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New York Times
21-05-2025
- Politics
- New York Times
When the U.S. and Israel Bomb the Houthis, Civilians Pay the Highest Price
Mohammed Omar Baghwi was working the evening shift on April 17 at Ras Isa port in Yemen's northwestern Hudaydah Province when the American military began bombing. As a manager, Mr. Baghwi, 45, was responsible for a department that filled cooking gas cylinders. He was one of at least 74 people killed during the strike, making it one of the deadliest attacks by the United States on Yemen. U.S. Central Command said it had attacked the port to 'degrade the economic source of power' of the Iran-backed Houthi militant group based in northern Yemen that controls most of the country. But Mr. Baghwi's family said he had been just a civilian trying to make ends meet. 'Mohammed and his companions had done nothing wrong,' said Hassan Omar Baghwi, his brother. 'They were simply doing their job to earn a living for themselves and their families under extremely difficult living conditions.' The Houthis have been firing drone and missile strikes at Israel in solidarity with Hamas after it led an attack against Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, and to pressure Israel over its campaign in Gaza. The Houthis have also targeted commercial ships in the Red Sea, a vital trade route. Those attacks have prompted retaliatory strikes from the United States and Israel, which, for the past two months, have regularly bombed Yemen. The American and Israeli governments say the strikes were focused on Houthi leaders and assets, but they have also killed many civilians, destroyed vital infrastructure and deepened uncertainty in the poorest country in the Middle East. Before President Trump announced this month that the United States had reached a cease-fire with the militia, the Trump administration had said its main goal was to restore navigation in the Red Sea. When he announced the cease-fire, Mr. Trump said the Houthis had 'capitulated.' The Houthis have continued to attack Israel, however, launching missiles that have landed near Ben Gurion Airport, close to Tel Aviv, setting off sirens and sending millions of civilians into bomb shelters. Israel has responded with more strikes, and the two sides show little sign of stopping their tit-for-tat attacks. Analysts say the strikes will only add to the misery for Yemeni civilians, the vast majority of whom live in Houthi-controlled territory and had already experienced decades of war before the U.S. and Israeli attacks. The Houthis oppose the United States and Israel, and see themselves as part of the Iranian-led 'axis of resistance,' alongside Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. But despite the months of strikes, some analysts and officials have questioned whether the U.S. and Israeli efforts have degraded the Houthis' military capability. The Trump administration has launched more than 1,000 strikes costing billions of dollars and have destroyed Houthi weapons and equipment. But U.S. intelligence agencies have said the group could easily reconstitute. 'The strikes have already triggered a fuel crisis, which will drive up the cost of basic goods and services in a country where most of the population are struggling to afford food,' said Nadwa al-Dawsari, an analyst focused on Yemen at the Middle East Institute in Washington. 'Even if their operations slow temporarily, they'll regroup, rebuild and return stronger,' she added. Civilians and aid workers say the bombing campaigns have compounded an already dire humanitarian situation. In 2014, the Houthis seized on a period of political instability to take over the country's capital, Sana. A Saudi-led military coalition backed by U.S. assistance and weapons began a bombing campaign in 2015 to try to restore the internationally recognized government. The coalition enforced a de facto naval and air blockade that restricted the flow of food and other goods into Houthi-held territory. The intervention failed, leaving the Houthis in power in the north of the country. The subsequent civil war has killed hundreds of thousands of Yemeni civilians and caused one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. In a briefing to the United Nations Security Council last week, humanitarian officials warned that Yemen still faced serious challenges. 'Half of Yemen's children — or 2.3 million — are malnourished, 600,000 of them severely so,' said Tom Fletcher, the United Nations' humanitarian chief. He added that 2,000 nutrition programs had been forced to shut down. Israeli airstrikes on Yemeni cities this month, including on the city's international airport, caused nearly $500 million in damages, according to the airport's director, and flights were suspended for more than a week. Israel said the attack had been in retaliation for a Houthi missile strike near Ben Gurion Airport. But the airport in Sana is mainly used for civilian travel and is one of the few ways Yemenis can get access to emergency medical treatment overseas. Waseem al-Haidari, a 42-year-old government employee in Sana, said past closures of the airport because of airstrikes had caused painful financial and emotional hardship on families like his when emergency medical treatment is needed. 