14 Million Yemenis and a Diplomatic Nightmare

Written By: - Date published: 8:32 am, November 16th, 2018 - 19 comments
Categories: Africa, Donald Trump, Globalisation, International, us politics - Tags:

In Yemen right now, children are living in the worst humanitarian crisis we have seen in the last 100 years. Yemen is on the brink of famine, and nearly every child in the country is in danger. There are reports that 14 million people are at risk of starvation and diseases like cholera. Children are being starved to death, suffering from disease and forced from their homes. That’s according to the United Nations arm UNICEF.

So this would be a really good time for the United States to be deploying its massive diplomatic and military weight with the two protagonists Saudi Arabia and Iran to stop this war. Except …

Except, the United States decided to unilaterally tear up the diplomatic agreement that had been forged with Iran in the previous government, in favour of massive punitive economic sanctions.

This is not a government that believes in rewarding diplomacy with further and deeper trust. So right now when it’s most needed, the United States has nothing to draw on. In fact if Iran is convinced that the U.S. aims to destroy its economy unless Iran either meets its huge demands or gives up power, it could easily decide to retaliate where they have the most influence: Iraq. I’m sure everyone remembers those pro-Iranian militias targeting U.S. troops after the 2003 war. Iraq is shaky and dependent on Iran for a lot. Tehran could easily see Washington’s fatigue with war as a good time to hit back hard.

Trump’s diplomatic stupidity has cost the U.S. diplomatic power with Iran when Yemen needs it the most.

As to Saudi Arabia, the new Democrat majority in Congress is giving more energy to opposing U.S. support for Saudi Arabia’s military in Yemen. There’s also a letter circulating from a bunch of senior ex-defence and intelligence officials stating re Yemen that the Trump administration has doubled down on support for the Saudi leadership prosecution of the war, while removing restrictions that the U.S. previously had in place. They state that’s well past time that America’s role in the war in Yemen should end.

And indeed U.S. defence officials are making tougher public stances against Saudi Arabian military action in Yemen. Somewhat. Clearly not enough to really stop the big military deals, so far.

Mohammed Ali al-Houthi, a key Houthi leader said in a Washington Post editorial on November 9th that “The United States has the clout to bring an end to the conflict – but it has decided to protect a corrupt ally.”

I think you get the point. I would hope that our own tiny voice is added, since we live and die on good diplomacy.

But President Trump hasn’t yet. What President Trump does respect however is the court of public opinion in the media. So long as mainstream media can get their cameras in there to flood the world with the moral choices that they present across every tv screen, this massive atrocity will tell him the big lesson about why diplomacy works and the effects of his foolish belligerence tearing up hard-won agreements. Access is the big IF.

Without diplomatic pressure that forms ceasefire agreements to get aid in, 14 million Yemenis have their lives at risk.

President Trump, diplomacy matters.

19 comments on “14 Million Yemenis and a Diplomatic Nightmare ”

  1. Morrissey 1

    …the two protagonists Saudi Arabia and Iran to stop this war.

    ???????

    Iran’s involvement has been massively exaggerated and exploited by Saudi/U.S./U.K. propaganda. I’m surprised, with your record, that you haven’t found a way to shoehorn in the Russians for blame on this one too.

  2. Gosman 2

    The worst humanitarian crisis we have seen in the last 100 years???

    I am sure it is pretty bad there but that might be over stating things somewhat. The last 100 years have involved some pretty appalling humanitarian situations including WWII and the horrors of Communism like the Great leap forward, the Killing fields, and Stalin’s forced collectivisation of agriculture.

    • Ad 2.1

      In Yemen.
      The post is about Yemen.
      The link was to a report about Yemen.

      Focus Gosman focus.

      • Gosman 2.1.1

        Then the statement should have been “the worst humanitarian crisis THEY have seen in the last 100 years”. Or “the worst humanitarian crisis we have seen IN YEMEN in the last 100 years”. Although I don’t even know if that is accurate or not. Yemen has seen some pretty horrible stuff over the past 100 years.

        • Ad 2.1.1.1

          “In Yemen right now,children are living in the worst humanitarian crisis we have seen in the last 100 years.”

          Correct statement backed by UN report.

          Address the post or fuck off.

        • Jack Ramaka 2.1.1.2

          Far out man ?

    • Cinny 2.2

      Gossy, currently in Yemen a child dies every ten minutes.

      In the time we can edit a comment on TS, another child over there dies.

      Six children an hour, 144 children a day, 1008 children a week…

      It’s not about the past or a competition of wording, it’s about what’s happening right now over there.

  3. Anne 3

    Unfortunately this is only the beginning. Added to the current dilemmas is the ravages of Climate Change which is going to turn the entire Middle East into a melting pot of unbelievable horror. Such an irony that the birth place of civilisation is going to be the first region in the world to be totally destroyed.

