In 2021, the Biden administration issued an order to stop the American support for aggressive actions in Yemen. It includes banning the arms sales to Saudi nationals. This decision was the same as the European nations did in the past, but it still permitted the sale of defensive weapons. Now the United States is planning to end this ban. With this ending, officials say that Saudi Arabia has fulfilled its promises, which they believe justifies selling arms again.
However, mixed results came to light, especially when using arms as a tool of foreign policy. The past idea of influencing Saudi Arabia through arms failed. Despite the restrictions on arms sales, many US officials sold the weapons quickly under the Biden administration. These sales also raised many tensions in the nations including Saudi human rights violations and regional aggression. It is very concerning that the United States is ready to resume arms sales.
This decision raises concerns about supporting a government that continues to act against international norms and stability.
Lifting the arms sales hold on the Kingdom
The decision of the United States to lift the arms sales hold on Saudi Arabia raises many worries. The human rights record of Saudi Arabia is not good. Saudi Arabia also made a promise to adhere to the Law of Armed Conflict and reduce civilian casualties. But the past actions of this nation were against these promises. Although it has scaled back military operations in Yemen, the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the country remains dire. Many reports indicate that civilian casualties have lessened. But this decreasing numbering does not erase the great harm of Saudi airstrikes in past years. Additionally, Saudi officials committed to improving its military training and never violated human rights. But these commitments seem more like public relations efforts as compared to real change.
Ending the ban on arms sales sends a concerning message. It indicates that for the United States political alliances are more important than accountability for human rights violations.
The international community must remain vigilant, as this decision could undermine efforts to hold Saudi Arabia accountable for its actions in Yemen.
It is also concerning to know that Saudi Arabia’s commitment to March 2022 in Yemen expired in October 2022. This nation did not avoid escalation. The Kingdom’s reluctance to engage with U.S. efforts to address Houthi provocations in the Red Sea suggests a lack of genuine interest in peace. The strategies that Mohammad Bin Salman adopted seem like he want to maintain his control rather than resolve conflict.
The Biden administration forced for the civilian protection. However, the actions of Saudi Arabia continuously harm the civilians. A recent $1 billion military training sale to Saudi forces includes training on avoiding civilian casualties. This feels insufficient given the ongoing suffering of Yemeni civilians.
It is complicated to fully understand the relationship between Saudi Arabia and the United States. Saudi officials claim that they are a close partner of the US but the Kingdom often puts its interest first. The United States pressured the Sadi government to shift its defence ties. But they still cooperate with China and Russia for defence and security. This suggests a reluctance to fully commit to the US as its main security partner. On the other hand, now, Saudi Arabia wants to normalize with Israel but this desire is also exploring the pattern of prioritizing its security over a true alliance.
Moreover, Saudi Arabia heavily relies upon US military support. They frequently choose the US guidelines just to show that they value the partnership. But this action also serves as its interest. This dual behavior of Saudi officials raises many questions about the nation’s commitments and the long-term stability of its partnership with the United States.
Saudi Arabia’s cooperation with the United States shows how the natter on nation depends upon the American help. They need US assistance in a defense agreement that would improve relations with Israel. This dependence raises serious about the stability of Saudi Arabia.