Any war is a tragedy, especially for civilians.
Since February, the bitter war in Ukraine has diverted attention from the past seven-plus years during which the United States has facilitated war and supplied blockades in Yemen. The long-term virtual famine of Yemeni civilians is one result. Ignoring our country's involvement doesn't make it go away.
Since 2018 there has been bipartisan congressional consensus to end U.S. complicity in Yemen. Now we have a president who has stated his desire to do the same.
The 2022 Yemen War Powers Resolution is the best path to that end. It was introduced in the House, then joined by a companion bill in the Senate. Vermont's own senators, Bernie Sanders and Patrick Leahy, led the effort in that chamber; Rep. Peter Welch was a co-signer on the House's version. They and others have built wide support for the War Powers Resolution.
Isaac Evans-Frantz, who is running for that U.S. Senate seat from Vermont, has a record of national and worldwide advocacy and coalition-building which is highlighted, in part, by recent news. Isaac's role was key in the July 14 Senate introduction of the War Powers Resolution for Yemen, as well...
During an election cycle, candidates running for office show respect for their fellow Vermonters by participating in debates. An important working aspect of our democracy, these events are an effective way for contenders to present their points of view, defend their actions to the present moment, and acknowledge their...
On the day that the invasion of Ukraine began, there were 37 separate airstrikes on Yemen. Airstrikes are frequent there, day and night. The U.S. has backed this destruction for seven years. Our country supplies and supports the weapons, ammunition, and military intelligence that batters people on the other side of the world, out of our sight. We fund and facilitate those devastating airstrikes. The United Nations lists 17 countries in crisis, with millions of fellow humans around the world...
This country continues to supply weapons and military support to Saudi Arabia in their assault and blockade of Yemen. Grassroots, Congressional, and worldwide efforts were made in 2021 to end what has become nearly seven years of U.S. participation in the humanitarian tragedy in Yemen, which Congress never authorized. The goal was not achieved. What the world needs now is a new Yemen War Powers Resolution to stop and prohibit U.S. participation in the war. With the worst cholera outbreak...
As Physician Assistant Amy Neal wrote in The Commons, “We are doing our very best, but we are drowning [....] Please wear your masks and please get vaccinated. We know these things work. [...] We care about you and your family members. Please help us, so we can help the community.” In a letter to VTDigger's editor on Jan. 6, Linda Roy, a retired Brattleboro resident, expresses unhappiness with a mask mandate in town, stating the town is trying to...
On Feb. 4, 2021, President Joseph Biden committed to ending support for the Saudi-led offensive in Yemen, which he called a “humanitarian and strategic catastrophe.” But, on Nov. 4, he announced a $650 million arms sale to Saudi Arabia. This proposed sale makes no sense, flies in the face of Biden's stated goal, and will surely deepen the tragedy in Yemen. So three cheers for senators Bernie Sanders and Patrick Leahy, who oppose this arms move. Along with two Republican...
At the Labor Day Town Hall on Brattleboro's Town Common, I publicly thanked Sen. Bernie Sanders for his leadership to end the U.S.-backed war in Yemen. I appreciate his earlier efforts to stop this country's warmongering without congressional approval. When asked that day, he agreed to introduce another Yemen War Powers Resolution. It's time to make that happen, now, the tools already exist. This is the only legislation that meets the urgency. Yemeni-Americans agree that other war powers reform actions...