This is a very confusing situation.
8
The best way for us to stabilize the region is to bring in more military, more ships and much more armament. Besides, think of all the money we can make by selling even more guns. Funny, our current government wants fewer guns in America. If it's a bad idea for Americans to have more guns, why are we literally making the middle east awash in weaponry?
20
By immediately siding with and assisting Saudi Arabia in its military intervention in Yemen, the U.S. has become involved in yet another undeclared war while Congress sleeps. I may have voted for President Obama (twice), but now by sending nine U.S. war ships into the Gulf of Aden as part of a naval blockade against an approaching Iranian convoy that may or may not be carrying surface-to-air missiles the President has clearly exceeded his authority. This is mystifying behavior by our supposedly "anti-war" President and risks creating another "Tonkin Gulf incident" that could explode into a major Middle East war involving Saudi Arabia and Iran. One can only wonder where all those anti-Obama Republicans are when "We, the People" really need them?
14
America is desparate for another war. Our economy depends on it. Elect another republican for president and our children will be fighting in Iran.
25
How many irons do we currently have in the fire, and how many of the fires have we stoked to a point where many will soon burn as one, eventually engulfing the region in the kind of conflict that will require massive American intervention with colossal quantities of munitions, equipment and troops, the long sought goal of an avaricious military industrial complex intent on dominance of the region through whatever means possible.
Any other observation, after watching and studying the players for the last forty years, is foolishness.
Is there a solution ?? Of course there is, but as long as the United States and its two main proxis, Saudi Arabia, and Israel, control and manipulate the deck, peace is anathema to the end game.
Weaponry in storage houses makes no money, slows down further production, and must be used to sate the all consuming avaricious of this alliance.
Any other observation, after watching and studying the players for the last forty years, is foolishness.
Is there a solution ?? Of course there is, but as long as the United States and its two main proxis, Saudi Arabia, and Israel, control and manipulate the deck, peace is anathema to the end game.
Weaponry in storage houses makes no money, slows down further production, and must be used to sate the all consuming avaricious of this alliance.
22
And were "negotiating " with the Islamic Republic of IRAN" ? To give them more economic fire power and nuclear weapons capability.. Mr Obama needs lots of help and a epiphany in foreign policy. I recommend reading of history ,and a Milton Bradley board game Stratego , before any further " adventures" !!
2
The poor Yemeni's... They have Saudi bombers overhead, American warships in their waters, Egypt troops amassing nearby, Iran's guns and butter to eat, and no substantive humanitarian assistance from any great nation. I have no respect for nations that would use another country to play out their geopolitical and religious discord.
I want my country sending humanitarian assistance, not warships. Also, the U.N. needs to figure out how to act rather than issuing repeated warnings about the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding.
I want my country sending humanitarian assistance, not warships. Also, the U.N. needs to figure out how to act rather than issuing repeated warnings about the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding.
17
Look around, sending humanitarian aid is a death sentence. We should STAT OUT of the middle east.
5
Why are we so reluctant to check facts? Just look at the map and see how on earth (or on sea) can Iran send weapons to Yemen. Yemen is surrounded by Saudi Arabia and GCC countries in the North and by the US Fifth fleet in the South. During recent history Saudi Arabia has been treating Yemen as a colony and for decades has been spreading its fanatical Wahhabi Sunni ideology and persecuting the Zaydi Shiites (40% of the population) who traditionally have been much closer to moderate Yemeni Sunnis than to Iranian Shias.
The conflict in Yemen is a civil war between forces supported by Saudi Arabia to suppress the uprising in Yemen that has been going on since 2011 and the Houthis and the forces loyal to the former President Salih who are fighting the few supporters of Saudi puppet Hadi whose term of office ended two years ago. Even Saudi ally Pakistan refused to join the phony Saudi coalition against the Yemeni people.
Only yesterday American officials revealed that Iran had warned the Houthis against Yemen takeover. Saudi Arabia is fighting an aggressive war to put down people’s demands, as she did in Bahrain. Saudi and other Medieval Persian Gulf monarchies are on the wrong side of history. It is unwise for the US as a democratic country to support these corrupt autocratic rulers who are on their way out.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/04/20/iran-houthis-yemen_n_7101456.ht...
The conflict in Yemen is a civil war between forces supported by Saudi Arabia to suppress the uprising in Yemen that has been going on since 2011 and the Houthis and the forces loyal to the former President Salih who are fighting the few supporters of Saudi puppet Hadi whose term of office ended two years ago. Even Saudi ally Pakistan refused to join the phony Saudi coalition against the Yemeni people.
Only yesterday American officials revealed that Iran had warned the Houthis against Yemen takeover. Saudi Arabia is fighting an aggressive war to put down people’s demands, as she did in Bahrain. Saudi and other Medieval Persian Gulf monarchies are on the wrong side of history. It is unwise for the US as a democratic country to support these corrupt autocratic rulers who are on their way out.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/04/20/iran-houthis-yemen_n_7101456.ht...
19
Since, WWI, the USA has been involved in maintaining hegemony when it comes to the access to oil. A cartel has built up around this, which now is outliving its usefulness. Oil is still a necessary component to winning a war, but for living our lives, it is not so much in the near future. We should be concentrating much more on renewable energies as the rest of the world is doing. This would significantly reduce our need for oil. It is likely we have the technology right now to win wars without oil. But the old cartel of weapons manufacturers, fossil fuel interests and banking, which hold lots of interests in oil and arms sales, continue to throttle any meaningful progress toward peace. Think of the innocents. Why must we keep on investing in this? Two world wars over it and the present conflagration is enough. Let's be done with it.
8
With a nuclear Iran, the US Navy will likely be expanding the Sixth Fleet to about the size of the entire US Navy today. But not to worry, taxes won't go up for that purpose just yet.
Meanwhile, the lame duck Administration in Washington continues to negotiate a capitulation that will allow itself to, more or less, bloodlessly wash their hands of the entire mess in January 2017, when they leave office.
After that, it's their successor's problem. And where have we seen this before?
Meanwhile, the lame duck Administration in Washington continues to negotiate a capitulation that will allow itself to, more or less, bloodlessly wash their hands of the entire mess in January 2017, when they leave office.
After that, it's their successor's problem. And where have we seen this before?
3
The message from south yemen and especially Aden is quite simple. Thank you saudi arabia and continue to pound the houthis who instead of fighting the saudis from their home in the north decided to come down south to invade and murder adenis.
1
The hypocrisy is so obvious and appalling. Mr. Earnest is claiming that Iran's support of the Houthi is destabilizing, while the US is providing logistical and intelligence support to Saudi Arabia, which is carrying out a massive bombing campaign against the people living in Yemen, causing massive displacement of ordinary working people. How can the US do this with a straight face?
16
Easy, they've been doing it for decades, and with a worldwide media fully complicit, the masses can be made to believe almost anything.
Keep them fed and oblivious with the mind numbing drivel that passes for entertainment, and the possibilities are endless.
Keep them fed and oblivious with the mind numbing drivel that passes for entertainment, and the possibilities are endless.
9
Easy, America is making money from it.
9
We need to stop fighting Saudia Arabia's wars!
The first Pershing Gulf War, or Operation Desert Storm, wasn't our fight back in 1991. It was Kuwait's and Saudia Arabia's fight with Iraq not ours. It's was because of oil and the ties between the House of Saud and the House of Bush that we got involved in that war.
Now almost 25 years later, now after 2 Iraq Wars and a 3rd Iraq War brewing, we are still wrongly fighting Saudia Arabia's wars.
We just marked the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War. The Vietnam War was a war that we never should have started, a war we lost, a war in which more that 50,000 American soldiers died with tens of thousands more wounded, cost our tax payers billions, and absolutely nothing was achieved or won!
We never learned our lessons from Vietnam and both Republicans and Democrats have been misrepresenting that somehow for the past 25 years Iraq and Islamist militants require us to wage war after war in the Middle East to protect us here in America.
I feel less safe today than I did right after the murderous Islamist attacks on September 11th!
We just can't keep bombing and killing citizens of the Middle East nations for 25 years, destroying their homes, businesses and economies and not expect reprisals and further attacks.
Stop our insanity and fighting in the Middle East. It's a failed policy and its been failed wars.