'Our family sold valuable belongings and borrowed additional money to cover my brother's trip through Aden Airport to Cairo for a cornea transplant,' he said. Critically ill patients in Yemen are left with no choice but to endure a grueling 24-hour road journey to Aden or Seiyun, in the south of Yemen, to seek medical evacuation abroad. The western port city of Hudaydah, which the Israeli military says is a critical supply route for the Houthis, has borne the brunt of U.S. and Israeli strikes over the past year. Many of its ports and roads, which are lifelines for food and medicine entering the country, are in ruins. Even residents in southern areas of the country that are run by the internationally recognized Yemeni government say they were being affected, even if they are not in an area that has been regularly bombed. Saleh Ramadan, 49, lives in a dilapidated home in the southern city of al-Mukalla, where his children sleep in a dimly lit room. There is no furniture, no table for meals, no cupboards to store clothes. 'In the past, we could buy meat and chicken, even celebrate Eid with meat and new clothes,' he said, referring the Islamic festival celebrated at the end of Ramadan. Now, he said, his family often skips meals. Mr. Ramadan's eldest son, Mohammed, 20, dropped out of school to help his father deliver cooking gas. When the children get sick, the family relies mostly on herbal remedies because it cannot get medicine, which has become too expensive or is in short supply. Mr. Trump's decision to slash overall U.S. aid spending has made matters worse. Aid agencies have had to scale back food distribution, and the United Nations' World Food Program has warned that without new funding, programs for malnourished children under 5 could stop as early as this month. The Trump administration's decision to re-designate the Houthis as a terrorist group has also complicated efforts to deliver humanitarian aid, as international banks fear contravening U.S. sanctions and are hesitant about processing transactions involving Yemen. Donor fatigue and geopolitical tensions have made securing aid even more challenging. The costs of food and transportation have soared, and the U.N.'s humanitarian office has reported that many families now spend up to 60 percent of their income on food alone. For Sara Mohammed, a widowed mother of three living in al-Mukalla, the struggle has been relentless. Living in a makeshift home with her mentally ill mother and blind father, she said the family relied on her sister's income as a domestic worker and their father's modest pension. 'We can't afford food,' she said. 'My sister dropped out of college to work two shifts. She has heart problems but can't afford medical treatment. My kids eat boiled rice. We survive on faith.'
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Business Standard
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
Hegseth orders review of Afghanistan withdrawal, Kabul airport bombing
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered another review of the US military's chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, and of the suicide bombing at the Kabul airport that killed American troops and Afghans. President Donald Trump and Hegseth have repeatedly blasted the Biden administration for the withdrawal, which Hegseth said Tuesday was disastrous and embarrassing. He said the new review will interview witnesses, analyze the decision-making and get the truth. There have already been multiple reviews of the withdrawal by the Pentagon, US Central Command, the State Department and Congress, which have involved hundreds of interviews and studies of videos, photographs and other footage and data. It's unclear what specific new information the new review is seeking. The Abbey Gate bombing during the final days of the Afghanistan withdrawal killed 13 US service members and 170 Afghans, and wounded scores more. It triggered widespread debate and congressional criticism, fueled by searing photographs of desperate Afghans trying to crowd into the airport to get out of Kabul, with some clinging to US military aircraft as they were taking off. A detailed US military review was ordered in 2023 to expand the number of people interviewed, after a Marine injured in the blast said snipers believed they saw the possible bomber but couldn't get approval to take him out. The findings, released in 2024, refuted those assertions and concluded that the bombing was not preventable. A congressional review was highly critical of the withdrawal, saying the Biden administration did not adequately prepare for it or for all the contingencies and put personnel in danger. Others, however, have faulted the State Department for not moving quickly enough to decide on an evacuation, resulting in a rush to get out as the Taliban took control of the country. Critics have also blamed Trump for making a deal with the Taliban in 2020 when he was president to remove US troops from Afghanistan, which decreased the number of forces on the ground as the pullout went on. Both Trump and then-President Joe Biden wanted an end to the war and US troops out of Afghanistan. The new review will be led by Sean Parnell, the assistant to the secretary of defense for public affairs. He will convene a panel that will provide updates at appropriate times, but there is no time frame or deadline for any report, which is very unusual.
