CIAO DATE: 09/2010
August 2010
The Washington Institute for Near East Policy
When Congress returns from its summer recess after Labor Day, the Department of Defense will provide informal notification of the U.S. intention to sell up to $60 billion in military equipment to Saudi Arabia. The likely deal is part of a U.S. commitment predating the Obama administration to strengthen regional allies in the face of a growing threat from Iran. For the Saudis, the transaction represents a clear return to considering the United States as its principal arms supplier, a position the Americans risked losing to France as recently as 2006.
Resource link: Major U.S.-Saudi Arms Deal to Bolster Riyadh against Iran [PDF] - 13K