And if we have to fight there to put an end to terrorism, then I say fight a real war, just like in WWII and end it!
The first Pershing Gulf War, or Operation Desert Storm, wasn't our fight back in 1991. It was Kuwait's and Saudia Arabia's fight with Iraq not ours. It's was because of oil and the ties between the House of Saud and the House of Bush that we got involved in that war.
Now almost 25 years later, now after 2 Iraq Wars and a 3rd Iraq War brewing, we are still wrongly fighting Saudia Arabia's wars.
We just marked the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War. The Vietnam War was a war that we never should have started, a war we lost, a war in which more that 50,000 American soldiers died with tens of thousands more wounded, cost our tax payers billions, and absolutely nothing was achieved or won!
We never learned our lessons from Vietnam and both Republicans and Democrats have been misrepresenting that somehow for the past 25 years Iraq and Islamist militants require us to wage war after war in the Middle East to protect us here in America.
I feel less safe today than I did right after the murderous Islamist attacks on September 11th!
We just can't keep bombing and killing citizens of the Middle East nations for 25 years, destroying their homes, businesses and economies and not expect reprisals and further attacks.
Stop our insanity and fighting in the Middle East. It's a failed policy and its been failed wars.
And if we have to fight there to put an end to terrorism, then I say fight a real war, just like in WWII and end it!
7
I have no doubt that - given the choice in a referendum - Yemen would choose the Houthi's over Hadi. Hadi has proved himself an incapable ruler and has lost all credibility he had left by inviting a foreign invasion. All he has left is trying to fan sectarian sentiments in order to justify his claims to power. Doing so he is hugely damaging his country.
In the meantime it looks like Obama has forgotten that global leadership by the US can only work when it has a moral foundation. I see a steady increase of people who see the US as an evil empire that is only interested in the interests of its 1%. This doesn't bode well for the future.
In the meantime it looks like Obama has forgotten that global leadership by the US can only work when it has a moral foundation. I see a steady increase of people who see the US as an evil empire that is only interested in the interests of its 1%. This doesn't bode well for the future.
14
you really don't know much. Houthis are a minority within a minority. They can't impose their will on the north much less the hostile south.
4
sunni and shia are muslims who share largly common tenets. To portray these conflicts as sectarian is mere propaganda by vested parties jockeying for power and control. This is politics using religion to decieve, devide and rule. The countless armed groups at each other throats literally are as muslim as the devil. I am not singling any group. Muslims are prohibited from fighting each others and prohibited from fighting non muslims too except to defend themselves
1
The Sunni and Shiia muslims have a significant difference since the death of the prophet Mohammed. Your assertion of "politics using religion to deceive,divide and rule" is incorrect. Although Sunnis and Shiites share Islam's articles of faith and fundamental beliefs, their schism has existed since the death of the Prophet. Sunnis make up over 85% of all the muslims.
3
We are involved in too many wars being conducted through surrogates. Too often, these surrogates are not reliable. Sometimes, they are duplicitous. They may also be using us with a hidden agenda. We need a clear, coherent, and understandable foreign policy that we apply uniformly and predictably that we are willing to enforce when necessary to make it meaningful and effective.
3
Is Iran more like the Russia which has long understood that it may pursue its interests, but its interests do not extend to nuclear first strike? Or is it more like North Korea, an unstable country run by madmen who likely lack such an understanding? A government run by, or hostage to, religious fanatics tends toward the unstable because "higher values" may trump the secular value of the preservation of the natural world.
Iran is a dry run for China, which is watching closely. It's one thing to back out of the mess that Bush and Cheney made of Iraq, not to battle on the ground a bunch of madmen videotaping their beheading of innocents in the name of their supreme being, or not to pursue a band of murderous pedophiles through the outreaches of Nigeria. With the knowledge that we cannot be the world's policeman will come the knowledge that we cannot be the world's conscience either. China seems to get this.
But, despite the presence of the Wahabbists, Saudi Arabia has been our loyal ally. If the Houthi rebels prevail in Yemen, they or their affiliates will take the religious and petro resources of Saudi Arabia, and Shiites will control much of the Mideast oil.
Ult, it is Iran that supports the Houthi rebels or tries the Washington Post bureau chief on trumped up charges. With oil and, soon, nuclear weapons, Iran must be kept weak and in our crosshairs until its govt frees itself from zealotry. If we yield now to Iran, we shall face bigger problems later with China.
Iran is a dry run for China, which is watching closely. It's one thing to back out of the mess that Bush and Cheney made of Iraq, not to battle on the ground a bunch of madmen videotaping their beheading of innocents in the name of their supreme being, or not to pursue a band of murderous pedophiles through the outreaches of Nigeria. With the knowledge that we cannot be the world's policeman will come the knowledge that we cannot be the world's conscience either. China seems to get this.
But, despite the presence of the Wahabbists, Saudi Arabia has been our loyal ally. If the Houthi rebels prevail in Yemen, they or their affiliates will take the religious and petro resources of Saudi Arabia, and Shiites will control much of the Mideast oil.
Ult, it is Iran that supports the Houthi rebels or tries the Washington Post bureau chief on trumped up charges. With oil and, soon, nuclear weapons, Iran must be kept weak and in our crosshairs until its govt frees itself from zealotry. If we yield now to Iran, we shall face bigger problems later with China.
7
Great case in point for a nuclear Iran...what would happen in the event of instability either within the government or general factional interests in the area? Would the Iranians sell nuclear secrets to other organizations and would we fall prey to the same post cold war sale of arms and warheads as was always the case in certain regions of the world??
1
What kind of friends are we, if we don't help Saudi Arabia, as they face existential threat in Yemen and Evil Iran? Good friends don't wait to be asked, good friends show up and take care of business. As we should.
What that means is this. We should send about 300,000 troops, and about 100,000 American-trained administrators (I am assuming about half of them highly trained, talented women) to take over Saudi Arabia (to preserve peace), and provide safe passage to the 6000 royals to Switzerland or other places where they are welcome (to keep them safe). We must send the Pakistani troops permanently stationed there - home (destabilizing influence). And we must so do to save this dear friend (from Evil Iran).
Lest we forget, it is not that we care about ordinary Saudis. We must keep the Saudi royals safe. They are good friends of our own oligarchs (Bushes), and the anointed dauphin (Jeb). The roots of the great religion of peace lie there, and we must do everything we can to preserve it exactly the way it is, lest it is destroyed by Iran.
Once we have saved Saudi Arabia, we can focus on taking care of our friends including the Emirates and Pakistan (who have tirelessly aided and abetted peace-loving freedom fighters the world over). Why? Because they too are under threat from Evil Iran.
Shame on us if we do not act now and help out our good friends and allies in their hour of need.
Kalidan.
What that means is this. We should send about 300,000 troops, and about 100,000 American-trained administrators (I am assuming about half of them highly trained, talented women) to take over Saudi Arabia (to preserve peace), and provide safe passage to the 6000 royals to Switzerland or other places where they are welcome (to keep them safe). We must send the Pakistani troops permanently stationed there - home (destabilizing influence). And we must so do to save this dear friend (from Evil Iran).
Lest we forget, it is not that we care about ordinary Saudis. We must keep the Saudi royals safe. They are good friends of our own oligarchs (Bushes), and the anointed dauphin (Jeb). The roots of the great religion of peace lie there, and we must do everything we can to preserve it exactly the way it is, lest it is destroyed by Iran.
Once we have saved Saudi Arabia, we can focus on taking care of our friends including the Emirates and Pakistan (who have tirelessly aided and abetted peace-loving freedom fighters the world over). Why? Because they too are under threat from Evil Iran.
Shame on us if we do not act now and help out our good friends and allies in their hour of need.
Kalidan.
9
For weeks now, US delivered weapons used by a US supported Saudi army and airforce struck at Yemeni civilian targets and kill scores of civilians.
Is this the famous "We the US and our allies will bring you democracy at all cost" at work?
Is this the famous "We the US and our allies will bring you democracy at all cost" at work?
5
If Iran values the legitimacy of stability in the region,not to mention the benefits of the good opinion of the United States,at this crucial crucial time,she will desist all chaotic insurgencies,at least temporarily.I add the qualifier 'temporarily,for the simple reason that America must know the consequences of any military interdiction as well any Iranian motivation to provoke such.Why would Iran potentially jeopardize 'everything,to intervene in Yemen?A confrontation with America puts Irans' interests at risk vis a' vis the Nuclear talks and Sanction relaxation.Is it worth it,for them and 'us?
