The Yemen War

As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, health, peace, and blessings. I wanted to take the time to think and reflect.

    I was taking the time to think about the Jamal Khashoggi murder case, whilst we are sympathetic and want concrete answers to the questions surrounding this murder, I wondered why the story of one man, would be receive so much attention, as compared to the dire situation in Yemen, which also includes Saudi involvement. Thousands / millions are on the brink of famine, starvation and Mal-nutrition.  

"Yemen Girl Who Turned World’s Eyes to Famine Is Dead"
The New York Times 

Amal Hussain - Who has now passed away.

     The situation is now starting to recieve some attention. We can think of the silence of some stories as opposed to others. What is heard, un-heard, important or less important. Of course in the west there are relational ties to maintain with international partners and leaders, but where do these relations stand when we think from a lens of economic vs. humanitarian? 

     As I have always said wealthy nations do possess an implicit obligation to assist those who are less-fortunate, in need, or in times of crisis. However, we can't always put a blame on western nations. Sometimes it is the nation themselves, who does not want international or foreign intervention, from the level of thier Government or leadership. 

    We can think about Yemen, where Houthi rebels have blocked aid previously, and to the present day. Its not the civilians who are saying no to the aid, it is the groups and conflicts between the leaders that are making the situations worse in this region. Whilst the Saudi-led coalition might have served a purpose to constrain the actions of the Houthi group, the devastating war has caused a massive strain on Yemen's population. 

     It is with these thoughts the I also join the the USA efforts to force an end to the bloodshed in Yemen, additionally call upon the World Health Organization (WHO), and the United Nation (UN), to conduct an assessment of the situation in Yemen, and officially declare a famine. This strategy will put pressure on the the creators of the war, to somehow stop fighting from your differences, sectarianism, or religious conflict, and think from the lens of a humanitarian. International aid and relief is needed even if the Yemeni leaders or Government don't want this.

    How can, or should nations stand by and watch millions suffer? There is plenty of food in the world for all, if only the nations leaders involved in the disputes would put the suffering first, rather than their own conflict. Lack of attention, interventions, sways our thoughts to think of the situation in Yemen as a famine on the brink of a modern day genocide. 

Thank you to recent The New York Times articles of the situation in Yemen. Whilst of course we would wish the situation away, your use of images, has really revealed the power an image and the effect of an emotional appeal, thank you.

Further Reading:

*The New York Times -
THE TRAGEDY OF SAUDI ARABIA’S WAR

*The New York Times
Yemen Girl Who Turned World’s Eyes to Famine Is Dead

My thoughts to share with love & kindness.

Notes: These thoughts were originally hand-written on November 13th, 2018.
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