Decision looms for US on Middle East arms supply

The US is grappling with a dilemma over how to arm its Arab allies, delaying by months a request from the United Arab Emirates for information about possibly buying the showpiece Joint Strike Fighter.The UAE’s interest in the JSF – along with its acquisition of US missile defence technology – highlights the Gulf states’ concern about Iran and its determination to build military capacity.Diplomats say the UAE first requested a classified Pentagon briefing on the JSF last June – but the US said it must first conclude a review of possible arms sales to the Gulf. That remains unfinished. The US has armed its Arab friends for decades, but Washington has withheld the best technology to guarantee that Israel keeps a “qualitative military edge”...................................Full Story

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