Kiss that Grand Bargain Obama had so hoped would temporarily curb Iran's nuclear aspirations good-bye. There isn't going to be a treaty signing this June that's for sure.
4
Obama seems determined to sign some kind of "agreement" in June, even if he has to sign for both sides, himself.
4
It may seem like a Sunni/Shiite war with Iran arming the Houthis and Saudi leading the Gulf States coalition, but if the Houthis accepted to live under the rule of Saudi Arabia quietly there would be no problem at all, even if they are Shiites. On the other hand, it is natural of Iran to arm the Houthis to maintain power balance in the region, not because they are Shiites. Remember, Iran armed the Sunni-Hamas during the Israeli attack on Gaza. Middle East conflicts are ALL about power and/or people's rights, nothing to do with being Sunni or Shiite. If you accept autocratic govs, you'll be safe.
2
Maybe our Commander in Chief finally waking up at last and he's beginning to realize that Iran can't be trusted. Iran is on a deadly mission to conquer the Persian Gulf and the Middle East. Why can't you lefties who form the "Iran can do no wrong" chorus understand that Iran is a really dangerous country which is the ultimate threat to what passes for peace in an already unstable region. The Iranian foreign minister shamelessly pleads on the Times OP Ed section that its nuclear progam is meant solely for peaceful endeavors after it seized control of Yemen by arming Houthi rebels. Yet, as usual, everything is America's fault.
7
Iran's role in Yemen is like US and Saudi's role in Syria, US is helping ISIS in Yemen and Syria while opposing it in Iraq same as Saudis. and Iran is opposing ISIS in Iraq and Syria while supporting Houthis in Yemen simultaneously. this is all about power not even Shiite or Sunni and US is playing a huge role in stirring up the conflicts in the region. all the parts are chasing their own interest and doing what ever it cost to get what they want. lack of diplomacy between Iran-US and Iran-Arabs is a historical problem since the 1979 Iranian revolution. and the recently nuclear negotiations might help to solve this vacuum. all parts have to consider this opportunity, I hope the next US presidential election winner would be a democrat to help this trend of negotiations. Diplomacy will help all the countries to understand what they really want and what has to be done to achieve it, otherwise we give the control of event into the hand of terrorism.
2
Why is it wrong for Iran to arm Yemen's Houthis but okay for America and its Arab allies to supply Syria's rebels?
Will the blockade even work or is it just for show? Yemen has such a long coastline that even with a fleet of warships on patrol, smugglers can still easily slip through.
Does America's participation mean that the Saudis are serious about a ground invasion of Yemen? It will not be hard for the Saudis to take the major towns and cities like Sanaa and Aden but rooting the Houthis out of their strongholds in the hills would be a different matter.
Yet another tragedy unfolds in the Middle East. For as long as I can remember, the news has always been full of the wars and rebellions in the Middle East and I am sick of it. After Yemen, the next country to fall apart is likely to be Turkey as the Kurds press for statehood.
No matter what is done, peace and stability just cannot be found in the region.
Who is to blame?
Will the blockade even work or is it just for show? Yemen has such a long coastline that even with a fleet of warships on patrol, smugglers can still easily slip through.
Does America's participation mean that the Saudis are serious about a ground invasion of Yemen? It will not be hard for the Saudis to take the major towns and cities like Sanaa and Aden but rooting the Houthis out of their strongholds in the hills would be a different matter.
Yet another tragedy unfolds in the Middle East. For as long as I can remember, the news has always been full of the wars and rebellions in the Middle East and I am sick of it. After Yemen, the next country to fall apart is likely to be Turkey as the Kurds press for statehood.
No matter what is done, peace and stability just cannot be found in the region.
Who is to blame?
send all the boats you want. the world knows obama will not do anything.
Remember the RED LINE in Syria, 100's of thousand dead. Remember the Ukrane? opbama is "feckless",Period!
Remember the RED LINE in Syria, 100's of thousand dead. Remember the Ukrane? opbama is "feckless",Period!
5
To back away from Saudi Arabia now would jeopardize the agreement formalized by Kerry with Saudi Arabia in late 2014 whereby Saudi over-production of oil is the economic weapon driving down oil prices and crippling Russia's export income. That the US should find itself now in league with Al Qaeda is irrelevant to those who decide US foreign policy. This is a war against Russia and the Saudi's have allowed themselves to become the turf where the Superpowers fight it out.
3
As much as Sunnis and Shias hate one another, they hate us more. We win only more hatred for ourselves by this action.
We had no role to play in the internecine conflict in Vietnam. We have none to play in this one.
We had no role to play in the internecine conflict in Vietnam. We have none to play in this one.
5
A fifth of the world's proven oil reserves weren't located in either South or North Vietnam. Or in Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand, either.
They most certainly are in Sunni Saudi Arabia, now directly threatened by Shia Iran's clients.
They most certainly are in Sunni Saudi Arabia, now directly threatened by Shia Iran's clients.
This provocative action is only going to fire up Iran's nuclear ambitions. We already have the awkward spectacle of the Israel PM’s duplicitous attack on an agreement with Iran to restrict its atomic energy program to peaceful objectives when Israel itself has a covert arsenal of at least 200 nuclear weapons, won’t sign the NPT and refuses to join the IAEA. This blatant show of force only aggravates this sitation.
5
So, what you are saying, Mr. Townsend, is that, in the face of Iran's expansionist moves towards regional hegemony, all attempts to oppose such an eventuality are somehow wrong.
Ironic that the aircraft carrier, Theodore Roosevelt, is on its way to the Mideast. I wonder what TR would think of appeasing Iran!
2
The official argument of the US makes no sense, as the faction that is producing violence and danger is Saudi Arabia. Contrary to one comment above, I believe it is not Saudi running US' s proxy war, but America being drawn as Saudian's employees. Saudis, Al Qaeda, Emiratis and the US are de facto allies against a tribe that has tried to persuade the West of its desire to negotiate peace. Now, Saudis bomb civilians and, yesterday cynically declared they would fund UN aid to the victims.
I am sorry to witness the US and, in a less flagrant way, France, engage in a strategically wrong direction not to mention the humanitarian side of it
I am sorry to witness the US and, in a less flagrant way, France, engage in a strategically wrong direction not to mention the humanitarian side of it
4
So, condo, we should abandon the sunni Saudi's because they pretend to be our friends, while aiding and abetting our enemies? OK.
But why should be embrace the shia Iranians? Because they pretend to be our enemies, but in fact want to be our friends?
You know the old saying, with friends like these, who needs enemies?
But also, and perhaps most specifically applying to the Middle East, with enemies like these, who needs them to pretend to be friends?
But why should be embrace the shia Iranians? Because they pretend to be our enemies, but in fact want to be our friends?
You know the old saying, with friends like these, who needs enemies?
But also, and perhaps most specifically applying to the Middle East, with enemies like these, who needs them to pretend to be friends?
So let me get this straight; people think Iran has a bunch of ships, that everybody knows about, and they are planning to use them to smuggle arms to the Houthis?
That is the dumbest idea I've heard in a while. On one hand, many give Iran all sorts of credit for being able to allegedly fool 6 countries to get a deal and sanctions lifted.
On the other, they are allegedly stupid enough to try and arm the Houthis while 200 Saudi aircraft, and dozens of warships are patrolling the area.
Just ;like in Yemen itself, Iran is doing nothing more than tweaking Saudis nose. No proof has been offered of any Iranian military support for the Houthis. The US says they know all about it, yet have offered no proof that it exists. Sort of like WMD's all over again, except back then, they worked harder on the lie.
So far, no Iranians on the ground, no Iranian ships have landed and no Iranian planes have landed.
So how, exactly is Iran arming the Houthis?
That is the dumbest idea I've heard in a while. On one hand, many give Iran all sorts of credit for being able to allegedly fool 6 countries to get a deal and sanctions lifted.
On the other, they are allegedly stupid enough to try and arm the Houthis while 200 Saudi aircraft, and dozens of warships are patrolling the area.
