IDF tanks in Gaza
IDF tanks are operating in Gaza where they have already
eliminated two terror targets.
The IDF has sent tanks into Gaza over the past several minutes, and
have already eliminated two terror targets, in response to the barrage
of rocket fire on Israel.
At least 60 rockets slammed into southern Israel on Wednesday, hitting several Jewish communities.
Several were stopped by the Iron Dome; no injuries have been
reported. Thousands of Negev residents remain in shelters Wednesday
evening, however, until the attacks have subsided.
More to follow.
Labels: Gaza, IDF, Islamic Jihad, M1A1 Abrams tanks, Palestinian terrorism, rockets
Obama maintains Israel's qualitative superiority... by selling tanks to the Muslim Brotherhood
Remember President Obama's commitment to maintain Israel's qualitative military superiority? Well, here's a rather strange way of keeping it: Obama is planning to sell 200 M1A1 Abrams tanks - the top of the line -
to the Muslim Brotherhood-led government of Morocco (Hat Tip:
MFS - The Other News).
The Government of the Kingdom of Morocco has requested a possible enhancement and refurbishment of 200 M1A1 Abrams tanks, provided as part of a grant Excess Defense Article (EDA) transfer notified to Congress on 27 April 2011, to the M1A1 Special Armor (SA) configuration. The possible sale will also provide 150 AN/VRC-87E and 50 AN/VRC-89E Exportable Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio Systems (SINCGARS), 200 M2 Chrysler Mount Machine Guns, and 400 7.62MM M240 Machine Guns. The possible sale also includes 12,049,842 Ammunition Rounds (including 1400 C785 SABOT, 1800 CA31 HEAT, and 5400 AA38 SLAP-T), 200 M250 Smoke Grenade Launchers, support equipment, spare and repair parts, personnel training and training equipment, publications and technical data, communication support, U.S. Government and contractor technical assistance, and other related logistics support. The estimated cost is $1.015 billion.
This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a major Non-NATO ally that continues to be an important force for political stability and economic progress in Africa.
This package of M1A1 tank enhancements will contribute to the modernization of Morocco’s tank fleet, enhancing its ability to meet current and future threats. These tanks will contribute to Morocco’s goal of updating its military capability while further enhancing interoperability with the U.S. and other allies. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
Put this together with last year's sale of the same
tanks to Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood, and you have to wonder what Obama had in mind when he said that he would ensure that Israel maintains qualitative military superiority.
Labels: Barack Hussein Obama, Egypt, M1A1 Abrams tanks, Morocco, Muslim Brotherhood
Stop the tank sale to Egypt
The Obama administration notified Congress on Friday that it intends to
sell 125 M1A1 Abrams tanks to Egypt. Yes, Egypt, where no one quite knows who will be in charge next week.
Jonathan Tobin thinks it's a
bad idea.
In the wake of Mubarak’s fall from power, the Egyptian military seems to have retained a firm grip on power. But the army seems intent on sharing power with a resurgent Muslim Brotherhood movement that threatens the foundation of the relationship between the United States and Egypt. Since the 1979 Camp David Accords, the Egyptian military has gotten all the high-tech and expensive equipment it wanted so long as it was clear their new toys would not be used to threaten or attack Israel. But as Egypt lurches toward the election of a new government that will probably be made up of Islamist elements, that peace is in jeopardy.
This means this is not the moment to be strengthening the offensive capabilities of an Egypt that has opened its border with Hamas-run Gaza and is distancing itself from an already cold peace with the Jewish state. Egypt may not yet be ready to repudiate the peace treaty or engage in military adventures, but it must be reminded there is a price for the open-ended U.S. support it has received for decades. While the despotic Mubarak could be trusted to keep the peace in exchange for $2 billion a year in American baksheesh, there is no way of knowing whether the new masters of Cairo will be so reliable.
Indeed.
Labels: Egyptian regime change, Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty, M1A1 Abrams tanks
