US Officials Suddenly Find 'Concerns' for Saudi F-35s
U.S. officials are reportedly expressing 'concern' over Saudi Arabia's attempt to acquire F-35 fighter jets, subtly implying a sudden American moral awakening to the region's human rights issues. This newfound apprehension conveniently ignores that the U.S. has been the Kingdom's primary arms supplier for decades, enabling countless devastating campaigns, most notably in Yemen, with weapons
ranging from guided bombs to support aircraft. Where was this thoughtful introspection when Raytheon and Lockheed Martin contracts were being signed for billions? This 'concern' often surfaces when Israel's military dominance, heavily subsidized by U.S. taxpayers ($3.8 billion annually, source: Congressional Research Service), is even remotely perceived to be challenged. It's a familiar script:
human rights become important only when they align with maintaining a specific balance of power in favor of Washington's preferred regional client. Perhaps these officials should re-evaluate their criteria for 'concern,' which seems to activate more reliably when an ally's 'qualitative military edge' is at stake, rather than when civilians are being obliterated by U.S.-made bombs.