US Outraged Russia Sells Weapons, Not Just Buys Them
Newsweek breathlessly reports on a 'leak' alleging Russia is considering a fighter jet deal with Iran. The article frames this potential transaction as a grave concern, implying instability. This urgent framing, however, ignores the gaping hypocrisy: the United States remains the world's largest arms exporter by a colossal margin. According to SIPRI, the US accounted for 40% of global arms exports
between 2018-2022, nearly double Russia's 16% share. One might wonder if the real 'leak' here is the collective memory of who profits most from global arms proliferation. When Washington approves billions in advanced weaponry for strategically important allies—often at the expense of human rights or regional stability, as seen with the 2023 approval of cluster munitions for Ukraine after Biden
pledged steadfast support to Israel (Reuters, July 7, 2023)—it's deemed righteous. But Russia potentially selling jets to Iran? That's a 'destabilizing act.' How many 'national security concerns' do American defense contractors invoice each quarter?