The Trump administration argues that its partnership with Saudi Arabia helps reduce civilian killings in Yemen. But State Department investigators and other U.S. officials say the efforts are flawed.
Tag: Saudi Arabia
Saudi King, in First U.N. Speech, Assails Longtime Nemesis Iran
King Salman of Saudi Arabia used his speech to brand Iran as a force for chaos in the Middle East, but he addressed none of his country’s own controversies.
War Crime Risk Grows for U.S. Over Saudi Strikes in Yemen
State Department officials have raised alarms about the legal risk in aiding airstrikes that kill civilians. The Trump administration recently suppressed findings as it sold more weapons to Gulf nations.
Bahrain Will Normalize Relations With Israel, in Deal Brokered by Trump
The island kingdom in the Persian Gulf becomes the second Arab nation in a month to more openly embrace Israel, dismissing Palestinian objections.
Saudi Court Issues Final Verdicts in Khashoggi Killing
The sentences, of up to 20 years in prison, were issued months after one of Jamal Khashoggi’s sons said he and his siblings had forgiven the men who killed him.
Saudi Arabia Opens Airspace to Israeli Flights
The Saudis said the decision came in response to “a request by the U.A.E.,” which had recently begun normalizing relations with Israel.
Saudi King Fires 2 Royals in Defense Corruption Inquiry
The king’s decision was based on Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s call for an investigation into “suspicious financial transactions at the defense ministry,” according to state news media.
Trump Administration Plans Arms Sale to U.A.E. Despite Israeli Worries
The Trump White House is quietly planning sales of F-35 stealth fighters and advanced drones to the Emiratis as part of a wider plan to realign the Middle East, but Israel and Congress may object.
Watchdog Says State Dept. Failed to Limit Civilian Deaths From Saudi Arms Sales
The inspector general also found the State Department avoided congressional review by dividing sales of controversial arms into smaller packages.
State Dept. Says Report Defends Pompeo on Arms Sales. But It Finds Fault Over Mass Deaths.
The agency gave its interpretation of an inspector general’s report on Secretary of State Mike Pompeo pushing arms sales to Saudi Arabia and the U.A.E., but declined to release the findings.