Qatar Tribune
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar, US strengthen strategic relations during President Trump's visit to Doha
DOHA: In light of the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation between the State of Qatar and the United States of America, HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani welcomed President of the United States HE Donald Trump in Doha, as part of a state visit during May 14-15, 2025. This visit announced several new milestones that strengthen and expand on the existing bilateral relationship between the two friendly and strategic countries. Cooperation on regional issues The State of Qatar and the United States of America work closely to address global and regional challenges. During the visit, President Trump recognized Qatar's continued efforts in supporting regional peace and praised its contributions as a frontline partner in global counterterrorism, violent extremism and a critical contributor to crisis diplomacy. The meeting addressed ongoing regional developments in Gaza, Syria, and Lebanon. President Trump expressed his appreciation towards the consistent mediation efforts of Qatar and Egyptian counterparts that resulted in the release of the American hostage, Edan Alexander. Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to securing a lasting ceasefire and stability in Gaza and the return of the remaining hostages. Qatar has welcomed President Trump's intention to lift the sanctions imposed on the Syrian Arab Republic, considering it an important step towards supporting stability, prosperity, and peace for the Syrian people. Both countries stressed the importance of countering terrorism, denying territorial access to hostile actors, and preventing Syria from becoming a base for regional threats. They also discussed the need to support inclusive governance to ensure long-term national cohesion and prevent renewed sectarian conflict. In support of Syria's current transition, both nations engaged in further discussions to enhance humanitarian cooperation and respond to their urgent needs. Enhancing security through defence, law enforcement cooperation The State of Qatar and the United States of America maintain a strong defense and security partnership that is built on shared values and operational trust. During the visit, President Trump visited Al Udeid Air Base (AUAB) and the Forward Headquarters for the USCentral Command. Expanding on the existing strong defense partnership, the two countries finalized the following agreements: Letter of Intent on Defense Cooperation between the Qatari Ministry of Defense and US Department of Defense; General Atomics MQ-9B Letter of Acceptance, under which Qatar purchased MQ-9B systems which will enhance Qatar's and the US military's; and the FS-LIDS Counter UAV system Letter of Acceptance, this deal establishes Qatar as the first international customer for Raytheon's Fixed Site – Low, Slow, Small Unmanned Aerial System Integrated Defeat System (FS-LIDS). Qatar and the United States launched several law enforcement cooperation initiatives on information sharing, joint security, and law enforcement training. The two nations further finalized the following agreements: Letter of Intent between Ministry of Interior of the State of Qatar and Palo Alto Networks Company; Letter of Intent Between Ministry of Interior of the State of Qatar and Dell Technology and Solutions LLC; Letter of Intent on the Field of Developing Innovation and Security Vehicles and the Exchange of Knowledge and Expertise Between Ministry of Interior of the State of Qatar and Unplugged Performance, Inc; and the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Interior of the State of Qatar Represented by the General Directorate of Information Systems and International Business Machines Corporation Qatar LLC. Fostering economic collaborations The State of Qatar and the United States of America have a historically strong economic relationship, which serves as a basic pillar of the broader bilateral relationship. Qatar maintains a highly diversified investment across various sectors in the United States. During the visit, an agreement between Qatar Airways and Boeing aircraft was concluded. The Letters of Intent, MoU's, and agreements signed during this visit are set to further strengthen and expand the economic partnership between the two countries. Advancing technology and AI The State of Qatar and the United States of America explored opportunities for technological cooperation in high-tech sectors, particularly AI, semiconductors, and digital security. The two nations have agreed to explore alignment on export control mechanisms for critical technologies. Advancing strategic energy partnerships The State of Qatar and the United States of America share a longstanding partnership in the energy sector, rooted in mutual interests and strategic cooperation. Qatar has actively invested in energy infrastructure in the United States, which reinforces America's energy security and industrial strength. Cooperation in educational development The State of Qatar and the United States of America share a longstanding educational cooperation, which continues to serve as an important component of the bilateral relationship. This partnership is reflected in the presence of six esteemed American universities operating in Qatar Foundation's Education City, as well as the growing number of Qatari students pursuing educational opportunities at institutions across the United States. Qatar Foundation has renewed its partnership agreements with Carnegie Mellon University and Georgetown University for an additional ten years, reaffirming a shared commitment to advancing long-term academic collaboration and institutional partnership. This renewal reflects a continued dedication towards fostering long-term academic collaboration, cross-cultural understanding, and mutual respect between the State of Qatar and the United States. Enhancing employment through strategic investment The pivotal agreements signed during the visit of President Trump to Doha reflect a shared commitment to fostering growth and stability through our meaningful partnership. Over the years, Qatar has invested in critical sectors such as defense, energy, and advanced technologies. Qatar's strategic engagements with the United States directly support job creation and workforce development across the United States. These investments help to contribute to long-term industrial resilience and innovation. Joint declaration of cooperation During the visit, the State of Qatar and the United States of America signed a Joint Declaration of Cooperation that fosters the strategic relationship and advances mutual interests. The declaration reflects both nations shared commitment to advancing long-term strategic partnership, enhancing cooperation across various sectors and promoting mutual prosperity. This step underscores the depth of the relationship between Qatar and the United States and reaffirms their dedication to dialogue, innovation, and global stability.
