|
Trending Topics
|
Source: http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4372870,00.html
U.S. Gains More from Arms Deal
(Ynet News) Ron Ben-Yishai - The Middle Eastern arms deal announced last week gives the Saudis and the UAE the ability to attack targets on the ground from a great distance and with great precision. In the past the Americans vowed never to provide such capabilities to oil-rich Arab states which foster radical Islam. But in this deal they are doing precisely that - big time. The deal does include a clause stating that Saudi Arabia and the UAE are permitted to use the smart bombs they will receive only under American supervision, and that the U.S. will keep the technological components needed to activate these bombs. However, this smart weapons technology and F-16 and F-15 warplanes may fall into the hands of Jihadists or Salafists in the event of a revolution. The supply of KC-135 refueling tanker planes will extend the "long arm" of Israel's military. However, these refueling planes will be transferred to Israel only a few years from now, when it is entirely possible that Israel will have to deal with the Iranian threat much sooner. Yet, as far as Israel is concerned, the most important aspect of the deal is that it will improve relations with the U.S.