US Senate Approves Part of Saudi Arms Deal by Narrow Vote

The US Senate narrowly approved the sale of $500 million in "guided bombs" to Saudi Arabia. Supporters of the deal argue that the sale of arms will prevent the increase of Iranian influence. Opponents have criticized the Saudi government and its actions. The voting result on June 13 was 53 votes in favor and 47 against. Critics of the arms sale argue that Saudi Arabia may use these weapons in battles in Yemen and to kill civilians. Former President Barack Obama had suspended the sale of "guided bombs" to the Saudi military after dozens of Yemeni civilians were killed during an airstrike by the Arab coalition on a funeral ceremony. On the other hand, Mr. Trump described the arms deal with Saudi Arabia as a means to boost the economy and create jobs in the United States, while also stating that they would be used in battles against Iranian-backed militias and terrorist groups in the region. The Houthi rebels in Yemen, who are supported by Iran, seized the Yemeni presidential palace in January 2015. Following this, Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi, who is still recognized by the UN as the president of Yemen, went to Saudi Arabia. The Riyadh-led coalition has intervened militarily in Yemen since April 2015 in support of Hadi. Human rights groups say that the airstrikes by the Arab coalition on schools, medical centers, markets, and factories could constitute war crimes. Saudi Arabia has either denied conducting such attacks or claims that militants were stationed in the targeted areas and tries to minimize civilian casualties. Mitch McConnell, the Republican majority leader in the Senate, and other senators in favor of the arms sale have stated that Washington cannot prevent its allies from accessing weapons used to counter the forces of the "Islamic State" and to prevent Iranian influence. Senator Lindsey Graham emphasized that "if you do not understand that countering Iran and preventing its presence in Yemen, Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon is part of our national interests, you are seriously mistaken." On the other hand, opponents speak about the impact of the arms sale on civilian deaths in Yemen due to the Arab coalition's battles. Democratic Senator Chris Murphy, who, along with Republican Senator Rand Paul, opposed the deal, stated that "Congress has finally realized that Saudi Arabia is using American military equipment to deliberately target civilians in Yemen." Senator Paul also criticized, stating that "Saudi Arabia is the number one exporter of jihadist philosophy" in the world. Rand Paul claims that "Saudi Arabia is not a reliable ally." The sold weapons are part of a $110 billion arms package from the Trump administration to Saudi Arabia.