The End is Nigh!

“The United States is developing a proposed $20 billion, 10-year arms sales package for Saudi Arabia, a senior administration official confirmed on Saturday.” (http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/meast/07/28/saudi.arms/)

When was the last time Saudi Arabia went to war? In fact, let us the rephrase the question; when has Saudi Arabia ever gone to war? And is it likely to do so anytime soon?
Why do the Saudis need such a huge armament deal anyway?

“This is all about Iran," said the official”

Oh yes, the evil Iranians! They’re the ones who have sent over 220,000 of their military personnel to US shores. Or was that the other way around?

And guess who’s not happy about this US-Saudi deal? Yes, the Israelis. They’re furious, how could the Americans sell $ 20 billion worth of arms to the Saudis. I mean OK, this is good for the US economy and all, and I’m sure the arms industry will be happy about the deal. But hey, don’t forget us, we poor Israelis also want a piece of the action.

Sure. Not a problem. To keep the Israelis happy, the very next day the US announces that it “is planning a significant increase in military and defence aid to Israel.” (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/6920988.stm)

$30 billion over the next decade. Very significant indeed.

“Mr Olmert said the increased support was a sign of US commitment to maintain Israel's military "advantage over the Arab states".”

Oh good, so we’re all happy. The Saudis get their weapons (to arm them against the evil Safavids!!!!), the US arms companies get their money and the Israelis get $30 billion worth of free weapons, just for being nice people.

And they all lived happily ever after!

Well, until the Third World War broke out.