Edwards Calls On Congress To Block The Saudi Arabia Arms Deal

[Sapphire Blue]

Edwards Calls On Congress To Block The Saudi Arabia Arms Deal
Jul 31, 2007 6:11 PM

Chapel Hill, North Carolina – Today, Senator John Edwards called on Congress to block a proposed $20 billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia because it lacks conditions that would force Saudi Arabia to do more to help our strategy to shut down terrorism and achieve regional security and stability. Edwards believes the proposed deal with Saudi Arabia could have negative consequences for the future of the region. The deal could trigger a regional arms race, even inciting Iran to accelerate their nuclear agenda.

"Congress needs to stand firm against the president," said Edwards. "The administration's proposed arms deal with Saudi Arabia isn't in the long-term interests of our country or the region. This deal has serious shortcomings—it doesn't force Saudi Arabia to stop terrorists from going into Iraq, make a real effort to help stabilize Iraq, lead regional security talks or assure the arms will not be used for offensive purposes. Congress should do the right thing and block the deal."

The proposed deal would give Saudi Arabia advanced weaponry, missile guidance systems, upgraded fighter jets and naval ships and satellite-guided aerial bombs. While Edwards has been urging the administration to reengage with countries in the area, he believes it is going about it the wrong way. Edwards believes the deal is a missed opportunity to get Saudi Arabia to do more to help with security in the region.

The proposed deal is a symptom of a larger problem. Edwards believes we need to move away from a foreign policy of convenience, which currently focuses only on today and tomorrow, not the next year or next generation. The foreign policy debate in our country should be about more than just whether we employ diplomacy and the State Department before meetings with hostile leaders. Edwards believes the debate should focus on how our foreign policy should deal with the big issues like terrorism, stability, and how we make America safer.

Earlier this year, Edwards laid out a mission-focused plan to shut down terrorists and stand up for American values. With terrorism around the world on the rise, Edwards believes we need a change from the Bush "Global War on Terror Doctrine," which hasn't worked and has only been used to justify the worst abuses of his administration. In order to fight terrorism, Edwards will strengthen our military force structure and recognize what our military commanders have made clear — military action is only one of the tools we have to stop terrorism; we have to supplant the lure of violent extremism with the hope of education, opportunity, and prosperity. We also have to work with partners like Saudi Arabia to shut down terrorists both inside their borders and in the region.

To read more about Edwards' plan to fight terrorism, please visit: http://johnedwards.com/issues/terrorism/


http://johnedwards.com/news/press-releases/20070731-saudi-arms-deal/

Transformational Change For America And The World - JOHN EDWARDS for PRESIDENT 2008

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A true revolution of values

"I'm proposing we set a national goal of eliminating poverty in the next 30 years." - JOHN EDWARDS 08

"If you call wanting to give everybody a chance 'class warfare,' then so be it. That's what I'm for." - JOHN EDWARDS 08

"Every time another radical Republican running for president speaks, the American people are reminded of how out of touch with economic reality they are." - JOHN EDWARDS 08

Building One America Starts in New Orleans - JOHN EDWARDS 08

Silence is Betrayal - JOHN EDWARDS 08

Moral Leadership - JOHN EDWARDS 08

Ending Poverty in America - edited by Senator John Edwards

[Kagemusha]

1. So.. does Edwards want to keep the boost in arms to Israel?

I've been wondering if Israel's friends in Congress were going to try to pull that.

[GainesT1958]

2. Even when the Saudi king slaps them down for Iraq...

The "beholden Bushies" can't help but fall all over themselves to sell arms to him. And Cheney's been a part of this kind of thing many times; I recall in 1981 he was Ronnie Reagan's "point man" to sell AWAC planes to them. Unlike that year, Congress would be wise to take John Edwards' advice and knock this one down. It's truly hard to justify selling advanced weapons to a kingdom that's busy supplying the Sunni insurgents in Iraq. And, BTW, shouldn't someone in either Armed Services Committee be asking questions about why this Administration busies itself sabre-rattling against Iran for sending arms to Shi'ite insurgents there, but it's silent about the Saudis helping the Sunnis?

Oh, yeah, that's right--after all, they're our (read: Bush family) allies, aren't they?:eyes:

B-)

[theoldman]

3. If we do not sell them the arms then Russia or China will.

To be honest I even believe that Israel will sell them some arms. After all, business is business.

[B Calm]

4. Considering that 15 of the 19 terrorists that attacked us 9-11 was from

Saudi Arabia, I have to congratulate John Edwards!

[State the Obvious]

5. This is such an IMPORTANT POINT, I can't understand why it is seldom mentioned

The American people need to hear this point repeatedly.

If 15 of the 19 terrorists that attacked us on 9-11 were Saudi Arabian.....
Why is the Bush administration determined to SELL ARMS TO THE SAUDIS?

Please pound this point into the American psyche....until EVERYONE is repeating it...... ad nauseum.

If Bush hates terrorism, why is he selling arms to the terrorists?

[B Calm]

10. Everyone needs to watch Fahrenheit 911 again, just to jog their memory..

[proud patriot]

6. Right On

:headbang:

[Blackhatjack]

7. Once again Edwards is right!

[usregimechange]

8. k n r

[TheUnspeakable]

9. k&r