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Headlines : "War on Terror"U.S. to Sell Precision-Guided Bombs to Saudi Arabia
George Bush is in Saudi Arabia and is concluding a big arms deal with King Abdullah. The laser-guided bomb technology in question is of use in attacking foreign civilian or military installations. It has no value in any war against a guerrilla force such as al-Qaeda. So where are the potential targets? As Saudi has set its face against military intervention in Iran, that just leaves Israel. The citizens of that country might be reassured by the words of State Department Spokesman Sean McCormack who said the administration would do nothing to upset Israel’s military edge over potential enemies in the region.
On the other hand they might think that they and their neighbours are just being used as a money machine for American arms manufacturers.
[Posted By Watson]Republished from Voice of America
The Bush administration officially notified Congress Monday of its intention to sell sophisticated precision-guided bombs to Saudi Arabia. The action, coinciding with President Bush’s visit to Saudi Arabia, is part of a broader U.S. effort to bolster Gulf allies in the face of a more assertive Iran. VOA’s David Gollust reports from the State Department.
The Bush administration has already briefed Congress on its arms sales plans for Saudi Arabia. Monday’s announcement sets in motion a 30-day period in which the House and Senate can block the plan with a joint resolution – action that appears highly unlikely.
Under the proposed deal, worth more than $120 million, the United States would provide Saudi Arabia with 900 kits and associated equipment to convert conventional gravity bombs into laser-guided smart-bombs, known as JDAMs.
Posted by Watson
They keep talking about how they’re gonna sell Saudi Arabia some military equipment, but I ain’t heard Saudi Arabia’s buying. Anyone heard Saudi Arabia’s buying?
They didn’t bite the last time — why would they bite this time?
What was it, a couple of months ago?
$120 mill. please. It’s a down-payment on a commitment to gang up on Iran. Saudi Arabia knows it, Iran knows it — even Israel knows it (they’re just making a scene to make it look good).
Meanwhile ** making a surprise visit to Baghdad to try and give the International Information Environment the idea that the new repreave for Baathist’s is just what Dr. Bush ordered — when in fact it’s a big fat fly in their Al Qaeda (in Iraq (pffffttt…...)) delenda est ointment.
I can’t wait to see what “serendipitously” happens next.