William Lambers’ column of June 5 cites General Eisenhower’s words that hunger always follows war. Lambers also shows the opportunity Americans have to relieve such hardship. 

The U.S. has an even larger opportunity to alleviate the tragic conditions in Yemen, one of the suffering countries he lists. We also have the responsibility. American-backed Saudi war and blockade has besieged Yemen for more than eight years. Our own State Department recently said Yemen endures “the world’s worst humanitarian crisis,” their economy and institutions pushed “to the brink.” 

In addition, more than 55,000 refugees from Africa have arrived in Yemen so far this year, breaking records and further stressing Yemen’s resources. 

Through September 2021, the U.S. provided “at least $54.6 billion” for arms and military aid to Saudi Arabia/UAE. Our total humanitarian aid to Yemen is a tenth of that. Further large quantities of U.S. funds and military equipment have flowed there since then. 

U.S. House representatives lead the latest push to end our complicity and support the peace process in Yemen. Their May 18 letter to the White House hails the current talks between Saudis and Yemen’s Houthis. It calls for an end to all U.S. arms and military support whether talks continue or hostilities return. It encourages substantial relief assistance. Yemen’s ports must be totally freed from the Saudi blockade, which prevents even basic amounts of food, fuel, and medicine from reaching those in need, more than three-fourths of the population.  

Mr. Lambers ends with “We must follow through to build a world at peace where people are free and do not live in hunger.“ This country must definitely “follow through” on its responsibility to care for the land and the people of Yemen.

MaryDiane Baker

Brattleboro, Vt.

]]>