"Yemen's Houthi Rebels Make Progress In Key Battle For" Topic

…Control Of The City Of Marib

"Marib and its surrounding oil fields make up the last significant pocket of government-held territory in the north of the war-torn country

At least 65 fighters have been killed over the past two days in the battle for Yemen's government-controlled Marib as Houthi rebels have advanced towards the city centre, military sources told AFP.

The rebels have taken full control of the northwest Kassara battlefront and made progress on western front lines despite air strikes by the Saudi-led coalition that backs Yemen's government…"

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Armand

Who is in the "Saudi-led coalition"?

USAFPilot, it was pretty much a massive chunk of tbe Arab world at one stage – Morroco,Egypt, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, UAE plus US/UK naval, logistics and intelligence support. Some have since dropped out.

Several muslim sub Saharan states also provided support.

Arab countries that did not participate:

Algeria – focused on managing fallout of Libya and Mali civil wars.
Libya – due to civil war
Oman – didn't want conflict rolling over the border
Iraq – due to civil war
Syria – due to civil war
Tunisia – fragile somewhat unstable democracy

That is NOT good news.

Seems like some, including our country, need to step up support for the opposition, in order to occupy, destabilize, or remove Iran's current leadership, again.

Thanks arealdeadone!… glad you read you again… (smile)

Armand

Just maybe Yemen would be better off with the Houthi rebels running things. Anyone else notice the presence of Al-Qaeda on the map? Looks like a mess no matter what the US does, so maybe better to stay away and let the locals work it out.

Thresher, I don't think the current administration is interested in supporting "the opposition"; these are the same guys who sent a plane load of cash to the mullahs.

USAFPilot, UAE et al actually tolerated if not actually supported Al Qaeda in Yemen.

They should have just let the Houthis control. The Houthis could have been worked with as they are actually not natural allies of Iran despite being a type of Shia. There are actually key religious differences between Houthis Shias and Iran's. and Houthis were never as fundamentalist as the current Iranian regime.

But the thing is KSA and UAE are engaged in a holy war against Shia Islam among others. This is a genocidal war.

Literally KSA and their US backers have pushed the Houthis toward Iran.

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Thresher, you wish the US to keep making the same mistakes it's been making since 2003?!? US needs to put some adults in charge.

Murdering all the Houthis (which is goal of both KSA and the Yemeni Sunnis) is not really an acceptable solution. USA continuing to support warcrimes over Yemen isn't really going to help anyone.

It empowers not just the Iranians but the Chinese and Russians as they can claim the US is a warmonger that supports genocide and warcrimes.

You are correct, USAFp, and John Kerry committed treason by sharing top secret details about Israel with the number 1 sponsor of terrorism on the planet, Iran, for those not up on that.

Perhaps we can and should reinstitute the firing squad for those that commit treason against our own country and those of our allies.

Agree…

Armand

Ah, for the good olds days when a new US president and his vice claimed Yemen was an example of the War on Terror is done right.

Perhaps we can and should reinstitute the firing squad for those that commit treason against our own country

All up for that if it includes any expats working in hostile countries and any CEOs that eagerly offload production outside of their own countries.

Also any politicians and bureaucrats that trade sovereignty away for "economic" gain.

and those of our allies.

Do you really want that? You realise your allies could get you in trouble with such a blank cheque.

Little Georgia declares war on Russia and all of sudden US president has to declare war too lest he/she/it get executed for treason.

Indeed KSA made a mess of it in Yemen – US was stupid to go along with it. And remember that time US had to slap France and UK down in 1956 cause they nearly started WWIII by invading Egypt?

You are correct, USAFp, and John Kerry committed treason by sharing top secret details about Israel with the number 1 sponsor of terrorism on the planet, Iran, for those not up on that.

Perhaps we can and should reinstitute the firing squad for those that commit treason against our own country and those of our allies.

Might I suggest that you consult the Constitution about the definition of "treason" and then come back and tell us how Kerry committed treason against the United States.
And against Israel? How can a non-citizen of Israel commit treason?

As for the firing squad nonsense, are you going to want a trial first?

The reason that the Constitution defined "treason" so strictly and narrowly is because in the past "treason" was used as a catch-all term to round up anyone who dared to disagree with the Crown.
Any other use is irresponsible and frightening.

arealdeadone – Interesting Countries list ! 👍👍

But if we notice, by nation, etc., the region is still a Cluster . And will remain so for a long time to come. Nothing can be done from the "outside". They have to decide to "fix" themselves … probably won't happen this century.

As far as "treason" … if the former Army Pvt(?) who released all that classified intel to Wikileaks a few years ago. If that is not treason I don't know what is. But he/she was released/pardoned from Leavenworth, IIRC. By a past WH admin. a few years back.

Regardless if he/she did is not committing treason and locked away for a long time or shot. But was pardoned and got away with it. Than nothing Kerry, etc., did counts either … And he won't be charged with anything even close to treason.

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Treason is the only crime defined in the U.S. Constitution. According to Article III, Section 3:

Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort. No Person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the Testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court.

