US Sells Arms to South Asian Rivals, The Wall Street Journal, 25 February 2010
EXCERPT: "The Obama administration is sharply expanding American weapons transfers to both India and Pakistan, longtime rivals about to sit down for peace talks Thursday. The U.S. has sought to remain neutral in the thorny relationship between the nuclear-armed neighbors. But Washington hasn't been shy about pursuing weapons deals in the region, which officials say will lead to closer ties with each country while creating new opportunities for American defense firms. The U.S. has made billions of dollars in weapons deals with India, which is in the midst of a five-year, $50 billion push to modernize its military. At the same time, American military aid to Pakistan stands to nearly double next year, allowing Islamabad to acquire more U.S.-made helicopters, night-vision goggles and other military equipment. The aid has made it easier for Pakistan to ramp up its fight against militants on the Afghan border, as the U.S. tries to convince Islamabad that its biggest security threat is within the country, not in India... But India and Pakistan have each been irked when the U.S. made big-ticket weapons sales or transfers to the other."
Read the full story.
Related articles:
US arms sales are propping up Pakistan as a regional challenger [op-ed], Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses, 11 February 2010
Citing India purchases, China justifies arms sales to Pakistan, Thaindian, 23 December 2009
US sold $4.5 billion worth arms to Pakistan in three years: Report, Thaindian, 17 September 2009
Related reports:
US arms sales to Pakistan [pdf], Congressional Research Service, 24 August 2009
Related posts:
US to expand Pakistan training program, 12 February 2010
NATO, Pakistan pursue closer relations, 4 February 2010
Urging cooperation, US offers drones, 22 January 2010
China and Pakistan: A formidable partnership in high-tech defense production, 18 December 2009
Security forces need capacity building: PM, 20 November 2009
