Department of Defense ups weapons sales to foreign governments

[babsbunny]

http://rawstory.com/news/2008/Department_of_Defense_ups_weapons_sales_0913.html

The Bush administration is rapidly increasing weapons sales to foreign governments in order to rearm Middle East allies, The New York Times reported.

The Department of Defense has sold or transferred $32 billion of tanks, helicopters, jets, missiles and warships this year, compared to $12 billion in 2005.

"This is not about being gunrunners," said Bruce S. Lemkin, an Air Force deputy who is helping to coordinate many of the biggest sales. "This is about building a more secure world."

Although concentrated in the Middle East, many more deals are with countries in Asia, Latin America, Europe and even Canada.

Officials of the Bush administration say the dozens of arms deals will help combat terrorism by strengthening military alliances.

Israel has had $330 million in weapons sales approved by the U.S. government Tuesday in three separate deals, Pakistan's The Daily Times reported.

The Pentagon informed Congress of the bombs, Patriot missile upgrades and anti-armour weapons that the deals include.

[icnorth]

1. "This is not about being gunrunners,"

Of course not. It's about shutting down spare parts supply if "our friends" aren't in full support of the PNAC; or God forbid kick over the traces. They will serve as convenient target practice for the new Super Hornets. Its what Eisenhower was talking about when he warned of the industrial/military complex with the restraint lines severed.

[RC]

2. This is obscene. Just how can we wage war for peace?

You know these war toys are all but useless unless they are used. The only outcome from this is more war all the time.

[kayell]

3. "This is about building a more secure world" That worked out well in Afghanistan didn't it.

:grr:

[SammyWinstonJack]

4. bu$h MalAdministration=Gun runners