Saudi Arms Sale
 

The key element of the sale would be scores of new F-15 combat aircraft, along with more than 175 attack and troop-transport helicopters and, if subsequent negotiations are successful, ships and antimissile defenses. The deal has been put together in quiet consultations with Israel, which has sought assurances that it will retain its technological edge over Saudi forces, even as Saudi Arabia improves its ability to face down a shared rival, the Iranians.

What's the worst thing that could happen?

This regime is due for an overthrow. They are oppressive anti-democrats who spawn terrorists. So bin Laden Jr. gets a modern air force, where is the harm? At least the American taxpayers will get the chance to fund the next generation of jet fighter to face this new unexpected enemy.

Come on Griff, you don't really believe the Saudi family could ever get miffed over something and use those aircraft in ways the US did not intend. There's a law about unintended ... somethings or other.

No no, this is not a taxpayer deal, they are paying us really good money for these planes. They already have 1000 fighters and they've been really, uh, well-behaved with them.

Here is what we're really saying to them... I think...

"Look, those Shia Persians are a fucking nuisance. We don't think they're setting up a nuke program to address Israel. Frankly if they use nukes on Israel they are going to kill a lot of Arabs. A few miles off and they could kill a million Palestinians. You know it and we know it. We think they are really trying to become the top Islamic power. Those dogs don't even want to go to Mecca for their hajj. When they do they are just causing trouble. And now they're messing with Bahrain. Do you really want them on your side of the Persian Gulf? I don't think so.

And so when we allow Iraqi overflight for the Israelis to bomb their nuke sites, remember, we are looking out for your best interests."

Are there any mujahideen in the Saudi government?

It is win win. Boeing gets paid by the Saudis for the F-15s and *unknown contractor* gets paid by the taxpayers for the next generation craft to take on the F-15s when the inevitable overthrow comes.

Carter was the first to say, 'no, you pay for them'.

I agree as well, to all of this UT. This was nothing more than a business deal and it will keep a bunch of jobs going for, according to one estimate, 10 years or more. This does not bother me in the least.

I guess they should throw in a few nukes.

They can probably get them from the Pakie's or Ruskies if they have the money, which I think they have. ;)

I think this gal could really use an arms sale:

http://www.independent.co.uk/multime...708_41604s.jpg

Yeah, but they're our oppressive anti-democrats who spawn terrorists. Not like those dreadful Iranian oppressive anti-democrats who spawn ... err ... wait ...