Rep. Ilhan Omar introduced the resolutions in an effort to hold the countries accountable for human rights abuses.
by Ken Klippenstein, The Intercept
Rep. Ilhan Omar is introducing two pieces of legislation to block U.S. arms sales to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, citing atrocities committed by both countries. The U.S. made high-profile sales to both countries in December, shoring up their offensive capabilities amid the possibility of a regional war and a growing risk of confrontation with Yemen’s Houthis.
The Saudi bill is the Minnesota progressive’s latest attempt to hold the Saudi regime to account for its sordid human rights record. It would stop the sale of aircraft support, intelligence sensors, and other materiel relied upon by the Royal Saudi Air Force amid a blockade that has devastated Yemen’s population. In December, the State Department approvedOpens in a new tab a $582 million sale to Saudi Arabia to renew its drone surveillance system.
The UAE also recently escalated its involvement in the war on Yemen, leading to Houthi rocket attacks that have eroded the sense of security the Emirati states had cultivated. Omar’s measure would prohibit the sale of high explosive rockets, radar systems, and other military equipment to the UAE. In December, the State Department approvedOpens in a new tab an $85 million sale of high explosive rockets and defense-related radar equipment to the UAE.
Recent Posts
Massive Israeli Assault on Lebanon Threatens U.S.-Iran Ceasefire
Take Action Now Over 250 people were killed in what the Israeli military said was the “largest coordinated strike” on Lebanon since March 2.By…
Is the War In Iran About to Become Apocalyptic? (w/ Trita Parsi)
Take Action Now As Trump escalates threats, oil chokepoints tighten, and talk of “total surrender” creeps toward the unthinkable, Trita Parsi warns…
White House Budget Details FBI Office Dedicated to Spying on Those Who Oppose Trump’s ‘Extremist Agenda’
Take Action Now “If your political views are practically anything other than MAGA, you’re on notice, courtesy of the FBI,” said journalist Ken…
While Distancing From AIPAC, Most 2028 Democratic Hopefuls Are Still Embracing Israel
Take Action Now In sharp contrast to confronting the immorality of arming Israel’s genocidal policies, simply promising not to take AIPAC money is…