#Internationalresponse

[snap-blogz]

US and UK Launch Strikes Against Iran-Backed Houthis in Yemen

In a swift and unprecedented move, the US and UK militaries have launched strikes against Iran-backed Houthi targets in Yemen. The retaliation comes in response to the Houthi group's relentless attacks on international maritime vessels in the Red Sea, posing a significant threat to global security.

International Coalition's Response

 US President Joe Biden, along with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, justified the strikes as a necessary act of self-defense to de-escalate tensions and restore stability in the region. The operation involved a multi-pronged effort, with support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands. "Today, at my direction, U.S. military forces — together with the United Kingdom and with support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands—successfully conducted strikes against a number of targets in Yemen used by Houthi rebels to endanger freedom of navigation in one of the world’s most vital waterways," stated President Biden.

Precision Strikes and Targets

 The coalition executed over 60 strikes, utilizing more than 100 precision-guided munitions on 16 Iranian-backed Houthi militant locations. Lt. Gen. Alex Grynkewich highlighted the diverse range of targeted assets, including command and control nodes, munitions, depots, launching systems, production facilities, and air defense radar systems. "We were absolutely not targeting civilian population centers. We were going after very specific capabilities, in very specific locations, with precision munitions," emphasized a senior US military official.

Houthi Response and Regional Tensions

The strikes have faced condemnation across the Middle East. Houthi spokesperson Yahya Sare’e confirmed casualties among their ranks but asserted that the airstrikes would not deter further attacks on shipping. The Houthi group, an Iran-backed Shia organization, has been supporting its assaults on shipping by launching drones and missiles in solidarity with the Palestinian people.

Humanitarian Crisis in Yemen

The conflict in Yemen, exacerbated by years of civil war, has plunged the population into a devastating humanitarian crisis marked by famine, economic turmoil, and extreme poverty. The ongoing conflict between Houthi forces and the Saudi-backed coalition has led to a staggering death toll and displaced millions. "The airstrikes are barbaric, terrorist, and are a deliberate and unjustified aggression that reflects a brutal psychology,"  condemned Mohammed Ali al-Houthi, the head of the Houthi group’s Supreme Revolutionary Committee.

Biden's Deliberations and Warning

President Biden, navigating the complexities of the region, had hesitated to order direct strikes to avoid escalating tensions. However, repeated Houthi attacks on international shipping forced the administration's hand. The Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping, especially on Tuesday, marked a turning point, prompting Biden to warn of consequences. "They will bear the responsibility of the consequences should they continue to threaten lives, the global economy, and free flow of commerce in the region’s critical waterways," stated a joint statement issued on January 3.

Looking Ahead

 As the situation unfolds, Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized that consequences would follow if Houthi attacks persist. The international community remains vigilant, balancing the need for deterrence with the risk of further regional escalation. In summary, the US and UK's joint military strikes against Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen reflect a significant response to protect vital waterways, addressing a longstanding threat to international maritime security. The complex geopolitical landscape adds urgency to finding a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing crisis. Read the full article

[thxnews]