There are laws that apply, like various "Espionage" Acts that apply to Manning.

As for Kerry, there is that obscure 200 year old law that has never been enforced about private citizens conducting foreign policy.

You have to be a citizen of Israel to commit treason against Israel. I don't know what Israeli law says here.

But too many people here throw around Big Words without knowing what they're talking about. Firing squads????

John Kerry vs Michael Flynn, a tale of double standards and hypocrisy. The establishment goes after the honorable General Flynn with a vengeance for daring to speak to a Russian diplomat before he is officially in office as National Security Advisor. But Vietnam war protester Kerry gets a free pass while speaking with Iranian diplomats when he is a private citizen long before any election.

As far as "treason" … if the former Army Pvt(?) who released all that classified intel to Wikileaks a few years ago. If that is not treason I don't know what is. But he/she was released/pardoned from Leavenworth, IIRC. By a past WH admin. a few years back.

Interestingly I view Snowden and Manning as heroes.

A key principle of democracy is open, accountable and transparent government.

This is dying in the west. The west is becoming less open, less accountable and less transparent. It is also becoming less democratic.

Even things such as trade deals or deals with private corporations are now being kept secret despite these potentially having a massive impact on voters/taxpayer lives.

Here in Australia there's an endemic culture of cover up – dodgy private deals, child sex abuse, elder abuse in nursing homes etc etc etc. Politicians now get away with falsifying documents or offloading assets to Chinese companies and then getting jobs with those companies.

Thus brave souls pointing out government crimes and misdoings is an extremely honourable endeavour even if it brings humiliation or is in the detriment of elites.

These whistle blowers should act as an incentive to governments to reform and be more accountable and transparent.

Not saying everything should be in the open. Certain military or diplomatic information needs to kept secret (eg location of key asset such as submarines or radar capabilities).

But whistleblowing on an Apache crew murdering journalists or Australian tax department ripping off taxpayers (this guy faces 161 years in gaol) or dodgy land deals is a good thing.

---

You know how I talk about the decline of the west – it's not just inaction/lack of goals or self loathing or greed/entitlement that's causing it. The death of accountable, transparent government and growth of shady military, commercial, intelligence and other groups is contributing to it as well.

Rome wasn't destroyed by just one big thing. It was a lot of different things that eroded the Empire. We are facing the same issues.

Nice try there John, but your statement about treason against Israel is yours alone. Your misdirection doesn't work.

Israel IS a US ally, but I did not say Kerry was guilty of treason with them. He IS guilty of it versus the USA though, since he is/was actively working against our policy at the time, and is/was off the reservation in terms of authorization to negotiate and/or inform Iran about top secret intel.

The current guy in charge is the one that floated that 200 year old law when persecuting Flynn, and since that happened, Kerry should be held to the same standard.

It's funny how leftists are ALL up in arms over foreign intervention and involvement in our policies and elections, and yet when they do it (Obama admin's anti-election campaign against Netanyahu – invoking the TMP 10 year rule here), they don't have a problem with it.

I suppose we probably should permit a trial, though in this case, and knowing his past, I imagine it is simply a delaying tactic for the ultimate outcome.

Netanyahu is a corrupt politician and a despicable racist and expansionist.

All my support to the Houthis against that horde of dictators, war criminals, genocidal governments and Western bloodsuckers.

"Lighten up Francis"

And just how exactly are you supporting them?

With all the means at my disposal.

There are laws that apply, like various "Espionage" Acts that apply to Manning.

As for Kerry, there is that obscure 200 year old law that has never been enforced about private citizens conducting foreign policy.

Yes you are correct … two different "events" …

Firing squads????

Hyperbole …

Interestingly I view Snowden and Manning as heroes.

A key principle of democracy is open, accountable and transparent government.

Not if that "leaked" information would put our people in harm's way or show methods, etc.

I don't care for Manning, but have mixed feelings about Snowden. Seems like a really smart guy and an idealist. There are parts of our government that occasionally need airing out and some exposure to sunshine. Corruption can kill a democracy.

Manning should have stayed in prison … Snowden should be there too. I had a TS clearance, I took it seriously … Of course now pretty much what little amount of TS intel/info I knew you can find on the net, etc. …

Not if that "leaked" information would put our people in harm's way or show methods, etc.

If your people are doing illegal things then they need to be revealed and put on trial.

And you need to have processes in place to stop them engaging in bad behaviour.

And I completely support Australian troops committing atrocities or Australian politicians engaged in corruption being placed in "harms way" in a prison and in some cases at the end of a noose if found guilty.

Oh and why are trade deals increasingly secret when they can actually hurt the taxpayers/businesses/individuals/citizens they are meant to represent.

It's all part and part of living in an accountable democracy.

As it stands the west is slowly heading down the path of third world dictatorship.

@Legion:

Not if that "leaked" information would put our people in harm's way or show methods, etc.

It's a grey area, mate. What if "our people" are being put in harm's way for personal, political or business benefits by someone in government? Shouldn't that be exposed, so it can't be done again?