    • Draco T Bastard 3.1

      Pretty sure that there were older civilisations around that didn’t destroy everything that they touched. They were, of course, destroyed by the capitalist ‘civilisation’ of the West.

  4. Draco T Bastard 4

    Tehran could easily see Washington’s fatigue with war as a good time to hit back hard.

    1. Washington DC doesn’t have any war fatigue. The rest of the population might but Washington DC doesn’t and they will ignore the rest of the population as it always does.
    2. If Tehran invades Iraq then Washington DC will use as an excuse for all out war with Iran. The war that Washington DC and Israel have wanted ever since the Iranians kicked the US out.

    Trump’s diplomatic stupidity has cost the U.S. diplomatic power with Iran when Yemen needs it the most.

    All indications are that the US wanted to get rid of the diplomatic solution so that they could build a case for war.

    The only option is for the Democratic majority to stop the Administration starting another war. So, how is the POTUS’s power to start a war ATM? Bush jnr got the power to unilaterally start a war is that power still in place?

    Mohammed Ali al-Houthi, a key Houthi leader said in a Washington Post editorial on November 9th that “The United States has the clout to bring an end to the conflict – but it has decided to protect a corrupt ally.”

    To me it looks like some in the US administration have decided to start another war in the ME (A war with Iran) using their proxy Saudi Arabia.

    What President Trump does respect however is the court of public opinion in the media.

    Does he?
    IMO, like all RWNJs the only thing he respects is power and wealth and he sees diplomacy as being weak.

    • Jack Ramaka 4.1

      The US War Machine and the US Public are mutually exclusive.

      • Draco T Bastard 4.1.1

        No, they’re not. We know this because they exist together.

        The problem is that the private, profit driven war machine controls the US Administration and is not answerable to the US public.

  5. Bearded Git 5

    Meanwhile Trump has today leveled sanctions against 17 Saudis who killed Khashoggi.

    Big f’in deal. Tokenism.

  6. SPC 6

    What is needed is for someone to occupy the port who

    1. will enable food to come in
    2. keep weapons out

    A negotiation whereby

    A

    1. the armed Houthi leave the port
    2. Saudi Arabia stops bombing the port area

    The question is who occupies the port – given the Arab region wide division, probably a UN force.

    B

    1. Armed Houthi leave a range of areas
    2. All Saudi Arabia bombing stops
    3. All external combatants leave

CommentsOpinions

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

FeedsPartyGovtMedia

  • New report shows improvements in air quality

    The latest report from the Ministry for the Environment (MfE) and Stats NZ, Our air 2024, reveals that overall air quality in New Zealand is improving, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds and Statistics Minister Andrew Bayly say. “Air pollution levels have decreased in many parts of the country. New Zealand is ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    41 mins ago
  • New Zealand Climate Change Ambassador appointed

    Climate Change Minister Simon Watts has announced the appointment of Stuart Horne as New Zealand’s Climate Change Ambassador. “I am pleased to welcome someone of Stuart’s calibre to this important role, given his expertise in foreign policy, trade, and economics, along with strong business connections,” Mr Watts says. “Stuart’s understanding ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 hour ago
  • Plunket to help increase childhood vaccination rates

    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti and Associate Health Minister Casey Costello have announced a pilot to increase childhood immunisations, by training the Whānau Āwhina Plunket workforce as vaccinators in locations where vaccine coverage is particularly low.  The Government is investing up to $1 million for Health New Zealand to partner ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 hours ago
  • Holding careless builders accountable

    The Government is looking at strengthening requirements for building professionals, including penalties, to ensure Kiwis have confidence in their biggest asset, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says “The Government is taking decisive action to make building easier and more affordable. If we want to tackle our chronic undersupply of houses ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    17 hours ago
  • Further action to tackle driver licence wait times

    The Government is taking further action to tackle the unacceptable wait times facing people trying to sit their driver licence test by temporarily extending the amount of time people can drive on overseas licences from 12 months to 18 months, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The previous government removed fees for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    21 hours ago
  • Strengthened cyber security support for New Zealand businesses

    The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring New Zealand is a safe and secure place to do business with the launch of new cyber security resources, Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Andrew Bayly says. “Cyber security is crucial for businesses, but it’s often discounted for more immediate business concerns. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    21 hours ago
  • Apprenticeship Boost targets key occupations

    Investment in Apprenticeship Boost will prioritise critical industries and targeted occupations that are essential to addressing New Zealand’s skills shortages and rebuilding the economy, Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds and Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston say. “By focusing Apprenticeship Boost on first-year apprentices in targeted occupations, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Funding boost to reduce wait times at Palmerston North ED