Afghanistan Crisis: Resilience and Global Challenges

  A Meeting of Global Minds

On the 18th of October 2023, a gathering of Special Representatives and Envoys from nine nations - Canada, the European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States - convened in Rome with a shared mission: to confront the dire humanitarian and economic crisis unfolding in Afghanistan.   A Joint Statement for Afghan Relief In a unified stance, these envoys released a joint statement reflecting their commitment to addressing Afghanistan's pressing humanitarian issues. Their key objectives included: - Ensuring Unhindered Aid Access: The envoys called upon the Taliban to facilitate unimpeded access for all humanitarian aid workers, emphasizing gender equality, to reach vulnerable populations in every corner of the nation. - Sustaining Humanitarian Aid: Acknowledging their respective governments and organizations' contribution of approximately $6.3 billion since August 2021, they underlined the importance of continued robust donor support, even as humanitarian needs outpace available aid. - Supporting Earthquake-Affected Communities: Expressing solidarity with areas devastated by recent earthquakes, they pledged an additional $33 million in aid to support affected communities, with more assistance in the pipeline. - Addressing Macroeconomic Woes: Recognizing that humanitarian aid alone won't resolve Afghanistan's economic woes, they urged expanding support to cover basic needs, women's empowerment, private sector growth, and livelihood generation. Multilateral development banks were called upon to play a significant role in this effort, in addition to the $2.1 billion already allocated by their governments and organizations. - Upholding Human Rights: Expressing grave concern for the human rights situation in Afghanistan, they called upon the Taliban to reverse their restrictive educational policies, affirming education as a human right, and emphasizing equal access to quality education for all.   A Plea for Political Progress In their statement, the envoys voiced disappointment over the lack of serious steps taken by the Taliban to initiate an inclusive political process. They emphasized the necessity of the Afghan people's involvement in crafting a new constitution through a transparent and inclusive national consultative dialogue, seeking guidance from the UN and OIC.   Countering Narcotics and Climate Challenges The envoys welcomed the Taliban's opium cultivation ban and a significant drop in opium production. They called for sustained efforts in this regard and collaboration with UNAMA's Technical Working Group on Counternarcotics. Additionally, they stressed Afghanistan's vulnerability to climate change and the need for sustainable solutions.   Concerns Over Security and Refugee Protection Expressing concerns about ongoing terrorist threats within Afghanistan, the envoys urged the global community, including Afghanistan's neighbors, to uphold their obligations regarding refugee protection and the right to seek asylum. They called for measures to develop a registration system for undocumented Afghans, especially for those at risk of persecution or torture.  

United for a Resilient Afghanistan

The envoys emphasized the importance of international unity in addressing Afghanistan's multifaceted challenges, including not normalizing relations with the Taliban. They expressed their appreciation to Italy for hosting this pivotal meeting on Afghanistan and looked forward to further international collaboration.  

An Earthquake's Toll on Afghanistan

On June 22, 2022, a devastating 5.9 magnitude earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan, claiming over 1,000 lives and injuring thousands. This catastrophe, the deadliest in decades, further exacerbated Afghanistan's already dire humanitarian crisis.   The Impact of Disaster The earthquake ravaged the provinces of Paktika and Khost, leaving a trail of destruction that included homes, schools, and essential infrastructure. Many were rendered homeless, lacking access to food, clean water, and medical care. Landslides and blocked roads hindered the aid response.  

The Humanitarian Response Unveiled

The humanitarian effects were staggering. Over 362,000 people were affected, with more than 60,000 displaced, and over 18,000 homes and 200 schools destroyed or damaged. In response, the Afghan government and the international community launched a major recovery operation.   A Bumpy Road to Recovery Challenges abounded, from financing the recovery amid an economic crisis to addressing insecurity in inaccessible areas. Nevertheless, progress emerged: as of November 2, 2023, over 10,000 homes were rebuilt, and more than 100 schools reopened. International pledges exceeded $110 million.  

The 2023 Herat Earthquake

On October 15, 2023, a powerful 5.3 magnitude earthquake rocked the western Herat region of Afghanistan, causing widespread devastation and claiming over 250 lives while injuring thousands more.   Vulnerable Rural Areas Hit Hard The earthquake's epicenter in rural Herat exacerbated the crisis, affecting vulnerable mud-brick homes that were prone to collapse. This disaster compounded Afghanistan's existing humanitarian challenges.  

A Swift Humanitarian Response

In the wake of the earthquake, the Afghan government, with international aid agency support, launched a rapid response operation. Relief efforts included medical assistance, food, and shelter, despite daunting logistical and security challenges.   A Long Road to Recovery Despite the resilience of the Afghan people, the path to recovery is steep. The earthquake amplified Afghanistan's humanitarian crisis, and ongoing economic and political challenges remain formidable obstacles. The international community must stand steadfast in providing both immediate relief and long-term development aid.   Sources: THX News & US Department of State. Read the full article

[fiorick]

AVP- Governance Reporting & Performance Management

AVP- Governance Reporting & Performance Management

Job title: AVP- Governance Reporting & Performance Management Company: First Abu Dhabi Bank Job description: departments both UAE and International.Responsible in identifying processes inefficiencies and recommends measurements, improve… & CS Department for UAE & InternationalResponsible for the definition and implementation of Policies and Procedures… Expected salary: Location: Abu Dhabi Job…