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The Story

The US and UK are calling for a ceasefire in Yemen.

Back up.

Since 2015, Yemen has been in a civil war between the Houthi rebels (backed by Iran) and the government (backed by Saudi Arabia). The conflict has killed more than 10,000 people, displaced millions, tanked the country's currency, and spiked prices for basics like food and fuel. The UN says some 14 million people – about half of Yemen's population – are at risk of starvation.

What's the latest?

The US and UK – who've been supplying arms to Saudi Arabia – are saying, 'this has gone on long enough.' Earlier this week, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said the US wants to see people talking about a ceasefire within 30 days. And Sec of State Mike Pompeo says the Houthi rebels need to get on board too. Meanwhile, the Saudi-led coalition is reportedly putting on the pressure (read: gathering thousands of troops near Yemen's main port city of Hodeidah) for Houthi rebels to get to talking about peace.

Why now?

Many think this has everything to do with the death of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. And the international crisis that followed. Both Republicans and Democrats have called on the Trump admin to make sure Saudi Arabia doesn't get away with Khashoggi's killing or its poorly attempted cover up.

So that's what this is?

Maybe. The State Dept says "unrelated." But the US has a very complicated relationship with Saudi Arabia. The country pumps a lot of cash into the US defense industry. And a multi-billion dollar arms deal is on the line. Trump has said he doesn't want to give it up. Also, the Trump admin looks at Saudi Arabia as its partner against Iran. So a cooling off with Saudi Arabia could mean the US needs a new Middle East strategy.

theSkimm

There are a lot of international players in Yemen's civil war. But the fact is that the country is facing the world's worst ongoing humanitarian crisis. And many think the US and UK are using their new leverage with Saudi Arabia to end this years-long war.

REPEAT AFTER ME...

What to say when you hear South Sudan is trying to make a peace deal work...

Not the case here. Things between Denmark and Iran have gotten very tense over an alleged assassination plot. A few weeks ago, authorities shut down Copenhagen as part of a police operation into an alleged plot to kill an Iranian dissident. This week, Danish authorities said they arrested someone and pointed the finger at Iran's intel services. It pulled its ambassador and is threatening to get the EU to sanction Iran. Big deal. Here's why: earlier this year, President Trump pulled the US out of the Iran nuclear deal. But the EU – and Denmark in particular – has been supportive of staying in it. It's unclear if the EU would change its approach. But a European rift with Iran would be seen as a big get for Trump.

What you sometimes have to check in on...

Your wallet. Just like GM. The company has offered about 18,000 employees buyouts to encourage them to quit. Strange timing since the co just posted strong Q3 earnings. But it's dealing with lower demand in its main markets in China and the US. And is reworking its budget to take into account recent US tariffs. GM also has to save money for its new vision: self-driving tech. In happier biz news, the US economy is doing well. Yesterday, the Labor Dept said wages and salaries have gone up almost 3% since last year, the highest bump in ten years. All while unemployment reached the lowest it's been in around 50. We get it, you're impressive. The Labor Dept is dropping its latest jobs report tomorrow.

What to say when you quit your job…

Tying up loose ends – like the University of Maryland's outgoing president. Yesterday, he fired head football coach DJ Durkin against the recommendation of the school's board of regents. This is about 19-year-old offensive lineman Jordan McNair. Earlier this year, he died of heatstroke weeks after reportedly showing serious signs of distress during a workout. A report came out accusing Durkin of fostering a toxic and abusive environment. But the school's board of regents recommended Durkin should keep his job...so he got reinstated. A day later, the president fired him.

What to say to your friend who dressed up as Sabrina…

Not spooky. But climate change is. New research shows that oceans are getting warmer – and faster than we thought. Meaning, there might be even less time for countries to seriously cut down their CO2 emissions. Yikes.

What to say when you don't like your office's candy stash...

Swap.

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