Thread by @AnnelleSheline

Recent US arms sales to Saudi Arabia seem to have emboldened them to go on the offensive in Yemen

Biden says he has only sold the Saudis so-called "defensive” weapons

But the message is clear: the US supports the Saudi war on Yemen

New @QuincyInst vid
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@QuincyInst The Saudis & UAE possess billions of $$ in offensive weapons that they use daily on Yemen.

Only selling “defensive” weapons now is like giving the Saudis & UAE a shield so they can use the sword we already sold them without worrying about the consequences of their aggression.

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@QuincyInst By taking the side of the Saudis & Emiratis, the US risks prolonging the conflict and escalating our involvement in this war

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@QuincyInst The Saudi & Emirati offensive campaigns are now putting US soldiers stationed in the region at risk

Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for attacks on the UAE, one of which forced US troops stationed at al-Dhafra Air Base to scramble for cover & deflect with Patriot missiles

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@QuincyInst In response, the US is sending more military assets to the UAE

Biden affirmed his commitment to assist in Saudi defense in a recent phone call with King Salman

Rather than working to end the conflict, the US is enabling Saudi & Emirati belligerence

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responsiblestatecraft.org/2022/02/02/sen…

@QuincyInst The Houthis have committed atrocities

However, like the Taliban, their legitimacy is bolstered by defending Yemen from foreign military aggression

Though many in Yemen resent Houthi control, it is the Saudi-led bombardment & blockade that is killing the majority of civilians

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Last year, the Trump admin designated the Houthis a foreign terrorist organization (FTO)

The decision was widely condemned, as it would block aid & food imports from reaching Yemenis, while having minimal effect on the Houthis

Biden lifted the designation upon taking office
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Now Biden may reinstate the foreign terrorist designation on the Houthis, due to pressure from the UAE, Saudi & their powerful lobbies

Yet nothing has changed from last year: The only effect would be to starve Yemenis, not force the Houthis to negotiate
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Policies like this only reinforce the role of the US as an aggressor in Yemen

Biden said he would end America's support for the war, but he did not

Now Congress must assert its Constitutional authority with a War Powers Resolution

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@RepJayapal & @RepPeterDeFazio have committed to introducing a War Powers Resolution to end US support for the war

Other House members have been crucial to efforts to end US complicity, including @RoKhanna, @RepMalinowski, @tedlieu, @RepAdamSchiff, etc
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thenation.com/article/world/…

@RepJayapal @RepPeterDeFazio @RoKhanna @RepMalinowski @tedlieu @RepAdamSchiff The @QuincyInst, @FCNL, @yemenrrf, @justfp, @theactioncorps, @masspeaceaction, @demandprogress & others are advocating for a War Powers Resolution to end US complicity

It's an uphill battle
Contact your member of Congress to ask them to support a WPR🙏
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fcnl.quorum.us/campaign/37146…

@RepJayapal @RepPeterDeFazio @RoKhanna @RepMalinowski @tedlieu @RepAdamSchiff @QuincyInst @FCNL @yemenrrf @justfp @theactioncorps @masspeaceaction @demandprogress If you'd like more information @FCNL has a great FAQ on the conflict

For example, Is Iran supporting the Houthis?

Yes, but their support is minimal compared to the billions of $$ the Saudis spend on American weapons, which is why US support continues
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fcnl.org/issues/middle-…

Additional resources from @FCNL on War Powers:

Under Article 1 Section 8 of the Constitution, Congress, not the president, has the power to declare war

Congress must reassert its war authority and end US complicity in Yemen's misery

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fcnl.org/updates/2022-0…

@FCNL @SenSanders, @ChrisMurphyCT & @SenMikeLee introduced the War Powers Resolution in the Senate in 2019 (which Trump vetoed)

Call 1-833-STOP-WAR (1-833-786-7927) to call your Senator to ask them to support a WPR

More outreach resources from @justfp below
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justforeignpolicy.org/end-the-war-on…