Valued at up to $7 billion, the advanced U.S. missile defense system being purchased by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is supposed to be used to defend against an attack from Iran. I don't blame the UAE for being concerned about Iran, they are not alone. Should Israel or the United States attack Iran's nuclear facilities, Iran has promised retaliation.
I see concerns about transferring this kind of technology. In the end, it will depend on which way the political winds are blowing whether Congress will approve this sale. Since President George W. Bush suggested it, there probably isn't a prayers of it passing. But I can always be wrong.
[snip]
The Pentagon is set to notify the U.S. Congress of the proposed sale, which would be the first of the so-called Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, or THAAD, several people familiar with the matter said.
THAAD is built by Lockheed Martin Corp. Raytheon Co supplies the system's radar.
Once notified of such a proposed arms sale by the administration, Congress has 30 days to review it but almost never blocks.
In any case, deployment of the THAAD system is "at least months away" and could take more than a year, said a congressional staff member familiar with the matter.
A production contract for the first two THAAD "fire units" was awarded to Lockheed Martin in late 2006. Delivery of the first such unit to the U.S. military is scheduled during the fiscal year that starts October 1, the company said.
Kenneth Katzman, an expert on the Gulf at the Congressional Research Service, said the UAE has been eager for a "sophisticated antidote" to Iran's missile capabilities. (continue reading at Reuters)
I wonder how long it will be before all this equipment being sold to the Arabs will be used against us?
It is only a matter of time.
Posted by: Katie | September 09, 2008 at 01:48 AM
Yep...on one hand, we should help defend allies in the Gulf region. BUT...in that part of the world, about the only dependable ally there is Israel.
History shows that foreign relations are as much, if not more of a crap shoot than shooting craps.
Posted by: Skunkfeathers | September 09, 2008 at 02:47 AM
Great. Our sophisticated weaponry going off to the Middle East. What if there is a sudden change of leadership??? It's time to tighten up. It's desperately time to get McCain and Palin in place!
Posted by: Aurora | September 09, 2008 at 07:13 AM
Today's friends; tomorrow's foes. This kind of deal makes no sense to me.
Posted by: Faultline USA | September 09, 2008 at 08:14 AM
Just another lame attempt by the Bush administration to make buddy buddy with Muslims. Do they know the definition of Taqiya?
Posted by: Aukmuntr | September 09, 2008 at 11:57 AM
Just when I think our government could not possibly become more incompetent! Gad.
Posted by: Mustang | September 09, 2008 at 11:57 AM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIwHyrDRPqQ
Sheikh Issa tortures his business partner.
Posted by: johnny jones | September 09, 2008 at 02:11 PM
Johnny Jones, thanks for the link.
Posted by: Debbie | September 09, 2008 at 02:25 PM