Just ;like in Yemen itself, Iran is doing nothing more than tweaking Saudis nose. No proof has been offered of any Iranian military support for the Houthis. The US says they know all about it, yet have offered no proof that it exists. Sort of like WMD's all over again, except back then, they worked harder on the lie.
So far, no Iranians on the ground, no Iranian ships have landed and no Iranian planes have landed.
So how, exactly is Iran arming the Houthis?
5
Heaven forbid we go back to the policy thinking of Bush/Cheney and their neocon minions who had argued a pre-emptive strikes were necessary in the ME to take out confirmed WMDs (the so-called Bush doctrine). They lied, saying it would be quick (a few mths) and the cost est. of $50-60 billion would be covered by plentiful Iraqi oil. They said later as unbudgeted costs mounted that deficits didn´t matter. The cost of this blunder has been nothing short of catastrophic and has brought the nation to its knees fiscally (Iraq war $3 tril; homeland security $4 tril/ Afgan $2 tril/ ... ). And the chaos emerging now, the genie that Bush/Cheney naively and unwittingly let out of the bottle. is the direct consequence. Why in the world would we want a policy which puts us back into the ME where we´re not needed, not wanted, nor appreciated?
4
The middle east is a tar baby. The more Obama struggles the more stuck he becomes.
1
What a great idea, supporting Saudi Arabia in latest military adventure. We have Israel who wants us to engage in another multi-year war with a Gulf state, namely Iran, and Syria, and the Saudi monarchs who want us to do the same! With friends like that, who needs enemies!!
4
How ludicrous is it for the United States to object to another country arming anyone in the Middle East? Haven't we provided arms to every side?
8
The President is looking more and more like a juggler with all his foreign-policy-balls rolling around on the floor. A sad ending for a man who started out inspiring hope.
6
Seems to me like a provocative move. The U.S. Has no problem arming the universe mostly for profit but can't accept others arming those who a spouse the same religion.
16
correct. And they are there to bomb Yemenis, while Iranian convey has not proven to be carrying anything even. Maybe they want to create a balance there to stop Saudis from killing more people. It's funny that US is helping Saudis in this war, which definitely is illegal based on international laws. UN resolution says no to arming militant groups, but does not say "Hey Saudis, you can invade Yemen"!
America's interest is it's own interest. I don't have a problem with that as I'm sure other nations do things to benefit their own interest also. I can understand explaining this to a nine year old. Is that what you are?
1
Politics of Middle East is confusing and frightening. I think, if any party would benefit of this quagmire, it would be Iran.
Because of Sunni / Shia divide among Muslims, the world is witnessing bloodshed in Middle East now. It is an open secret that Saudi Arabia was covertly encouraging Al-queda and its leaders, who are Sunni extremists. But now it is leading a coalition and bombing Houthi rebels, who are Shiites. Even ISIS is against Shiites and given an opportunity, they too would like to fight against Houthi rebels. That would mean, the U.S., Saudi Arabia and ISIS are on the same page when it comes to fighting against Houthi rebels. Saudi Arabia should understand that it is fighting this war as America's proxy. Since Shiites are attacked, Iran, a country of Shiites, is naturally drawn into this war, to help Houthi rebels, materially. Iran holds the key in containing Houthi rebels. Instead of sending warships, the U.S. could send diplomats to engage in talks with Iran to contain Houthi rebels.
Because of Sunni / Shia divide among Muslims, the world is witnessing bloodshed in Middle East now. It is an open secret that Saudi Arabia was covertly encouraging Al-queda and its leaders, who are Sunni extremists. But now it is leading a coalition and bombing Houthi rebels, who are Shiites. Even ISIS is against Shiites and given an opportunity, they too would like to fight against Houthi rebels. That would mean, the U.S., Saudi Arabia and ISIS are on the same page when it comes to fighting against Houthi rebels. Saudi Arabia should understand that it is fighting this war as America's proxy. Since Shiites are attacked, Iran, a country of Shiites, is naturally drawn into this war, to help Houthi rebels, materially. Iran holds the key in containing Houthi rebels. Instead of sending warships, the U.S. could send diplomats to engage in talks with Iran to contain Houthi rebels.
32
this is very simplistic view. The enemy of my enemy is not always my friend. Tactical alliances were forged throughout recorded history
Like so often this is an entirely wrong move as the US does not have any role in the region.
Showing force there will only create more hatred of the US and thus increase the likelihood of terrorist attacks on US installations.
Not by Iran but by every terrorist or warlord faction in the region.
The smart thing for the US would have been to stay out of the conflict and let the locals sort it out.
But it seems a necessity for US commands to support Saudi politics no matter how high the cost at home.
Showing force there will only create more hatred of the US and thus increase the likelihood of terrorist attacks on US installations.
Not by Iran but by every terrorist or warlord faction in the region.
The smart thing for the US would have been to stay out of the conflict and let the locals sort it out.
But it seems a necessity for US commands to support Saudi politics no matter how high the cost at home.
32
it makes no sense to allow IRAN to become nuclear. sanctions were working. we should keep with sanctions. a nuclear iran means every bad country iran partners with like venezuela will get nuclear weapons too.
nuclear weapons for everyone ?
nuclear weapons for everyone ?
6
Sanctions were not working.
1
6 countries think that a deal with Iran will actually prevent them from getting nukes.
Sanctions were toast anyway. Russia, China, India, (which comprise about 1/3 of the population of earth), all said, before the negotiations that they will increase trade with Iran.
The EU has hundreds of businessmen lined up to do business with Iran.
The only one making sanctions noises is the US. If they want to keep sanctioning Iran, they will probably do it alone.
Sanctions were toast anyway. Russia, China, India, (which comprise about 1/3 of the population of earth), all said, before the negotiations that they will increase trade with Iran.
The EU has hundreds of businessmen lined up to do business with Iran.
The only one making sanctions noises is the US. If they want to keep sanctioning Iran, they will probably do it alone.
1
no, only for Israel, Pakistan and India.
1
All this show of force by american government is just to placate the nervous gulf states. When push comes to shove, the american government would rather move out the way rather than confront Iran.
My message to the arab gulf states. Depend on yourselves just as Israel does on it's own. It will serve you well in the long term
My message to the arab gulf states. Depend on yourselves just as Israel does on it's own. It will serve you well in the long term
5
Question: Do we imagine that the war in Yemen will produce a) reconciliation, truce, and a stable government or b)more radical terrorists who are willing to die in order to avenge their slaughtered family members.
If the answer is B) more radical terrorists, why do we escalate? Because it is the only thing we know how to do. The fact of the matter is that we have only one tactic in all of these conflicts, which is increase the level of violence. We have no tool in any of these conflicts for decreasing violence. We are trying to put out a fire by dousing it with gasoline. Don't wonder if we get burned.
If the answer is B) more radical terrorists, why do we escalate? Because it is the only thing we know how to do. The fact of the matter is that we have only one tactic in all of these conflicts, which is increase the level of violence. We have no tool in any of these conflicts for decreasing violence. We are trying to put out a fire by dousing it with gasoline. Don't wonder if we get burned.
7
This situation is a direct result of six years of an incoherent, dithering, incompetent foreign policy created by an incompetent, inexperienced White House which has isolated itself from Congress, the State Dept., the Defense Dept., the Intelligence community, and the foreign policy establishment.
Now they are in major trouble. They have created a series of power vacuums around the world, from the South China Sea, through Asia, the Mid-East, Africa, Europe, and South America. And guess who has rushed to fill in those vacuums? Russia, Iran, ISIS... Crises on every continent.
This was predicted years ago. If the US does not lead, the world will destabilize and go to hell very quickly, as we are seeing. It is going to get worse. Much worse.
Now they are in major trouble. They have created a series of power vacuums around the world, from the South China Sea, through Asia, the Mid-East, Africa, Europe, and South America. And guess who has rushed to fill in those vacuums? Russia, Iran, ISIS... Crises on every continent.
This was predicted years ago. If the US does not lead, the world will destabilize and go to hell very quickly, as we are seeing. It is going to get worse. Much worse.
16
You really think the US has that kind of influence, ever?
You really think the countries in the middle east can be led? By anyone?
Go read a history book, bub. You have a lot to learn.
You really think the countries in the middle east can be led? By anyone?
