Continued Arms Sales to Saudi Arabia and UAE Undermine Congressional Authority

In May 2019, the Trump Administration approved a new shipment of arms to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) valued at $8 billion, as part of an ‘emergency’ sale meant to bolster regional allies and counter regional aggression. By tagging the sales as for an ‘emergency’ the administration is able to avoid Congressional[…]

Trump Administration authorizes new arms sales to GCC states despite Congressional threat to block

On 13 and 16 October 2017, the United States Government approved the sale of weapons worth $371.6 million to Kuwait, stating that the sale “will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a friendly country.” These sales come amid the ongoing diplomatic crisis[…]

Bahrain Postpones Nabeel Rajab’s Appeal against Two-Year Prison Term

Update: On 26 October 2017, ADHRB received reports that Bahraini authorities transferred Nabeel Rajab from the Ministry of Interior (MOI) police clinic, Al-Qala’a, to Jau Prison, the kingdom’s main long-stay male detention center. The prison administration appears to be holding him away from other political prisoners and the guards have subjected him to degrading treatment,[…]

Saudi Ambassador Appointment Draws an Even Closer Relationship between Saudi Arabia and the US

In April 2017, Saudi Arabia appointed 28-years-old Prince Khalid bin Salman as its new Ambassador to the United States of America. Prince Khalid is the son of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and the younger brother of the Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, who himself is only 32-years-old, but who is determined to radically[…]

UK continues to sell arms to Saudi Arabia despite allegations of war crimes in Yemen

Since Saudi Arabia entered the conflict in Yemen in March 2015 and began to conduct airstrikes, the British government has sold the kingdom more than £3.6 billion worth of arms. Throughout the duration of its involvement in the conflict, the Saudi-led Coalition in Yemen (formed by Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries, such as Kuwait,[…]