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Oct 18, 2013, Global Research
The Pentagon plans to sell $10.8 Billion worth of military weapons to its closest allies in the Middle East besides Israel, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported that the Pentagon will sell Saudi Arabia and the UAE, two of the worst dictatorships in the world missiles, munitions and “Bunker-Busting” bombs worth up to $10.8 Billion.
The report said that “the move follows a series of U.S. weapons deals in recent years that have bolstered the air power and missile arsenals of Gulf States, which view Iran as a menacing rival with nuclear ambitions.” It is a move that would surely concern Iran and its allies in the region. Having Israel’s nuclear capabilities on one hand and having the Gulf States armed with US military hardware including thousands of “Bunker Busting” bombs on the other is a scenario that threatens Iran’s sovereignty.
The Talks between Iran and the six world powers seemed to be positive, but selling weapons to Saudi Arabia and the UAE is a step towards a confrontation if the talks fail. The selling of weapons to both countries who are enemies of Iran, Syria and others in the region is an insurance policy for the US military if it decided along with Israel to strike Iran. Saudi Arabia and the UAE would follow orders to attack Iran if Washington gave them the green light since both countries are “Puppet” Monarchies of the West. The report said that numerous bombs and missiles would be available to both governments once the sales are approved. It stated the facts on what types of weapons would be sold as a result:
Officials said the Defense Department notified Congress this week of the planned deal that will provide a thousand bunker-buster GBU-39 bombs to the Saudis and 5,000 to the UAE. The sale will also include sophisticated air-launched cruise missiles that can hit targets from a long distance. The weapons are designed for use with U.S.-made F-15 and F-16 fighter jets previously purchased by Saudi Arabia and the UAE, according to a statement made by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency.
The report also said Israel purchased the same bombs in 2010.
In 2010, Israel bought the same bunker-buster “precision-guided glide bombs,” fueling speculation that it was preparing for potential pre-emptive airstrikes against underground nuclear sites in Iran.
It is interesting to note that the announced sales of these weapons are in contrast to a recent speech given by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Knesset commemoration this week during the 40th anniversary of the Yom Kippur War making a case for a preemptive strike against Iran. The Times of Israel wrote what he said at Knesset commemoration:
“The first lesson is to never underestimate a threat, never underestimate an enemy, never ignore the signs of danger. We can’t assume the enemy will act in ways that are convenient for us. The enemy can surprise us. Israel will not fall asleep on its watch again” he vowed “The second lesson, he added, was that “we can’t surrender the option of a preventive strike. It is not necessary in every situation, and it must be weighed carefully and seriously. But there are situations in which paying heed to the international price of such a step is outweighed by the price in blood we will pay if we absorb a strategic strike that will demand a response later on, and perhaps too late.”
It is not only selling weapons to both governments that’s concerning but also training its troops and giving logistical support:
The proposed sales “will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States” by improving the security of friendly countries that remain forces for “stability,” the DSCA said. Under the arms package, the Saudis were due to receive approximately $6.8 billion in weapons, parts, training and logistical support.
Washington and their Middle East partners are preparing for war as the report confirms what type of weapons will be used for a preemptive attack.
The Saudis and the UAE will purchase hundreds of Standoff Land Attack missiles, or SLAM-ERs, and Joint Standoff Weapons. These advanced missiles will enable their warplanes to hit radar installations and other targets from beyond the range of air defense systems. The Saudis will purchase 650 of the Boeing-manufactured SLAM-ERs and 973 Joint Standoff Weapons, made by Raytheon, in addition to other missiles. The United Arab Emirates is due to purchase $4 billion worth of weaponry, including the bunker-buster bombs, 300 SLAM-ERs and 1,200 JSOW missiles.
Washington will move forward with the sale of these weapons with congressional approval. Keep in mind that the majority of both Republicans and Democrats are in the pockets of the Military-Industrial Complex and the American-Israeli Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). Washington or Israel would launch a preemptive strike against Iran if it they had the chance to. Syria would have given them the opportunity to advance if they had defeated or even weaken Syrian Forces and remove President Bashar -al Assad from office. But the Syrian Crises was defused (at least for now ) from turning into a war with the help of Vladimir Putin and the Russian government’s relentless efforts.
With the US financial system (which Israel depends on) in decline it would be more difficult to start a war without the funds to do so, but then again maybe not. If the US economy does collapse, war would be the only obvious answer for Washington.
