Sanders Withdraws Yemen War Powers Resolution Vote Over Biden Opposition
AntiWarNov 25, 2022
The Facts
US Sen. Bernie Sanders (D-Vt.) withdrew his request to vote on the Yemen War Powers Resolution on Tuesday, citing White House opposition. The resolution would have forced the US government to cease its support for the war in Yemen.
The White House was reportedly pressuring senators to vote against the resolution, with presidential aides making it clear that Pres. Joe Biden “strongly opposed” the bill and would veto it if it made it to his desk.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Saudi Arabia is a valuable ally, and the US must keep supporting Riyadh against the Iran-backed Houthis, who are a terrorist organization. Even though the Saudis have met some of the Houthis’ demands, the rebels won’t let up, leaving the Saudis with no choice but to continue their efforts. Ideally, the US can help the Saudis win the war while also doing a better job of focusing on military targets and being open about any mistakes they make.
Establishment-critical narrative
The time to act to stop the inhumane suffering in Yemen is now. The Saudis and Emiratis are conducting war crimes and the Houthis' resistance is just as legitimate as the resistance in Ukraine. Biden’s previous moves to resist Saudi intervention didn't have their desired effect, and at this point, the Saudis have given him every reason to oppose their efforts strongly. US support for this proxy war must stop.
