F-35 Deal: US Media & Crown Prince – Amal Al-Hazani Explains
Here’s a breakdown of why the F-35 deal with the UAE was considered a major concession to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), based on the provided news snippets:
The Core Issue:
the US had previously paused or restricted arms sales to Saudi Arabia (and by extension, potentially the UAE due to their close alliance) due to concerns over the war in Yemen, human rights issues, and the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The F-35 fighter jet is a highly advanced and sought-after piece of military technology.
Why it’s a concession (according to the articles):
* Breaking with Policy: Allowing the sale of F-35s to the UAE (which is closely aligned with MBS) was seen as a reversal of the Biden administration’s earlier stance on arms sales to the region, notably given the concerns surrounding MBS’s actions.
* Indirect Benefit to MBS: because of the close relationship between the UAE and saudi Arabia,any strengthening of the UAE’s military capabilities is viewed as indirectly benefiting MBS and his government.
* Egyptian MP Controversy: The CNN Arabic article highlights a situation where an Egyptian MP seemingly spoke on behalf of MBS, Trump, and the potential purchase of Sukhoi 35 fighter jets from Russia. This suggests a broader context of regional power dynamics and potential shifts in alliances, where the F-35 deal is a piece of the puzzle.
* Potential for regional Arms Race: The deal could also be seen as fueling a regional arms race, with other countries potentially seeking to acquire similar advanced weaponry.
In essence, the F-35 deal was interpreted as the US softening its position on the UAE (and by extension, MBS) despite ongoing concerns about human rights and regional stability.