    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has announced a funding boost for Palmerston North ED to reduce wait times and improve patient safety and care, as well as new national standards for moving acute patients through hospitals. “Wait times in emergency departments have deteriorated over the past six years and Palmerston ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Funding boost to reduce wait times at Palmerston North ED

    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has announced a funding boost for Palmerston North ED to reduce wait times and improve patient safety and care, as well as new national standards for moving acute patients through hospitals. “Wait times in emergency departments have deteriorated over the past six years and Palmerston ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Significant investment for affordable housing with Waikato-Tainui

    Mehemea he pai mō te tangata, mahia! If it’s good for the people, get on with it! A $35 million Government investment will enable the delivery of 100 affordable rental homes in partnership with Waikato-Tainui, Associate Minister of Housing Tama Potaka says. Investment for the partnership, signed and announced today ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Unlocking the potential of ethnic businesses

    This week’s inaugural Ethnic Xchange Symposium will explore the role that ethnic communities and businesses can play in rebuilding New Zealand’s economy, Ethnic Communities Minister Melissa Lee says. “One of my top priorities as Minister is unlocking the economic potential of New Zealand’s ethnic businesses,” says Ms Lee. “Ethnic communities ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • New Zealand marks anniversary of 7 October

    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters are renewing New Zealand’s calls for restraint and de-escalation, on the first anniversary of the 7 October terrorist attacks on Israel. “New Zealand was horrified by the monstrous actions of Hamas against Israel a year ago today,” Mr Luxon says. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Iwi-led and partnered projects among those referred for Fast Track approval

    Kia uru kahikatea te tū.  Projects referred for Fast-Track approval will help supercharge the Māori economy and realise the huge potential of Iwi and Māori assets, Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka says. Following robust and independent review, the Government has today announced 149 projects that have significant regional or national ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Fast-track to boost renewable electricity

    The Fast-track Approvals Bill will list 22 renewable electricity projects with a combined capacity of 3 Gigawatts, which will help secure a clean, reliable and affordable supply of electricity across New Zealand, Energy Minister Simeon Brown says. “The Government has a goal of doubling New Zealand’s renewable electricity generation. The 22 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Fast-track to drive transport projects forward

    The Government has enabled fast-track consenting for 29 critical road, rail, and port projects across New Zealand to deliver these priority projects faster and boost economic growth, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “New Zealand has an infrastructure deficit, and our Government is working to fix it. Delivering the transport infrastructure Kiwis ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Fast-track projects released

    The 149 projects released today for inclusion in the Government’s one-stop-shop Fast Track Approvals Bill will help rebuild the economy and fix our housing crisis, improve energy security, and address our infrastructure deficit, Minister for Infrastructure Chris Bishop says. “The 149 projects selected by the Government have significant regional or ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Ruakākā recreation centre opened

    A new multi-purpose recreation centre will provide a valuable wellbeing hub for residents and visitors to Ruakākā in Northland, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. The Ruakākā Recreation Centre, officially opened today, includes separate areas for a gymnasium, a community health space and meeting rooms made possible with support of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Extra Government support for farmers and growers in Southland and parts of Otago

    Agriculture Minister Todd McClay, and Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson announced up to $50,000 in additional Government support for farmers and growers across Southland and parts of Otago as challenging spring weather conditions have been classified a medium-scale adverse event. “The relentless wet weather has been tough on farmers and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Government welcomes move to delay EU Deforestation Regulation

    Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay today welcomed a move by the European Commission to delay the implementation of the European Union’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) by 12 months, describing the proposal as a pragmatic step that will provide much-needed certainty for New Zealand exporters and ensure over $200 million in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Response to Ministerial Inquiry into School Property

    The Government is taking decisive action in response to the Ministerial Inquiry into School Property, which concludes the way school property is delivered is not fit for purpose. “The school property portfolio is worth $30 billion, and it’s critically important it’s managed properly. This Government is taking a series of immediate actions ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • New Government support for residential construction market announced

    The Government has announced a new support programme for the residential construction market while the economy recovers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop and Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk say.    “We know the residential development sector is vulnerable to economic downturns. The lead time for building houses is typically 18 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • New appointment to the EPA board

    Environment Minister Penny Simmonds has confirmed the final appointee to the refreshed Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) board. “I am pleased to welcome Brett O’Riley to the EPA board,” Ms Simmonds says. “Brett is a seasoned business advisor with a long and distinguished career across the technology, tourism, and sustainable business ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Strengthening resilience with critical road improvement projects

    The Government has approved a $226.2 million package of resilience improvement projects for state highways and local roads across the country that will reduce the impact of severe weather events and create a more resilient and efficient road network, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Our Government is committed to delivering ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Doubling road rehabilitation this summer to prevent potholes

