This offer of 20 billion in arms for Saudi Arabia has taken a life of its own. Consider a few reactions. Lex sees a new cold war, which is echoed by Defense Tech. I tend to agree, but the cold war scenario in the Middle Easts exists without the deal offer, and existed before 2003 with Iraq and Iran as the major players. The question facing the US today is whether the US throws our weight into this cold war balance between Iran and Saudi Arabia, or do we ignore it. Russia is engaged in this new cold war on the side of Iran, with this reality, how then is it not the strategic interest of the US to not help our allies in the region?Noah Shachtman frames the deal off as something contrary to the strategic interests of the United States. John Edwards appears to be the most ignorant of everyone regarding the deal, which is amazing considering this guy was almost the vice president of the US. He is calling on Congress to block the deal because Saudi Arabia will get advanced weaponry. Hello? They either get it from us or France John, read your memos.
What really bothers me about this debate is what isn't being said. Did you know that on March 21st, 2007 the Boston Globe reported this deal was in the works? According to the Globe, the State Dept. held classified briefings with the foreign relations committees of both houses. Read the article, the State Dept. is behind these deals, not the DoD.
Did you know Stratfor ran an article on this on March 22nd, 2007 about this deal? You won't believe where I found it available free online, no other than the Bilateral US-Arab Chamber of Commerce. Ironic, I know.
Another thing you will not find in any news reporting on this subject is the offer the US is making is competitive, the option is either the US safeguarding the Persian Gulf by living up to its defense commitments to the region, or letting France do it.
Either way, Saudi Arabia intends to buy weapons, the question is whether they buy from us or France.
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