Go read a history book, bub. You have a lot to learn.
12
This president has been consistent and reasonable in his foreign policy thinking for this region and it reflects american public opinion. What´s so bad about that?
Why in the world would we want a policy which puts us back into the ME where we´re not needed, not wanted, nor appreciated
Why in the world would we want a policy which puts us back into the ME where we´re not needed, not wanted, nor appreciated
1
Imagine if the U.S. was supporting rebels in Mexico and Iran sent its navy to the Mexican coast to warn the U.S. against our support for the Mexican rebels?
Our nation must be so fantastically wealthy that we can afford this gunboat diplomacy on faraway shores, where we have no right to meddle, even as the quality of life in America continues to decline, and we are repeatedly that told our government can’t afford “current levels” of Social Security, Medicaid, food stamps, and a quality education for all.
Memo to the media: every time the U.S. polices the world, estimate the cost of the adventure to the taxpayers and then report it prominently. For example, how much is this aircraft carrier saber-rattling costing us? Giving Americans an estimated price tag for each act of messianic military zeal on the part of the government will help focus the minds of Americans on how insanely wasteful this is.
The U.S. sided with the Saudis when they sent troops and arms to suppress the Shiite majority in Bahrain; now we side with the Saudis in Yemen where we seem to expect the Shiites in Yemen to be be slaughtered from the air while Iran must refuse to give the Shiites the means to defend themselves.
It’s all backward. The blowback will be obvious: more armed resistance aimed at America. “Our" policies are the product of mentally defective “thinking,” if one can dignify this suicidal interference as being something even remotely connected with the reasoning process.
Our nation must be so fantastically wealthy that we can afford this gunboat diplomacy on faraway shores, where we have no right to meddle, even as the quality of life in America continues to decline, and we are repeatedly that told our government can’t afford “current levels” of Social Security, Medicaid, food stamps, and a quality education for all.
Memo to the media: every time the U.S. polices the world, estimate the cost of the adventure to the taxpayers and then report it prominently. For example, how much is this aircraft carrier saber-rattling costing us? Giving Americans an estimated price tag for each act of messianic military zeal on the part of the government will help focus the minds of Americans on how insanely wasteful this is.
The U.S. sided with the Saudis when they sent troops and arms to suppress the Shiite majority in Bahrain; now we side with the Saudis in Yemen where we seem to expect the Shiites in Yemen to be be slaughtered from the air while Iran must refuse to give the Shiites the means to defend themselves.
It’s all backward. The blowback will be obvious: more armed resistance aimed at America. “Our" policies are the product of mentally defective “thinking,” if one can dignify this suicidal interference as being something even remotely connected with the reasoning process.
32
Well, who should we support ... Iran's effort to bolster Assad in Syria? No? Maybe Iran's effort to pump up Hezbollah in Lebanon? How about Iran's proxies in Gaza? Or maybe we can help expedite Russia's sale of advanced antiaircraft systems to Iran? There's always the possibility of helping the Iranian Revolutionary Guard arrest additional western journalists. After all, whatever we can do to help Iran attack the Great Satan could be helpful.
2
It's essential to defend the straits and waterways in that area. We cannot allow a worldwide navigational chokehold to occur. Lord help us if the Russians and Iranians took over those straits!
3
Has there been any sign that the Iranians are actually trying to control the gate to the Suez canal? Or the Russians?
This is the idiotic domino theory all over again.
This is the idiotic domino theory all over again.
1
Saudi Arabia is the country most responsible for 9/11 and we are carrying this fight for them, accusing Iran of supplying Shiite rebels when we are arming the Sunni ruling class, who are bombing civilians and cities. In this fight we are not the good guy. The USA pumps its own oil requirements now. Supporting medieval monarchies in the Persian Gulf is insane and against our values.
40
You get it. But the folks at the top can care less about who they support as long as the petro-dollar is secure.
7
And a 27 year old Saudi Defense Minister is leading the United States around by the nose. How did the most powerful country in the world play proxy to a Saudi "boy"? Our highly trained and experienced Generals are now "following" the lead of a this boy!
As an American, I am disgusted.
As an American, I am disgusted.
23
Easy, in 1945 the US and Saudi Arabia signed a number of contracts that made certain that the US would get oil for supporting Saudi politics in the region.
This agreement still works as of today.
It is the US's fear of losing an oil supplier, especially after having lost Iran in 1979.
This agreement still works as of today.
It is the US's fear of losing an oil supplier, especially after having lost Iran in 1979.
7
While reading your comment and most of the other commentators' I get the idea that most of the Americans do not approve of the U.S government policy. I wonder why americans elect the same people, with the same foreign policy agenda over and over again.
2
Thank you, but I am not an American, I am an Austrian living in Singapore and having done business with Iran and other parts of the region for nearly two decades.
Which probably explains my point of view.
Which probably explains my point of view.
Our government has been scheming to attack Iran for decades. It seems inevitable and stupid. Unfortunately, most Americans will probably approve until our dead soldiers and contractors begin returning by the hundreds--the cost should be prohibitive as well, raising our taxes for generations.
11
"Complicated" is not good when dealing with other nations. It never is. They have to know when to take a stand and how far to push. Otherwise they will always test us.
3
"White House officials acknowledged that they were compartmentalizing policy on Iran by confronting the country’s aggressive posture in the region even as American diplomats tried to complete an agreement with Iran to limit its nuclear program."
Doublespeak anyone?
On another tangent, if Saudi Arabia is bombing the Houthis, and the US is also attacking them, surely there must be two sides to this story, a side we're not being told.
Of course, it's going to be a while before we get it from the US established media.
Doublespeak anyone?
On another tangent, if Saudi Arabia is bombing the Houthis, and the US is also attacking them, surely there must be two sides to this story, a side we're not being told.
Of course, it's going to be a while before we get it from the US established media.
18
China has got to have a smile on their face. They are laughing at the Americans waste their economy in the Middle East while they travel the world making deals. How about America do that for once. I forgot Americans know nothing but war and oil.
30
China's the biggest beneficiary of the US Navy's policing in the Persian Gulf, since so much of their oil comes from there. Thanks to the US keeping the lanes open for THEM. Smart policy.
5
Actually, China is very jealous of US military capabilities. China has recently started to project its own power further abroad (for example, by conducting anti-piracy missions off the Horn of Africa) and hopes one day to do what the US is now doing globally. If you think that flexing your muscles by projecting military capabilities halfway around the world has no long-term benefits, you are sorely mistaken.
3
If Obama is doing this to discourage Iran from acting up, he should know better than ask the US ships to board and inspect Iran's flotilla. That will most certainly start a mini war and END THE NEGOTIATIONS. There won't be a next round of talks and the new US sanctions won't have the support of all the EU and Asian powers either. I hope they know these things.
8
What is it about American foreign policy that is so difficult to understand? How is it unpredictable?
3
I see a lot of people accusing the US of hypocrisy in trying to prevent Iranian arms transfers to the Houthi rebels. However, keep in mind that the two sides in this conflict are NOT equal. In fact, the UN recently passed a ban on arms transfers to the Houthi rebels: http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=50565. I don't know of any US arms transfers that violate any UN bans, and I'm not aware of any UN bans on arms transfers to the Hadi government. The US's decision to act in support of the UN would therefore seem to be quite justifiable.
3
Considering there has been no proof that Iran has been arming the Houthis, the ban on supplying arms to the Houthis is absurd.
Ironically, there is no ban on arming al Qaeda in Yemen...which now controls half of the country.
Ironically, there is no ban on arming al Qaeda in Yemen...which now controls half of the country.
The U.S. role in destroying Yemen's infrastructure is growing and dangerous. The Saudi claim that their illegal bombing of the country is aimed at restoring the "legitimate" Hadi government is wrong for two reasons:
- Hadi was never elected by the people and the vast majority oppose him
- There is no government to restore
U.S. backing for this adventurism by the Saudi mafia of "princes" will only assist Al Qaeda and ISIS, destroy the already weak economy of an independent state and will kill thousands of Yemeni families.
America is on the wrong side .
- Hadi was never elected by the people and the vast majority oppose him
- There is no government to restore
U.S. backing for this adventurism by the Saudi mafia of "princes" will only assist Al Qaeda and ISIS, destroy the already weak economy of an independent state and will kill thousands of Yemeni families.
