Gulf frustrated over lack of clarity in US arms sale policy

FE Team | Published: March 23, 2010 00:00:00 | Updated: February 01, 2018 00:00:00

From Fazle Rashid
NEW YORK, Mar 22: The United States is committed to protect the Gulf states from the perceived Iranian dominance in the region. But Washington is dragging its feet on UAE's request for the sale of Joint Strike Fighter (JSF). Pakistan reeling under a weakening economy due to full scale engagement with Talebans and al-Qaeda is pressing for free and easy access to the US and European markets.
The US says that it must "conclude a review of possible arms sale to the Gulf". The Gulf states have bought military hardwares from the US but Washington has withheld sale of its best technology to guarantee that "Israel keeps a qualitative military edge". JSF hailed as the backbone of American superiority in the next generation is a joint project of Britain, Australia and Italy.
The delay reflects the Obama administration's dilemma over how to balance competing diplomatic and military priorities in the Middle-East, an analyst said.
There is a growing frustration in the region because of the lack of clarity in US defence export policy. The US arms sales to Middle-East is growing from $19 billion in 2004 to $40.7 billion in 2008.
Israel's hawkish prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu is trying to end a rift with the US signalling his willingness to take confidence building measures aimed at restarting the peace process with Palestine. Netanyahu will confer with Obama tomorrow. Israeli moves include end of blockade, releasing Palestinians and lifting restrictions on movement in the occupied areas.
A high powered Pakistan delegation will be in Washington for "a strategic dialogue" with Secretary State Hillary Clinton. Pakistan will press for a expanded export quota. Pakistan's prime minister Yusuf Raza Gillani is urging for fast acceleration of the disbursement of $15 billion pledged by the US and other western nations. We should be given support economically so that we can take on security related challenges, the prime minister was quoted as saying. Our economy has suffered as we have stepped up war against the Taleban militants, the prime minister said.
Pakistan has suffered a loss in investors confidence. Net foreign investment in Pakistan shrunk by 45.9 per cent in 2009-10 fiscal year. The gross domestic product will be no more than 3.0 per cent against 9.0 percent in 2005. Export fell by 6.5 per cent after rising to 17 percent in 2005.
India in its bid to invest in commercially viable solar power project went a step further by acquiring the consent of the International Finance Corporation. The IFC has agreed to finance India's solar power project. China controls 43 per cent of the capacity in the solar power industry.