U.S. to Sell Fighter Jets To Saudis, Riling Israel

[bobbyw24]

WASHINGTON—The Obama administration plans to sell advanced F-15 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia but won't equip them with long-range weapons systems and other arms whose inclusion was strongly opposed by Israel, diplomats and officials said.

The proposed $30 billion, 10-year arms package, which would be one of the biggest single deals of its kind, has been a source of behind-the-scenes tension during months of negotiations. Israeli officials have repeatedly conveyed their concerns in private that the U.S. risks undermining its military advantage by equipping regional rivals with top-flight technologies.

U.S. officials say they provided "clarifications" in recent weeks about the deal to help damp Israel's qualms. Two officials close to the negotiations said Israel still had some reservations, but that the country isn't expected to challenge the sale by lobbying Congress, which can hold up the deal or push for assurances of its own. The administration is expected to formally notify Congress of its plans as early as next month.

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010...est=latestnews

[AmericaFyeah92]

What a fucked up situation.

Why the objection from Israel though? Them and the Saudis are de facto allies, despite both of their rhetoric to the contrary. I guess the Israelis are paranoid enough not to want ANY military rivalry in the region

[Liberty Star]

Why the objection from Israel though? Them and the Saudis are de facto allies, despite both of their rhetoric to the contrary. I guess the Israelis are paranoid enough not to want ANY military rivalry in the region

Why? It's as obvious as jealousy between two illegitimate mistresses of a rich man, each vying to be the most favorite. Except that in this case, it's two parasite states competeing for the top parasite status.


Neither of the two have troops in Afghanistan or Iraq and thus are not real ally. US should be giving these planes to Turkey and Jordan who stood by US in Afghanistan when the need arised and their troops made scarifice and died as part of allied forces. Or to newly liberated Iraq that happens to be one of the handful democracies in mideast today.

[oyarde]

On one hand you could see the Saudi desire to be able to better defend themselves.They are distrustful of Iran , they have other countries in close proximity that could be controlled by Al Quada at some point.Somalia , Oman , Yemen.Then the two countries to the Northeast are nuclear armed ( India and Pakistan).While the "Allies with none but commerce with all" quote sounds great, I am not sure it should be applied to weapon systems.I hope all possible unintended consequences scenarios were thought through.The part I am missing, I think is aside from the money what do we gain from this that we did not already have?

[LiveFree79]

LOL.........America.........what a bunch of pussies we are. We've been armie our future enemies for the sakeof oil for the last 50 years. Saudi Arabia is only our friend as long as they keep providing us for cheap oil. Take not guys.......your kids will be dying over in the middle east fighting Saudia Arabia 20-30 years from now just like we did in Iraq and just like we are doing in A-stan. It's all about propping up the military industrial complex and corporations. One corporation under god indivisible.............

[oyarde]

The Saudi's are indeed not to be trusted.

[AmericaFyeah92]

Why? It's as obvious as jealousy between two illegitimate mistresses of a rich man, each vying to be the most favorite. Except that in this case, it's two parasite states competeing for the top parasite status.


Neither of the two have troops in Afghanistan or Iraq and thus are not real ally. US should be giving these planes to Turkey and Jordan who stood by US in Afghanistan when the need arised and their troops made scarifice and died as part of allied forces. Or to newly liberated Iraq that happens to be one of the handful democracies in mideast today.

I meant that the Saudis are [de facto allies of the Israelis (though not officially), so I don't understand Israel's objections

[AmericaFyeah92]

On one hand you could see the Saudi desire to be able to better defend themselves.They are distrustful of Iran , they have other countries in close proximity that could be controlled by Al Quada at some point.Somalia , Oman , Yemen.Then the two countries to the Northeast are nuclear armed ( India and Pakistan).While the "Allies with none but commerce with all" quote sounds great, I am not sure it should be applied to weapon systems.I hope all possible unintended consequences scenarios were thought through.The part I am missing, I think is aside from the money what do we gain from this that we did not already have?

They only received the weapons because they are allies. So the "commerce with all, entangling alliances with none" quote still stands

[oyarde]

They only received the weapons because they are allies. So the "commerce with all, entangling alliances with none" quote still stands

You are correct.

[oyarde]

I meant that the Saudis are [de facto allies of the Israelis (though not officially), so I don't understand Israel's objections

In that area of the world I would be suprised if anyone was OK with anyone getting a leg up.