America is on the wrong side .
23
Obama's plan, which is to allow almost all limits on Iran's nuclear program to expire in ten years, was explained (including in the NYT) as a bet that by then Iran will have become more moderate. Perhaps seeing how Iran is just warming up into putting its long term geo political agenda into action, the better bet will be on them getting into deeper problems with their neighbors and cool wars warming up.
Once entrenched in supporting their ever expanding network of proxies and the wars they are fighting they won't be able to suddenly remove themselves from the mess that they seem to be getting into deeper and deeper. And as a single nation surrounded by countries who will be then hate them all bets are on them getting themselves a bomb.
Obama himself never explained why he thinks that things will be any different in ten years with Iran than it is today and that should be something that he should have to explain both to the congress and the American people.
Once entrenched in supporting their ever expanding network of proxies and the wars they are fighting they won't be able to suddenly remove themselves from the mess that they seem to be getting into deeper and deeper. And as a single nation surrounded by countries who will be then hate them all bets are on them getting themselves a bomb.
Obama himself never explained why he thinks that things will be any different in ten years with Iran than it is today and that should be something that he should have to explain both to the congress and the American people.
5
He probably thinks that Khamenei will have died by then and with him gone, Iran's establishment might not be able to immediately find him a replacement without dealing with some internal unrest first.
1
Because the current Ayatollah will be dead.
1
There's an specific council called the "assembly of experts" which oversees leader's behavior and has the ability to change the leader and in the case of death appoint a new leader.This council is comprised of high ranking clergymen who are ellected every eight years directly by iranian people in nationwide elections. (Pretty much like electing prime minister in the UK.) So I don't suppose there's going to be any unrest in case of his death as it was not the case after the death of the previous leader ayatollah Khomeini.
1
I would think Obama had learned his "red line" lesson in Syria. Don't threaten unless you really mean it.
Using warships to threaten interdiction of Iranian arms shipments strikes me as a fools errand if the US is not prepared to follow through. Are we really prepared to fire on their ships if they decide to call our bluff? What are the real interests of the US here?
An escalating naval crisis is surely not going to help solve the knotty issues remaining in our negotiations with the Iranians over their nuclear program; and solving the nuclear issue is clearly much more important to the long-term welfare of the American people.
Why take sides in what is increasingly becoming a sectarian war? No winners here.
Using warships to threaten interdiction of Iranian arms shipments strikes me as a fools errand if the US is not prepared to follow through. Are we really prepared to fire on their ships if they decide to call our bluff? What are the real interests of the US here?
An escalating naval crisis is surely not going to help solve the knotty issues remaining in our negotiations with the Iranians over their nuclear program; and solving the nuclear issue is clearly much more important to the long-term welfare of the American people.
Why take sides in what is increasingly becoming a sectarian war? No winners here.
9
The Saudis and Egyptians have been blockading food into Yemen. It is a food blockade, not an arms blockade. They have found no arms on any ship they searched, and they are keeping them all out anyway.
Iran's ships are bringing food. Shiites are near starving right next door, so of course they feel obligated. The Houthis have plenty of arms, and while there is no evidence of Iran's role, they would have many less public ways to slip arms across. There ships carry food, like the other ones the Saudis and Egyptians have stopped.
Now which side are we on? Remember, a food blockade is a war crime.
Iran's ships are bringing food. Shiites are near starving right next door, so of course they feel obligated. The Houthis have plenty of arms, and while there is no evidence of Iran's role, they would have many less public ways to slip arms across. There ships carry food, like the other ones the Saudis and Egyptians have stopped.
Now which side are we on? Remember, a food blockade is a war crime.
20
How do you know what they are bringing in their ships?
8
They don't need a whole convoy to bring arms. They would by nuts to do so openly, and they're not nuts. To the extent they may have sent arms, it was invisible and it was enough to have won, so a sudden huge visible convoy of arms would be nuts.
On the other hand, their friends are starving, and their rivals are causing it. Shipping food, very visibly, is the obvious thing to do.
On further consideration, I suspect the US Navy's involvement will be to inspect them and then allow passage for the food. The Saudis and Egyptians have been stopping food shipments indefinitely, and if this were left to them it would become a fight in which Iran is in the right. Better for the USN to step in, do it right, and get the food in.
These words are against Iran, but the actions are likely to be controlling the Saudis and Egyptians, so they don't cause starvation, which is threatening according to many reports.
On the other hand, their friends are starving, and their rivals are causing it. Shipping food, very visibly, is the obvious thing to do.
On further consideration, I suspect the US Navy's involvement will be to inspect them and then allow passage for the food. The Saudis and Egyptians have been stopping food shipments indefinitely, and if this were left to them it would become a fight in which Iran is in the right. Better for the USN to step in, do it right, and get the food in.
These words are against Iran, but the actions are likely to be controlling the Saudis and Egyptians, so they don't cause starvation, which is threatening according to many reports.
Ed, you are just envious because the voices in Thomason's head won't talk to you.
Not sure about the wisdom of the Pentagon. Big ship in small waterway. Intelligence failed them and forced a closing of an embassy and the retreat of Marine personnel sans weapons. Who knows what land-based missile system might be waiting for the right moment?
More relevant, US has military aircraft stationed inside Saudi Arabia, so the need of Navy air is moot at best. So now, what, we got us Naval blockade going just like the old days, i.e., pre-Tonkin Gulf, post-Castro?
Putin's got to have a smile on his face for sure. Sanctions, sanctions everywhere, but still the foolishness goes on. Will Americans soon be tap dancing in Yemen and Ukraine, too?
Isn't this the way real wars begin?
More relevant, US has military aircraft stationed inside Saudi Arabia, so the need of Navy air is moot at best. So now, what, we got us Naval blockade going just like the old days, i.e., pre-Tonkin Gulf, post-Castro?
Putin's got to have a smile on his face for sure. Sanctions, sanctions everywhere, but still the foolishness goes on. Will Americans soon be tap dancing in Yemen and Ukraine, too?
Isn't this the way real wars begin?
7
You seem to forget that the military is only following the president's orders.
I support the side that fights, the side whose leader doesn't run to another country for safety, but stays and fights , and shows some guts. In other words I support the Houthis. Why does the US always support the cowards? Whether in Vietnam, Iraq, etc., we are always with the side that runs and wants us to do their fighting. The only reason we are against the Houthis, is because Iran supports them, not a very good reason.
18
Why is the US intervening in ANOTHER regional conflict?
14
I'm shocked, shocked to find out that Iran can't be trusted. And after they made nice about that nuclear thing. What in the world is going on?
8
One week we are embracing Iran in a nuclear pact (much to the dismay of our Saudi allies) and the following week we are sending a fleet of ships to purportedly interdict arms shipments from Iran to Yemen (in support of our Saudi allies).
If the purpose of this strategy is to distract and confuse both friend and foe alike then we can count this as a significant achievement. Since this is Monday, can anyone tell me on who's side we will be on by Friday?
If the purpose of this strategy is to distract and confuse both friend and foe alike then we can count this as a significant achievement. Since this is Monday, can anyone tell me on who's side we will be on by Friday?
12
"This is really about sending a message" said an American official.
And that message is that the US will continue to send ships as "a show of force" but at the same time continue to compartmentalize re Iran in the nuclear sphere and other pertinent issues.
All told this policy may be described as "walk loudly, wave the stick" to keep one set of allies in check (are the Saudis so credulous?) and stick your head in the sand regarding your enemy on other matters.
And that message is that the US will continue to send ships as "a show of force" but at the same time continue to compartmentalize re Iran in the nuclear sphere and other pertinent issues.
All told this policy may be described as "walk loudly, wave the stick" to keep one set of allies in check (are the Saudis so credulous?) and stick your head in the sand regarding your enemy on other matters.
2
"White House officials acknowledged that they were compartmentalizing policy on Iran..."
How does the White House say this stuff with a straight face?
Try mentioning "compartmentalizing" to the families of James Foley and the others who were beheaded because the U.S. "doesn't negotiate with terrorists."
How does the White House say this stuff with a straight face?
Try mentioning "compartmentalizing" to the families of James Foley and the others who were beheaded because the U.S. "doesn't negotiate with terrorists."
