Source: ERIC LIPTON, The New York Times, September 13, 2008.
"The Bush administration is pushing through a broad array of foreign weapons deals as it seeks to rearm Iraq and Afghanistan, contain North Korea and Iran, and solidify ties with onetime Russian allies.
"From tanks, helicopters and fighter jets to missiles, remotely piloted aircraft and even warships, the Department of Defense has agreed so far this fiscal year to sell or transfer more than $32 billion in weapons and other military equipment to foreign governments, compared with $12 billion in 2005.
"The trend, which started in 2006, is most pronounced in the Middle East, but it reaches into northern Africa, Asia, Latin America, Europe and even Canada, through dozens of deals that senior Bush administration officials say they are confident will both tighten military alliances and combat terrorism."
Comment: I was tempted to be sarcastic, but I don't want to take the chance on being misunderstood. It is a terrible waste to spend huge amounts of money on weapons when the problems of poverty are so severe. The money being spent by poor nations on fighter jets could better be spent on education, public health, and relieving hunger. The Bush administration should be ashamed rather than proud of its success as an arms dealer! JAD
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