US arms sale to Bahrain raises questions about sustainability
The $3.8 billion sale of jets and patrol boats dwarfs the tiny emirate’s annual defense budget.
The State Department’s approval of a $3.8 billon weapons sale to Bahrain is raising questions about the sustainability of a surge in US military deals with the Gulf.
Announced on Friday, the deal includes the sale of 19 upgraded F-16V fighter jets, 35 fast patrol boats and more than 200 anti-tank missiles. The sales had been held up by the Barack Obama administration due to human rights concerns.