4
War with Iran is inevitable. While our weak leadership may not bomb them, it is a certainty that one or more of our allies: Israel, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, UAE or Pakistan, will act to stop Iranian Aggression. Sooner is better than later.
3
What a great bunch of Allies that are rabid with salafist/wahhabist Islamists that relate or are directly part of groups that were either influenced by or involved in destroying multiple towers in New York.
1
what iranian aggression?! No evidence is provided to show iranian support for the Houthi movement.
One could tell on what side of history America stands by knowing its allies:
1.Saudi Arabia: the most reppresive dictatorship not even allowing women to drive,considers women as the property of their husbands...not to mention their support for alqaida and isis.
2.Egypt: the military regime ruling the country came to power by coup and then jailed the democratically ellected president Morsi.
3.UAE: tiny persian gulf arab dictatorship that has never held any election.
4.Pakistan: the cradle of extremism.
5.Israel: 70 years of occupation and discrimination and no respect for any international law.
One could tell on what side of history America stands by knowing its allies:
1.Saudi Arabia: the most reppresive dictatorship not even allowing women to drive,considers women as the property of their husbands...not to mention their support for alqaida and isis.
2.Egypt: the military regime ruling the country came to power by coup and then jailed the democratically ellected president Morsi.
3.UAE: tiny persian gulf arab dictatorship that has never held any election.
4.Pakistan: the cradle of extremism.
5.Israel: 70 years of occupation and discrimination and no respect for any international law.
3
This is a direct cost of oil security.
1
More war? On false pretenses?
Doesn't Washington ever learn?
The only rationale I can see for this ham-fisted bumbling by the USA is that the Saudi regime said jump. Iran isn't aiding the Houthis. The Houthis are fighting al Qaeda. If anyone should be arming the Houthis -- (no one should be arming anyone in the Middle East; the gold star will go to the ambassador who gets a region-wide diplomatic ball rolling) -- it is the USA.
Doesn't Washington ever learn?
The only rationale I can see for this ham-fisted bumbling by the USA is that the Saudi regime said jump. Iran isn't aiding the Houthis. The Houthis are fighting al Qaeda. If anyone should be arming the Houthis -- (no one should be arming anyone in the Middle East; the gold star will go to the ambassador who gets a region-wide diplomatic ball rolling) -- it is the USA.
39
I left out "plus."
"PLUS" the Houthis are fighting al Qaeda.
"PLUS" the Houthis are fighting al Qaeda.
2
All war is based on the false premise that there is not enough to go around for everyone.
The U.S. sends warships to stop Iranian arms shipments to Yemen, yet fail to engage Russia in a similar manner for its arms shipments, troops and support to the Putin -employed Rebels in Ukraine. I wonder why? The big bully picking on the little bully - again.
10
The US should also send ships to stop the arming, training and funding of terrorists in the Middle East to topple the Syrian government...mmh, wait, the US is actually the one doing that arming, training and funding.
Hypocrisy is such a convenient virtue.
Hypocrisy is such a convenient virtue.
6
So you are arguing that the US should have sent troops to patrol the Ukrainian border? Because that is the only way to stop those shipments. In this case there are a few ships in international waters.
Iran does not block deliveries of US arms to to American client states. American arms used to target civilian populations, like the Saudis are performing now in Yemen.
32
Maybe if Obama had kept the troops in Afghanistan and Iraq, these other rogue countries would not be creating havoc now. Hopefully the next u.s. president will realize that it is vital to maintain a major presence in the region to maintain any shred of peace and stability.
4
Definitely the wrong answer. We need to get out of the region and observe and support from the second row of the bleachers. The U.S. is not going to solve a 1,400 year old argument between Sunni and Shia.
2
Ho hum.
Since Saudi Arabia first attacked, the US has been claiming that Iran is shipping weapons to the rebels, and Iran has been denying it. John Kerry first said the Iranians were sending in vast amounts of weaponry on airplanes landing at Yemen's principal airport, until the Times' own David Kirkpatrick pointed out that the airport had been closed down since the Saudi air strikes began. Now, presumably, the story is that Iran has been shipping in the weapons by sea.
Baseless allegations are fun to read, but some evidence would be nice, eh? A captured weapon -- maybe even just testimony from some shady arms trader. Anything -- we're easy!
Since Saudi Arabia first attacked, the US has been claiming that Iran is shipping weapons to the rebels, and Iran has been denying it. John Kerry first said the Iranians were sending in vast amounts of weaponry on airplanes landing at Yemen's principal airport, until the Times' own David Kirkpatrick pointed out that the airport had been closed down since the Saudi air strikes began. Now, presumably, the story is that Iran has been shipping in the weapons by sea.
Baseless allegations are fun to read, but some evidence would be nice, eh? A captured weapon -- maybe even just testimony from some shady arms trader. Anything -- we're easy!
68
U.S. can be relied upon to fan the flames of war and supply weapons to all sides in the Middle East. My fellow Americans, this blood is on our hands. But we don't care, do we?
28
How are my IRA investments doing? Gas at $2.18? Oh yeah, now I care! It's pretty sad, isn't it?
3
Why are we wasting our time speaking to Iran, when they are doing their best to create unrest in Yemen & else where.Is this really a country we can trust to abide by any rules of an agreement not to develop Nuclear weapons.I believe Obamas is totally confused, & is confusing those of us who support him.
9
Obama is not at all confused. He is hell bent on getting his "signature foreign policy achievement" and he puts that before the interests of both America and its middle eastern allies and stability in the middle east. Not to mention what his "peace" will do to the Sunni-Shiah war that is just beginning.
4
This isn't a warning. It's preparation for an invasion. There is way too much firepower present for this just to be a warning. The Marines are usually used to spearhead an attack. They are the forces that establish beachheads. I doubt that brigades of US infantry will follow, but they could be followed by Egypt or some other Sunni nation.
I don't want to sound like an alarmist, but the situation in Yemen is so dire that the alarms are sounding. What Saudi Arabia wants, Saudi Arabia gets. We all know that. The invasion of Kuwait had more to do with Saudi security than Kuwait's.
The Sunni nations want Iran corralled, especially the ones sitting on all those oil reserves. Once again, we take the role of their enforcer.
This is about oil. Always has been, always will. Here we go again.
I don't want to sound like an alarmist, but the situation in Yemen is so dire that the alarms are sounding. What Saudi Arabia wants, Saudi Arabia gets. We all know that. The invasion of Kuwait had more to do with Saudi security than Kuwait's.
The Sunni nations want Iran corralled, especially the ones sitting on all those oil reserves. Once again, we take the role of their enforcer.
This is about oil. Always has been, always will. Here we go again.
54
Neither the Saudi nor the Iranian government is deserving of our trust and friendship, but unfortunately we have to deal with them. And that's what Obama needs to do: Deal. A grand bargain, including Syria, needs to be struck, a bargain where we will have to eat some dirt but so will they. Saudi Arabia is our "ally", but they are worse than Apartheid South Africa when it comes to women. We should forget about the oil and put them in the same box as the other two. Then get to work and find a solution that everyone can agree to. None of these powers wants the chaos of the ISIS types, and we can't wait around for palatable governments to negotiate with. These three are the powers over there, just as Stalin was the power we needed in WWII. Assad will probably have to be allowed to stay; just get some promise from him to stop his murderous rampage. You take him out and worse will probably follow, as it did after Saddam. So, President Obama, go over there and talk directly to the big fish. Or pull out completely and let them fight it out. Either is okay with me. But do something bold.
9
The Houthis is a largely organic movement supported to some degree by Iran. Contrast that with the U.S., 8,000 miles away supplying warplanes and ships for the benefit of Saudi Arabia, home of the 9-11 killers and the most oppressive regime in the Middle East. Bizarre, the lengths the U.S. will go to in order to oppose Iran.
91
There are dozens of "largely organic movements" all over the world that are not provided hundreds of millions of dollars by a terrorist state like Iran to grow and thrive and control a major international shipping choke point and further their hatred of the west. Despite denials by Tehran and others, they have used Hezebollah to train Houthis and provided cash, weapons, and advisors. In 2013, two Iranian ships, Jihan 1and 2, were intercepted near Yemen and found to contain tons of explosives, triggers for IEDs, silencers, SAM missiles, ammo and other materiel. I get the feeling that Iran could detonate a nuke and find many NYTs readers offering rationalizations.
