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
Nuclear Powers Spend Record Billions on Weapons While Hunger and Climate Needs Go Unmet
Take Action Now The United States accounted for more than half of global nuclear weapons spending in 2025 as watchdogs warn of a growing arms race,…
Daniel Ellsberg vs. “Ordinary Insanity”
Take Action Now A new documentary issues an urgent warning about our dangerous nuclear delusions.By Norman Solomon, The Nation A few days before…
House Rejects Ro Khanna’s Effort to Block U.S.-Israel Military Integration
Take Action Now Khanna introduced an amendment to strike down the proposal on Thursday, but was met with widespread opposition.By Shireen…
The Spectre of Gen Z Socialism is Haunting the World … According to the Economist
Take Action Now The magazine writes: ‘Resisting Gen-Z socialism is therefore an urgent task.’ That urgency must outweigh any urgency of feeding…