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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.
A F-16 fighter jet takes off during the Bahrain International Air Show in Sakir Base, south of Manama, January 17, 2014. REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed (BAHRAIN - Tags: TRANSPORT MILITARY BUSINESS) - GM1EA1I071V01

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.

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