Intel: Why the US opposes UN calls for a Yemen cease-fire
CNN reported today that the United States is pulling its support for a Yemen cease-fire resolution at the United Nations after Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed frustration over language calling for increased humanitarian aid and accountability almost four years after the Saudi-led intervention.
Why it matters: The report indicates that the Donald Trump administration is contradicting its stated policy goal in Yemen, which was to get the Saudi-led coalition fighting the Iran-backed Houthis to the negotiating table.
US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley has signaled for weeks that the United States is looking for a deal to end the conflict. But CNN reports that the United States is now worried that the Saudis or the Houthis — or both — won’t show up to peace talks if the resolution passes.
Capitol countdown: Even after the Pentagon stopped refueling Saudi aircraft in early November, the Trump administration faces mounting frustration on Capitol Hill, with the Senate set to vote on a bipartisan war powers resolution this week that would pull US support to the Yemen conflict. Defense Secretary James Mattis and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo hope to get the last word in beforehand, scheduling a last-minute briefing for senators on the morning of Nov. 28.
