{"id":1425516,"date":"2024-01-03T17:37:29","date_gmt":"2024-01-03T17:37:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theintercept.com\/?p=456359"},"modified":"2024-01-03T17:37:29","modified_gmt":"2024-01-03T17:37:29","slug":"new-bills-aim-to-block-u-s-arms-sales-to-saudi-arabia-uae-amid-concerns-of-regional-conflict","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/radiofree.asia\/2024\/01\/03\/new-bills-aim-to-block-u-s-arms-sales-to-saudi-arabia-uae-amid-concerns-of-regional-conflict\/","title":{"rendered":"New Bills Aim to Block U.S. Arms Sales to Saudi Arabia, UAE Amid Concerns of Regional Conflict"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Rep. Ilhan Omar<\/span> is introducing two pieces of legislation to block U.S. arms sales to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, citing atrocities committed by both countries. The U.S. made high-profile sales to both countries in December, shoring up their offensive capabilities amid the possibility of a regional war and a growing risk of confrontation with Yemen\u2019s Houthis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Saudi bill is the Minnesota progressive\u2019s latest attempt to hold the Saudi regime to account for its sordid human rights record. It would stop the sale of aircraft support, intelligence sensors, and other materiel relied upon by the Royal Saudi Air Force amid a blockade that has devastated Yemen\u2019s population. In December, the State Department approved<\/a> a $582 million sale to Saudi Arabia to renew its drone surveillance system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The UAE also recently escalated its involvement in the war on Yemen, leading to Houthi rocket attacks that have eroded the sense of security<\/a> the Emirati states had cultivated. Omar\u2019s measure would prohibit the sale of high explosive rockets, radar systems, and other military equipment to the UAE. In December, the State Department approved<\/a> an $85 million sale of high explosive rockets and defense-related radar equipment to the UAE.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

The closely focused bills make no mention of regional dynamics. In a statement to The Intercept, Omar pointed to human rights abuses committed by both countries as the basis for the legislation. \u201cThese sales go directly against our values as well as the cause of peace and human rights,\u201d Omar said in a statement to The Intercept.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

President Joe Biden campaigned in 2020 on making Saudi Arabia a \u201cpariah<\/a>\u201d for its murder of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi, saying that there was \u201cvery little social redeeming value in the present government in Saudi Arabia.\u201d Since becoming president, however, the Biden administration has authorized billions in weapons sales to the oil-rich monarchy.\u00a0In 2021, Omar\u00a0introduced<\/a> similar legislation to block a $650 million sale of missiles and other weapons to the kingdom. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“It is simply unconscionable to sell weapons to Saudi Arabia while they continue to kill and torture dissidents and support modern-day slavery,\u201d Omar said. \u201cSaudi Arabia executed over 170 people in the last year alone \u2014 including executions just for Twitter posts.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n