1/ The Trump Administration formally endorsed the U.S. backed bombing of civilians inside Yemen today. You need to start raising your voice on this - now. If you need a quick primer why, read this THREAD
2/ When the Houthis overtook the Saudi-backed government in Yemen, Saudis, with the UAE, launched a counter-offensive. A brutal civil war erupted, and Al Qaeda and ISIS took advantage, taking control of huge amounts of Yemeni territory, growing stronger than ever.
3/ Iran came to the Houthis aid, and Obama pledged support to Saudis in the growing proxy war. But Obama grew concerned that the Saudis were bombing too many civilian targets, and started to pull U.S. back from the coalition.
4/ Trump comes in, makes Saudi Arabia his first foreign visit, and goes all in on Yemen. Restarts targeting help and munitions sales, essentially gives Saudis a blank check to ramp up the military campaign. Iran responds by going in deeper too.
5/ Then, the wheels start coming off. Without a check from the U.S., Saudis start bombing more and more civilian targets, including water treatment facilities. This sets off the world's worst recorded cholera epidemic - 1 million cases and counting.
6/ Yemen becomes, according to UN, "the worst man-made humanitarian disaster of our time". 18 million cannot live without assistance, 7,600 killed, mostly civilians, and 42,000 injured. World Food Program says Yemen exists "on the brink of famine."
7/ This summer, civilian casualties hit record numbers, including an intentional bombing of a school bus loaded with children. Saudis announced that they are going to launch assault on the main port for humanitarian supplies. Red alert time.
8/ Congress reaches a breaking point, says Trump must certify that Saudis are taking steps to protect civilians before continuing support. Trump basically ignores the statute, and today certified that all is fine. Ignore what see and read. Bombing campaign continues.