Wall Street Journal
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Wall Street Journal
Trump Addresses Troops at U.S. Base That Undergirds Qatar Ties
AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar—President Trump used a stop at this U.S. base to highlight his role as commander in chief, spotlighting rising military recruitment back home and a $1 trillion defense-budget request, without articulating substantial policy on confronting Iran or ending the wars in Gaza and Ukraine. The venue for the remarks was his main prop: Al Udeid Air Base, the biggest U.S. military site in the Middle East. It houses around 10,000 troops at the regional headquarters of U.S. Central Command, Special Operations Command, the Air Force's 379th Air Expeditionary Wing and airmen of the Space Force that Trump created during his first term.
The National
14-05-2025
- Business
- The National
Qatar's Al Udeid air base: Nerve centre of US combat operations
Live updates: Follow the latest on Trump's Gulf trip Tucked away in the desert south-west of Doha, Al Udeid Air Base has evolved into one of the most vital US military hubs in the world. With more than $8 billion invested by Qatar since 2003, the airbase now hosts a cluster of US and coalition command structures and aircraft. As President Donald Trump is due to visit Al Udeid, here are the key things to know about the base and the US-Qatar military relationship: Al Udeid Air Base, about 30 kilometres south-west of Doha in the Al Udeid area, covers 12.3 sq km. It features two runways, each 3,750 metres in length, capable of accommodating every aircraft in the US arsenal, from B-52 bombers to C-17 transport planes. The base hosts more than 10,000 US military personnel, making it the largest American military installation in the Middle East. It supports a diverse fleet of more than 90 combat and support aircraft, including B-52 Stratofortress bombers, KC-135 refuelling tankers, C-17 Globemasters and MQ-9 Reaper drones. Its infrastructure includes advanced command-and-control centres, aircraft maintenance and accommodation to support sustained, high-tempo operations across several domains. Al Udeid is home to the forward headquarters of US Central Command, US Air Force Central Command and US Special Operations Central Command. It also houses the Combined Air Operations Centre, which co-ordinates all American and allied air activity across the region, from Iraq and Syria to the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz. This concentration of command infrastructure makes it one of the most strategically important US bases worldwide, enabling real-time control of missions spanning dozens of countries. Since 2003, Qatar has contributed more than $8 billion to build and expand Al Udeid. These upgrades have transformed it from a temporary desert outpost into a permanent strategic asset. Al Udeid's operational legacy began with Operation Enduring Freedom after the 9/11 attacks, when it served as a critical launchpad for air strikes and intelligence missions over Afghanistan. Two years later, during the US-led invasion of Iraq, the US moved its Combined Air Operations Centre from Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia to Al Udeid. In August 2021, when US forces started evacuating civilians from Kabul, Al Udeid once again became indispensable. It was the main logistical and operational base during the largest evacuation in US military history. Whether conducting surveillance missions over Syria or co-ordinating air cover in Iraq, nearly every significant US military operation in the region over the past two decades has relied on this base. The US military at Al Udeid continues to orchestrate the ongoing air campaign against ISIS, with its intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance divisions playing a central role in identifying targets. In 2020, Al Udeid became the first base in the Middle East to host deployed personnel from the newly formed US Space Force. This marked an expansion of the base's role from traditional air operations into emerging domains such as space and cyber warfare. As military strategy increasingly shifts towards space-based surveillance, satellite co-ordination and secure digital communications, Al Udeid is expected to play a growing role in that domain. Beyond its hosting of Al Udeid, Qatar is the second-largest partner globally under the US Foreign Military Sales programme, with more than $26 billion in active agreements. Major purchases include F-15QA fighter jets (the most advanced F-15 variant), Patriot and Nasams air defence systems, AH-64E Apache helicopters and AN/FPS-132 early-warning radar systems. Since 2016, the US has also authorised more than $2.8 billion in direct commercial defence exports to Qatar. These include aircraft systems, special operations training and night-vision technology. The two countries are bound by security agreements, covering intelligence-sharing, logistics and maritime co-operation.