@ardo

Agree- lets hear the whistles blowing. Pollies and businesses don't like their activities being exposed to too much light, so the way real whistleblowers (ie not politically/peronally motivated fictionalists) here are treated is shameful. The sooner the government is forced to institute a truly independent corruption watchdog the better. It should be at least 12 months of good work done before one or both sides of politics find a way to draw its teeth.

As for the Afghanistan debacle, that couldn't have been mismanaged more if if hyper-active three-year-olds were in charge. Most of those I know in Defence want the trials to start tomorrow, conducted by judges not chosen by Brereton or the government, so any guilty ---s can be found out and dealt with, and the not-guilty can get back on with their lives. But, like the RCIVS, the government, with opposition support (they are as negligent), is setting things up for the result they want- and "justice" isn't a factor to be considered.

Cheers.

If your people are doing illegal things then they need to be revealed and put on trial.

Was all the information "leaked" was about illegalities ? I think not …

It's a grey area, mate. What if "our people" are being put in harm's way for personal, political or business benefits by someone in government?

Yes, that is true … But again will those leaks put our people in harms way. I don't think any of the leakers even considered that …

Whistle blowing is understandable, etc. But not if puts those doing their job/mission in a legal & lawful manner in more danger. Don't throw the wheat out with the chaff, yes ?

@Legion 4

It's the old conundrum, mate. Do you put some in danger now to save more later, when an unnecessary conflict is resolved early (and the cause of it hopefully gets what they deserve)? In tactical/operational terms it's the same as a diversionary attack- are the casualties that may be taken in a diversionary attack worth the advantage it will give you for the real one?

To me that's not throwing the wheat out with the chaff, it's making a decision you have to be able to live with. With no guarantee you're right.

So at the moment we're giving the Saudis a free hand in Yemen, because their oil is more important than their support of Sunni extremists- and we turn a nearly blind eye to their religious war of extermination.

Pollies in the west have drawn down our military strength, because welfare gets more votes than military capability- because of the elusive "Peace Dividend".

My country still sells the PRC the raw materials they need to build the military force which is our greatest threat- the same as "Pig Iron Bob" Menzies did, selling iron to the Japanese right up until his government was dismissed just before 08 December 1941.

So if a whistleblower can shine a real light into some of those dark corners then more power to them. It may mean a slightly greater threat to our lot now (very little exposed by whistle blowers actually increases the threat to the people at the sharp end, it just scares the excrement out of the pollies, corporations and service chiefs whose failings are exposed), but it may also give my grandkids (three of them) a very slight chance of avoiding the worst in the future.

Cheers.

I see your point … but I'm not completely sold on all of it though. And yes the West is busy downsizing their militaries while the PRC is doing just the opposite. The Russians/Putin are not our friends plus, BTW the Global War on terrorism still has a number of "players" that need to go … IMO …

I'm not entirely sold on my argument myself, mate- it's a grey area, as I said, with too many variables. But anything that makes the political and corporate worlds more transparent has to be better, rather than worse.

As for the various Islamic terrorists, if the west stepped away and left the terrorists to their own devices they'd soon be fighting each other, as is happening in Yemen, the Sudan and even, at times, Afghanistan. "Interference" by the West has long given the extremist factions a common enemy. Take the common enemy away and they're quite happy to go back to war against each other and, like the Saudis in Yemen, take opportunities to go after their sectarian "enemies".

The only problem we'd have is being able to make a decision about the atrocities which would follow, because as soon as aid arrived for the inevitable refugees and victims then the West would be "interfering" again.

As for Putin and Russia, the PRC is as big a threat to Russia as the West- Siberia is also Chinese "historical territory", with lots of resources. But we're being very vocal in our criticisms and demands, and continually casting Putin and Russia as villains. Putting missiles into neighbouring countries was just stupid- it played to the propaganda of the West's wanting to subjugate Russia when diplomacy was still having some effect.

We don't want to make the same mistakes we made with the USSR in WWII, but modifying our approach to Russia might give reason to Putin to reconsider his growing closeness to Xitler. Realistically, we're going to have trouble matching the PRC and avoiding a war. We'll have no chance at all against a PRC allied to Russia. Against the PRC Russia is a potential friendly neutral for the West- I doubt Russia would ever be our allies- and Russia's well aware of China's "historical territories" ambitions.

I'm not saying we give Russia free reign in the Baltic and Ukraine, just we try to talk to Russia, not preach. Even a neutral Russia is going to act as a brake on Xitler's plans. But Putin won't be/stay neutral while Russia is still being cast as the world's bogeyman by the US, UK and Australia. Perhaps for once we can take a look at how the Germans, French and Poles are dealing with Russia.

Cheers.

I do agree with most of what you posted. But yes, it goes without saying the PRC/CCP is Public Enemy #1 for the USA.

You can made honest deal with Russia but with China is totally different

Yeah … pretty much …

Are you sure…? (smile)

Armand

Maybe … ? Putin is former KGB … so …

(smile)

Armand