    Kiwis will see fewer potholes on our roads with road rehabilitation set to more than double through the summer road maintenance programme to ensure that our roads are maintained to a safe and reliable standard, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Increasing productivity to help rebuild our economy is a key ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Sir Jerry Mateparae appointed in Bougainville post-referendum moderator role

    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has welcomed the announcement of Sir Jerry Mateparae as an independent moderator, to work with the Government of Papua New Guinea and the Autonomous Bougainville Government in resolving outstanding issues on Bougainville’s future.    “New Zealand is an enduring friend to Papua New Guinea and the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Latest census data highlights New Zealand’s growing ethnic diversity

    The latest 2023 Census results released today further highlight New Zealand’s growing ethnic and cultural diversity, says Ethnic Communities Minister Melissa Lee. “Today’s census results are further evidence of the increasingly diverse nature of our population. It’s something that should be celebrated and also serve as a reminder of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • FamilyBoost payments make ECE more affordable

    Parents and caregivers are now able to claim for FamilyBoost, which provides low-to-middle-income families with young children payments to help them meet early childhood education (ECE) costs.  “FamilyBoost is one of the ways we are supporting families with young children who are struggling with the cost of living, by helping ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • South Pacific defence meeting fosters collaboration

    This week’s South Pacific Defence Ministers’ Meeting (SPDMM) has concluded with a renewed commitment to regional security of all types, Defence Minister Judith Collins says. Defence Ministers and senior civilian and military officials from Australia, Chile, Fiji, France, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Tonga gathered in Auckland to discuss defence and security cooperation in the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Minister welcomes larger Police recruitment wings

    Associate Police Minister Casey Costello has welcomed the Police announcement that recruitment wings at the Police College will be expanded to 100 recruits next year. “This is good news on two fronts – it reflects the fact that more and more New Zealanders are valuing policing and seeing it as ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Speech to the Minerals West Coast Forum

    Introduction Good morning! What a pleasure to be back in the stunning West Coast at one of my favourite events in the calendar.  Every time I come back here, I’m reminded of the Coast’s natural beauty, valuable resources, and great people. Yet, every time I come back here, I’m also ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Positive progress on Government health targets

    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti welcomes new data from Health New Zealand, saying it demonstrates encouraging progress against the Government’s health targets.  Health New Zealand’s quarterly report for the quarter to 30 June will be used as the baseline for reporting against the Government’s five health targets, which came into ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Supporting better access to data for Kiwis

    The launch of a new data tool will provide Kiwis with better access to important data, Statistics Minister Andrew Bayly says.  “To grow our economy and improve productivity we must adopt smarter ways of working, which means taking a more data driven approach to decision-making.  “As Statistics Minister one of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Progressing remote building inspections

    The Government is progressing plans to increase the use of remote inspections to make the building and consenting process more efficient and affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says.  “We know that the building and construction sector suffers from a lack of innovation. According to a recent report, productivity ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • PPTA accepts charter schools

    Associate Education Minister David Seymour welcomes the PPTA putting a proposal to members at its annual conference to change its constitution and allow membership of teachers who work in charter schools. “The PPTA has had a come to Jesus moment on charter schools. This is a major departure from the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • New TAIC Chief Commissioner appointed

    David Clarke has been announced as the Chief Commissioner of the Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC). David Clarke is a barrister specialising in corporate and commercial law and he has over 20 years experience in governance roles in commercial, public and charitable sectors. He also is a current TAIC Commissioner. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Government secures market access for blueberries to Korea

    The Government has secured market access for New Zealand blueberries to Korea, unlocking an estimated $5 million in annual export opportunities for Kiwi growers Minister for Trade and Agriculture Todd McClay today announced.  “This is a win for our exporters and builds on our successful removal of $190 million in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • South Pacific Defence Ministers meet in Auckland

    Partnership and looking to the future are key themes as Defence Ministers from across the South Pacific discuss regional security challenges in Auckland today, Defence Minister Judith Collins says. The South Pacific Defence Ministers’ Meeting (SPDMM) brings together Defence Ministers, Chiefs of Defence and Secretaries of Defence from New Zealand, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Keytruda, CGMs, and FamilyBoost welcomed

    In a triple whammy of good news, 1 October heralds the beginning of the funding of two major health products and a welcome contribution to early childhood fees, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says. “Keytruda is the first drug to be funded and made available from the $604 million boost we ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Children’s Unit opens at Rotorua Hospital

    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti today opened the refurbished Children’s Unit at Rotorua Hospital, which will provide young patients and their families in the Lakes District with a safe, comfortable and private space to receive care.  “The opening of this unit is a significant milestone in our commitment to improving ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Minor variations no longer major problem

    It is now easier to make small changes to building plans without having to apply for a building consent amendment, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Previously builders who wanted to make a minor change, for example substituting one type of product for another, or changing the layout of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-10-08T22:25:59+00:00