U.S. Reportedly Planning $20B Saudi Arms Deal

Forbes

The Bush administration is preparing a $20 billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia as part of a strategy for countering Iran, according to published press reports.

The proposed 10-year package of advanced weaponry would include missile guidance systems, upgraded fighter jets and naval ships.

The New York Times says Bush administration officials are concerned that the size of the package and broader concerns about Saudi Arabia’s influence in Iraq could prompt critics in Congress to oppose the package.

To counter objections from Israel’s supporters in Washington, the newspaper said, that country would be offered significantly increased military aid.

The report quotes officials as saying that discussions with Congress on the arms package had just begun, and that no announcements were expected during a visit Defense Secretary Robert Gates is said to be planning to Saudi Arabia next week with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to discuss the package.