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Arabia
Bush faces stiff opposition to Saudi arms deal
2007-07-31
might as well get some of those oil revenues back in US coffers, I suppose ...
Posted by:lotp

#6  Perhaps the cousins could see fit to sell a carrier to Jordan, this would even things up and provide much chew meat. If not a carrier, why then several Spruances.

Are you familiar with the Barbie Doll Bomb? It is often wise to send your hated neighbor a basic Barbie. Many hugs you will get, and bills for them.
Posted by: Palfrey   2007-07-31 19:01  

#5  It comes down to balance-counter balance. Do you believe we can counter Iran and the Shia of the world by ourselves and allies in the west (i.e. UK, Australia) or do you believe we need some Arab/Turkish help? Of course, Israel is nervous about this but look at Gulf War One - the Saudi's let us in and supported uprooting Saddam. Sunni against secular Sunni. I believe we need to get the Saudi's firmly on our side vis a vis Iran and their form of political theocracy. Saudis have done terrible harm with their promoting wahabi-ism don't get me wrong but sometimes you have to lay down with dogs to get fleas.
Posted by: Jack is Back!   2007-07-31 17:03  

#4  It's hard to get warm fuzzy feelings about the Saudis. Nearly all of the 911 terrorists were from SA. My reservations center around the Saudis luke warm efforts towards the WoT and the degree to which they are allies. Moreover, the house of Saud is corrupt and duplicitous. Strategically, it might be a good move to sandwich Iran; I'd just like to see more from them.
Posted by: JohnQC   2007-07-31 09:37  

#3  Your point is well made, crosspatch. However, I would rather not have the Saudis in possession of recent upgrades to our more sophisticated weaponry. Keeping them addicted to American hardware is just fine. Allowing them to hawk off our latest arms designs to the highest enemy bidder is another matter entirely. Do you trust the Saudis not to?
Posted by: Zenster   2007-07-31 05:55  

#2  Have a look at what Iran is looking to buy from Russia.
Posted by: crosspatch   2007-07-31 02:47  

#1  Opposing this arms deal is the most idiotic thing we could do. This is a perfect example of Americans having their heads squarely where the sun doesn't shine.

First of all, if WE don't give them the weapons, someone else will and second of all, they already HAVE billions and billions of dollars worth of US weapons. They are practically US armed from head to toe anyway.

If we need help against Iran, I want people with the best arms available on our side.
Posted by: crosspatch   2007-07-31 01:38  

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