Obama Seeks to Expand US Arms Exports

[IndianaGreen]

Published on Thursday, July 29, 2010 by the McClatchy Newspapers

Obama Seeks to Expand US Arms Exports

by Maggie Bridgeman

WASHINGTON - The United States is currently the world biggest weapons supplier - holding 30 per cent of the market - but the Obama administration has begun modifying export control regulations in hopes of enlarging the U.S. market share, according to U.S. officials.

President Barack Obama already has taken the first steps by tucking new language into the Iran sanctions bill signed in early July. His aides are now compiling the "munitions list," which regulates the sale of military items.

The administration's stated reason for the changes is to simplify the sale of weapons to U.S. allies, but potential spinoffs include generating business for the U.S. defense industry, creating jobs and contributing to Obama's drive to double U.S. exports by 2015.

Critics say the reforms are being rushed and warn that the expedited procedures could allow weapons technology to fall into the wrong hands.

India, which currently is seeking 126 fighter-jets worth over $10 billion, 10 large transport aircraft worth $6 billion, and other multi-billion dollar defense sales, could be among the possible beneficiaries. Allies seeking advanced U.S. weaponry and equipment, who now often buy elsewhere due to the cumbersome U.S. approval process, would draw immediate benefit from the reforms, U.S. officials said.

http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2010/07/29-7

[montanacowboy]

1. Obama expands the job market

...not..

[Blue Owl]

2. What's with all headlines that sound like they're from 2000-08 lately?

This isn't what America wants, once again it's what the fucking GOP wants.

FUCK THE GOP!

[IndianaGreen]

3. It is what the military-industrial complex wants

the American people be damned!

In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower

http://www.h-net.org/~hst306/documents/indust.html

[alsame]

4. WAR!! What is it good for? Lots and lots of money. nt

[Exilednight]

5. I would like to say that I am surprised,

but I just feel let down .... yet again.

[dgibby]

6. What does it say about a country whose major export is death and destruction? n/t

[Ross K]

7. Give Praise to Capitalism!

:sarcasm: