Issues Under Fire: US, Saudis Resist Growing Calls for Ceasefire in Yemen

Issues Under Fire: US, Saudis Resist Growing Calls for Ceasefire in Yemen 

The United States may be entering dangerous waters by continuing support for Saudi Arabia's relentless air strikes in Yemen. After nearly four weeks of bombing the hell out of the Iranian backed Houthis, the Saudis suddenly and surprisingly called announced a halt to the air strikes. Many thought that was a good thing.

Unfortunately that announcement lasted less than 24 hours, as just as suddenly and surprisingly the Saudis led coalition of neighboring states resumed the air campaign. Shocking most observers of the conflict, many thought that was a senseless thing.

Saudi Arabia's stated goal of "Operation Decisive Storm" is to protect its borders, decimate the Houthi rebel's fighting capability, retake ground lost in the conflict and restore Yemen's "legitimate" government. And if that reduces Iran's influence in Yemen in anyway, all the better.

But its difficult to envision any of these goals being achieved without a massive death toll, total infrastructure devastation and untold numbers of newly created refugees. And the last thing the Middle East needs these days, is more refugees. 

For the United States to ignore Yemen's growing humanitarian crises, when China, Russia, Iran and the U.N. calls for a ceasefire, it places the United States on the opposite side of those seeking a political solution. Since the Houthis also called for a return to UN sponsored peace talks yesterday, its clear Saudi Arabia and the United States are the ones profiting from the Yemen conflict.

Rather than blockading deliveries of humanitarian aid under the guise of preventing Iranian arms shipments, the US should be seen leading the effort to provide food, shelter and medical assistance to those trapped in the chaos. 

While it was embarrassing to be kicked out of the country after praising Yemen as a model of success for U.S. counterterrorism efforts, to watch thousands die needlessly when political options are being demanded is unconscionable. Even though the United States can claim its not directly in the fight and its allies have the right to engage their regional foes as they see fit, there is always a fine line between supporting a war effort and support a war crime. 

Bottom line: If the United States don't start pressuring the Saudis to deescalate the air strikes and begin talks to stabilize Yemen, much of the carnage associated with this conflict will be leveled against the U.S.

With the air strikes starting to deliver diminishing returns against Houthi military targets, its time the Saudi led coalition curtail the military option and answer the call of those promoting immediate diplomatic and humanitarian intervention. To do otherwise will only create another Syria or worse. Podcast Below!