The Intelligence from The Economist Food chain broken: famine in Yemen
Oct 13, 2020
Greg Karlstrom, the expert Middle East correspondent for The Economist, delves deeply into the devastating famine gripping Yemen, exposing the blame placed on both warring sides. He emphasizes the urgent humanitarian need for food aid and the complexities of delivering it amid ongoing violence. Meanwhile, Anne Rowe, the obituaries editor, reflects on the inspiring legacy of Swami Agnivesh, who fiercely battled against bonded labor in India. Their stories intertwine the harsh realities of conflict and the power of advocacy.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
The Ticking Time Bomb
- The Safar, an oil tanker with over a million barrels of crude, has been corroding off Yemen's coast for five years.
- The Houthis prevent access, believing it deters a Saudi invasion, despite the risk of a leak or explosion.
The Aid Paradox
- Yemen faces a cycle of crises, with aid agencies requesting funds to deal with displacement, disease, and hunger.
- Ironically, major donors like Saudi Arabia and the UAE also lead the military coalition fighting in Yemen.
Weaponized Misery
- Both sides of the Yemeni conflict exploit civilian suffering as a weapon.
- The Saudi-led coalition uses blockades, while the Houthis skim aid for their fighters.