Why does the US distribute and sell weapons to other countries?

Question

And how is that different than Islamic counrties selling and distributing weapons to our enemies?

Answer 1

We need to make allies and preserve the American interests.

Answer 2

It's all about the benjamins, baby. Money trumps all. Even the "great" Ronald (I can't recall) Reagan sold arms to Iran. Every country on Earth sells whatever resources it has to make money. Those countries powerful enough to have weapons,including the US and and an ever growing number of Islamic countries, belly up to the money trough at every opportunity.

Answer 3

The US is trying to level the playing field--but seeing how the US is UNHAPPY with the Saudis in their "unsupportive" role with Iraq--it makes little sense to begin selling them weapons.

Because these weapons will most likely fall into the hands of the insurgents and Al-Qaeda of Iraq.

It's no different than what Islamic countries do--but I haven't heard of Iran (for example) selling weapons to their allies--who are our enemies. (In practice.)

Answer 4

Watch the movie "Lord of War" based on the life of a Russian born gun runner who moved here to America as a child and you may be surprised how he was able to sell Russian made tanks, helicopters, AK 47s, and more when the cold war ended. He was even able to sell American weapons he bought from a corrupt American general. This movie starred Nicolas Cage and shows corruption in our government which allowed him to be arrested and released.

Answer 5

Our weapons are better. It's what we do best. It is our legacy, Eisenhower's warning not withstanding. The F-22 raptor gives me chills. there is nothing in this world like an american made jet fighter. You know you all want them. I am proud to be american.
I just looked at some pictures of the F-22 online. My God it's beautiful. You other countries can only wish.
Look at the link below. absolutely beautiful.

Answer 6

The wealthy are in control in the US. They are wealthy because they have no morals in most cases. Weapons are big business involving big bucks. So the wealthy that control the US sell weapons. There is no difference between them and the other countries doing the same thing. However, our leaders cloak their dealings with God, democracy and freedom.

Answer 7

money and to create social political upheaval - it is like a recreational sport.

we are now selling arms to the Saudis and surrounding countries - we trained and armed bin laden - the all the presidents and his mean snicker and talk out of the side of their mouths about terror.

it is a sick prank a spec tor sport or sorts.

Answer 8

Because it makes OH such a lot of money.

Morality? Forget it. Common sense as to who might be your enemy tomorrow (cough Sadam hussein cough)? You're having a laugh.

Money money MONEY is what is important.

Answer 9

So they can control them. The only problem is that we gave Saddam weapons too and you see where that got us!

You cannot control them. They will take what you are offering then screw you later.

Answer 10

By using the word: enemies; you half-answered the question.
The US needs to counter these sales for its own protection.

It just sometimes makes economical and political sense for
a nation like the US to do that. Unless we change laws, it seems to be legal to do it.

Answer 11

It's the Golden Rule. The US gots the gold so it makes the rules. And it isn't different.