Success: U.S. to Stop Arms Sales to Saudi Arabia

Target: President Barack Obama

Goal: Applaud the halt of the sale of weapons that have been used to kill civilians in Yemen.

Due to the large number of civilian casualties in Yemen, the Obama administration has decided to cease some arms sales to the Saudi government. This decision could potentially save many civilian lives in Yemen. This success was made possible by progressive organizations and by ForceChange activists who signed petitions like this one.

A move has also been made to improve the training of the Saudi air force. The hope is to increase the accuracy of targeting practices. So far, more than 10,000 people have died in Yemen’s almost two-year-long war, which has led to a humanitarian emergency in the area. Yemen has suffered from lack of resources as the poorest country in the Middle East.

According to the Guardian, the Obama administration claimed that due to the “systematic, endemic problems in Saudi Arabia’s targeting,” they would have to end future arms sales to the country. It is wonderful to see Obama finally taking action to curb the crisis emerging in this war-torn area.

While this move made great strides in establishing a zero tolerance for violence directed at civilians, there is still concern over the U.S. refueling Saudi air crafts that conduct air strikes in Yemen. Sign this petition to commend the President for standing up for human rights in Yemen.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear President Barack Obama,

More than 10,000 people have fallen victim to Yemen’s under-reported war while the U.S. was complicit in selling arms to the Saudi government, which is accused of intentionally targeting civilians. Yemen is has suffered food shortages as the poorest country in the Middle East, partially due to the longstanding war. Thank you for finally taking a stand against these atrocities by halting the sale of arms to this country and for taking steps to improve targeting practices in the country.

While there is still concern over the U.S. refueling Saudi air crafts that conduct air strikes in Yemen, this is still a major step in removing American aid to a country that does not have the same human rights standards as the U.S.  It is important to take a stand for humanitarian concerns before you leave office. Thank you for your continued commitment to upholding human rights across the globe.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo credit: M. Benjamin Gable