The US Misinformation on its Involvement in Yemen: Scott Ritter : Analysis

The joint US-UK military strikes against Houthi militia targets in Yemen on January 12, 2024, were neither defensive nor legal, despite claims made by Washington. The US delegate to the United Nations defended the strikes before a body, the UN Security Council, which had not authorized the action, rendering it illegitimate. Under international law, military force can only be used in legitimate self-defense or with authorization from the Security Council. While the Security Council had called for the Houthi to cease their attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea, the resolution was not passed under Chapter VII, thus denying the US and UK any legal authority to carry out the attacks. Furthermore, the US claimed self-defense while the Houthis had not attacked Americans. The US attacks were aimed at deterring future attacks and protecting commercial maritime operations, but they failed to meet the requirements of collective self-defense. The US undermined any claims of legality by distancing itself from Operation Prosperity Guardian, a defensive coalition, and conducting separate attacks. This unilateral and illegal nature of the US military actions in Yemen is evident.

Analysis:
The given article criticizes the joint US-UK military strikes against Houthi militia targets in Yemen on January 12, 2024, arguing that they were neither defensive nor legal. The article mentions that the strikes were not authorized by the UN Security Council, making them illegitimate under international law. It also argues that the US claims of self-defense are unfounded because the Houthis had not attacked Americans.

In terms of the credibility of sources, the article does not explicitly mention any specific sources or provide citations to back up its claims. Therefore, it is difficult to assess the credibility of the information presented. Additionally, the article does not provide a balanced view or alternative perspectives, which raises questions about its objectivity.

Regarding the presentation of facts, the article does make valid points about international law and the requirements for the use of military force. However, without specific references or evidence, it is challenging to determine the accuracy and reliability of these claims.

The potential bias in the article is evident in its criticism of the US and UK military actions in Yemen. The author’s strong language, such as describing the strikes as “unilateral and illegal,” reflects a negative bias towards these actions. The absence of any acknowledgment of possible justifications or alternative viewpoints further suggests a biased perspective.

The overall impact of this article is to challenge the legitimacy of the US-UK military strikes in Yemen. By presenting an argument against the legality and defensive nature of the attacks, the article aims to shape public perception and potentially influence opinion on this issue.

In terms of misinformation or a nuanced understanding, the article lacks cited evidence and alternative perspectives. Without these elements, readers may fail to gain a comprehensive understanding of the topic. Furthermore, the lack of background information or context limits the reader’s ability to assess the broader political landscape and potential motivations behind the military strikes.

Considering the prevalence of fake news and the political landscape, it is essential for readers to critically evaluate the information presented in this article. The lack of sourced evidence and alternative perspectives should raise red flags and prompt readers to seek more comprehensive and reliable sources to form an informed opinion.

It is also crucial to recognize that the political landscape and the prevalence of fake news can influence public perception. The polarized nature of politics today makes it easier for individuals to dismiss or accept information based on their existing beliefs, rather than critically evaluating the facts. Misinformation and biased reporting can further exacerbate this divide, leading to a skewed perception of reality.

Source: RT news: Scott Ritter: How the US misleads the world about its involvement in Yemen