By Justin Sink 28 September 2021
- They back more diplomatic engagement as U.S. seeks cease-fire
- Saudis have been faulted over civilian deaths from airstrikes
White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan had a detailed discussion with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman about the conflict between Saudi Arabia and Houthi rebels in Yemen, a senior U.S. official said Tuesday.
The pair agreed to intensify diplomatic engagement, the U.S. official said, as the White House pushes for a cease-fire in the conflict. Fighting in the region has intensified in recent weeks, as Iran-backed rebels have sought to expel Saudis from Marib, an oil-rich city in Yemen’s north.
The Saudis — who have drawn criticism over civilian deaths stemming from its airstrikes during the conflict — offered a cease-fire deal earlier in the summer, but the U.S. has said the Houthis so far have refused to engage on the effort. Tim Lenderking, the U.S. special envoy for Yemen, participated in the meeting and is expected to remain in the region for follow-up consultations.The latest in global politicsGet insight from reporters around the world in the Balance of Power newsletter.EmailSign UpBloomberg may send me offers and promotions.By submitting my information, I agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
Sullivan also stressed the importance of human rights in U.S. relationships with longtime allies, the U.S. official said. Relations between the two nations have been strained over the 2018 killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi. A Central Intelligence Agency report released by the Biden administration earlier this year concluded that the crown prince probably ordered the operation to kill Khashoggi. Saudi officials deny that.
Biden’s national security adviser became the highest level U.S. official to visit the kingdom since the president took office. The White House said earlier this year that the administration planned to recalibrate relations with the country after the crown prince enjoyed close access to senior Trump administration officials, including the former president’s son-in-law and senior adviser Jared Kushner. Sponsored ContentDesigning a Global Approach to CybersecurityCyber Security Agency of Singapore
Biden plans to conduct diplomacy directly with Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz while leaving discussions with the powerful crown prince to other members of his administration, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said in February.
During the meeting, Sullivan thanked the Saudis for helping evacuate Afghans during the U.S. withdrawal last month and for their efforts to support peace in Iraq, the U.S. official said.
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Categories: America, American History, Americas, Arab World, Asia, Saudi Arabia, United States, USA, Yemen
The solution is so simple: Spend the amount you are spending now on war for peace and development in Yemen. The whole country will look like Dubai in no time.