resistance is just as legitimate as the resistance in Ukraine. Biden’s previous moves to resist Saudi intervention didn't have their desired effect, and at this point, the Saudis have given him every reason to oppose their efforts strongly. US support for this proxy war must stop.