3
Will be very interesting to watch. It is clear we do not have the stomach to challenge Iran other than jawboning and Iran knows it. Saudi Arabia knows it. Iran is on a path to get the bomb, they know it and we know it. Only acceptable nuclear strategy has always been to delay Iran as much as possible and then when the time comes, deterrence. However, this is where the no stomach part comes in.... and the middle east knows it. Hold your hats
2
Sounds to me, it looks to me, like we're taking sides. I guess we haven't learned our lesson yet. Stay out of this mess.
35
Interesting we want to keep Iran from sending weapons. Are we sore both sides are not buying from us?
Not to mention, Iran is our ally against ISIS, which probably means whoever they are fighting in Yemen is someone we should be fighting too.
Or not. Who knows these days?
Not to mention, Iran is our ally against ISIS, which probably means whoever they are fighting in Yemen is someone we should be fighting too.
Or not. Who knows these days?
21
Iran, the country that is to be trusted to keep their part of the nuclear agreement. Message to Obama, let Iran's actions in Yemen and throughout the entire Mideast speak truth to their lies.
5
Except for the fact that Iran is on the right side of this one and the U.S. sold $80 billion in weapons to Saudi Arabia last year and now the Saudis are indiscriminately bombing Yemenis.
30
Iran is not only spitting in our face, they are rubbing our noses in the carnage they support around the world.
I can think of no other administration that would bend over so far for any nation no matter friend or foe.
Just a few short months ago Yemen was held up as a success.
I can think of no other administration that would bend over so far for any nation no matter friend or foe.
Just a few short months ago Yemen was held up as a success.
4
I have no historical knowledge of Yemen, but I think Saudis must be the bored Rich with nothing better to do than cause all kinds of problems around the world. Since they buy so many arms from USA, we will never complain about them. What are we to do, nothing really. Who is to say which crackpot is better than the other in the Middle-east, might as well sell arms to whoever has the money.
6
Obama's rapprochements with Russia and Iran are working out very well.
6
ALL experts agree that there is NO Evidence that Iran is Arming the Houthis.
THE fact remains that the deposed Yemenis President's (Mr. Hadi) Legitimacy was based on the previous President's support (Mr. Saleh) and to-date there is NO "Credible Explanation" as to why Mr. Saleh terminated his support for Mr. Hadi and aligned himself with the Houthis.
Politically speaking, at this point in time the Houthis that are about 40-45% of the population are aligned with 70% of the balance of Yemenis that are under Mr. Saleh's control thus bringing the Houthi+Saleh support to over 80%!
AND that Bombings in Yemen so far have killed Only 500 Houthi rebels in a population of nearly 25 Million.
ONCE again we seem to be on the wrong side of History as by killing more Civilians we will end up with more Anti-American and Anti-Arab sentiments in Yemen as the majority of the Yemenis seem to REJECT Saudi formula and interference in their Country.
WE need to stop the Bombs and start the negotiations amongst Yemenis ONLY factions preferably next door in Oman asap.
THE fact remains that the deposed Yemenis President's (Mr. Hadi) Legitimacy was based on the previous President's support (Mr. Saleh) and to-date there is NO "Credible Explanation" as to why Mr. Saleh terminated his support for Mr. Hadi and aligned himself with the Houthis.
Politically speaking, at this point in time the Houthis that are about 40-45% of the population are aligned with 70% of the balance of Yemenis that are under Mr. Saleh's control thus bringing the Houthi+Saleh support to over 80%!
AND that Bombings in Yemen so far have killed Only 500 Houthi rebels in a population of nearly 25 Million.
ONCE again we seem to be on the wrong side of History as by killing more Civilians we will end up with more Anti-American and Anti-Arab sentiments in Yemen as the majority of the Yemenis seem to REJECT Saudi formula and interference in their Country.
WE need to stop the Bombs and start the negotiations amongst Yemenis ONLY factions preferably next door in Oman asap.
49
How can you possibly have any idea what ALL experts agree? I read widely, every day, and what I can tell you is that the experts do NOT agree. Get real.
3
" ... ALL experts agree that there is NO Evidence that Iran is Arming the Houthis. ..."
Just like all experts agree that there have not been weapons of mass destruction in Iraq.
Just like all experts agree that there is no nuclear arms program in Iran since 2003.
Has that ever stopped the US from intervening or are real experts, those who really know the region, simply overvalued in everyday politics?
Just like all experts agree that there have not been weapons of mass destruction in Iraq.
Just like all experts agree that there is no nuclear arms program in Iran since 2003.
Has that ever stopped the US from intervening or are real experts, those who really know the region, simply overvalued in everyday politics?
Obama is right. Only America has the right to sell weapons to whomever, wherever anywhere, anytime!
7
I am struck that the wildly aggressive country around the Middle East is and has been Saudi Arabia. In the case of Yemen, the Saudis have been interfering violently for years and are currently bombing in the middle of cities as though there are no innocent civilians. Assisting the Saudis in the ruining of Yemen does no strike me as strategically or morally sound.
91
Exactly...and this article barely makes reference to the U.S. support of Saudi Arabia (or the fact that its bombing campaign has killed scores of civilians with weapons they bought from us!)...yet, its Iran that is the "aggressive nation"!
8
I am struck with the solid support of the Saudis by the American Military, against Iran. And being my own unit embedded in the military, I actually have no idea where this solid support for Saudis against Iran comes from - it just comes down as the dictate of "leadership" and must be followed.
It is Saudi originated Wahhabis who performed the 9/11 bombing of the Twin Towers in NY City. It is Wahhabis that created the Taliban and the ISIS arms of militant Islam.
Yet it is the Saudi regime, which is supporting unconstrained and inhumanitarian militant warfare across the Middle East against US interests that has the support of the US Congress which dictates US Naval presence to support Saudi power against Shia power.
The only answer I can come up with is that the US actions are based on proxy actions against interested Russians who are supporting Iran and other Aryan interests against Saudi Arabia and other Semitic interests.
Can anybody help me to understand this better, why the US takes the sides it does in these Middle Eastern military conflicts?
It is Saudi originated Wahhabis who performed the 9/11 bombing of the Twin Towers in NY City. It is Wahhabis that created the Taliban and the ISIS arms of militant Islam.
Yet it is the Saudi regime, which is supporting unconstrained and inhumanitarian militant warfare across the Middle East against US interests that has the support of the US Congress which dictates US Naval presence to support Saudi power against Shia power.
The only answer I can come up with is that the US actions are based on proxy actions against interested Russians who are supporting Iran and other Aryan interests against Saudi Arabia and other Semitic interests.
Can anybody help me to understand this better, why the US takes the sides it does in these Middle Eastern military conflicts?
45
The "fog of war" will soon overtake events. The unexpected will happen. An accident (remember the Maine in 1898 ) can suddenly throw off the best calculus.
How much firepower can America afford to pile into one little corner of the Globe? Syria/Iraq/Yemen. It's guns or butter! We choose guns.
We protest that Iran is sending or might send arms to the Houthis. But it is entirely OK to sell all the armaments that the Saudis can buy from the USA.
What would happen if a Russian or Chinese trawler in those water were to be sunk by Saudi, Jewish or American ships or planes.
Do we have the appetite for a major confrontation for the sake of such utterly divided non sovereign countries?
I foresee that the situation will get worse before it gets better and Iran will not sign a Nuclear accord unless the Saudis agree not to purchase or develop nukes, and Jews agree to UN nuclear inspections, too.
How much firepower can America afford to pile into one little corner of the Globe? Syria/Iraq/Yemen. It's guns or butter! We choose guns.
We protest that Iran is sending or might send arms to the Houthis. But it is entirely OK to sell all the armaments that the Saudis can buy from the USA.
What would happen if a Russian or Chinese trawler in those water were to be sunk by Saudi, Jewish or American ships or planes.
Do we have the appetite for a major confrontation for the sake of such utterly divided non sovereign countries?
I foresee that the situation will get worse before it gets better and Iran will not sign a Nuclear accord unless the Saudis agree not to purchase or develop nukes, and Jews agree to UN nuclear inspections, too.
18