I wonder if the US government thought that there was a real chance of the Shah being toppled in Iran when they were selling them F-14's in the 70's? Disputes can emerge quickly, especially between non-democratic countries, but it takes years to integrate a major new military capability. As such countries should be buying gear that is as close to the regional standard as they can afford.

As for whether or not they would have a chance against the Saudis with US support, I agree that this would the case if the US provided a direct military contribution. However, I was more thinking along the lines of the US just denying them support for their US equipment. In that circumstance I think that the UAE would have a chance if they took a leaf out of the Israeli book of how to defeat much larger enemies quickly with pre-emptive action. Improving their airforce with Rafales would assist in that regard.

So Israel gets to decide who can have access to civilian nuclear energy production ? (emphasis on civilian). That's a little arrogant on their part.

Well I don't think that is what I said. Iran is not just anyone and surely you are not trying to tell me Iran is doing this for *civilian* energy purposes? Funny, even Irans Arab neighbors don't buy that for even a minute. And yea, I guess that is awful arrogant of that damn Israel to be putting their very survival ahead of Irans wishes huh? How dare they!!

Israel knows full well if Iran obtains nukes, which is exactly what they are up to and every reasonable nation knows it, it will create a nuclear arms race in the mid east. Just like eluded to already with UAE possibly getting some nuke reactors for *civilain* purposes from France already? What happens is if Israel allows it they wake up one day and find themselves surrounded by 400 million nuclear armed Arabs and Persians who hate their guts. Israel knows that and ain't gonna let it happen IMHO. And they got every right to stop it.

 

beazz

So Israel gets to decide who can have access to civilian nuclear energy production ? (emphasis on civilian). That's a little arrogant on their part.

Well I don't think that is what I said. Iran is not just anyone and surely you are not trying to tell me Iran is doing this for *civilian* energy purposes? Funny, even Irans Arab neighbors don't buy that for even a minute. And yea, I guess that is awful arrogant of that damn Israel to be putting their very survival ahead of Irans wishes huh? How dare they!!

Israel knows full well if Iran obtains nukes, which is exactly what they are up to and every reasonable nation knows it, it will create a nuclear arms race in the mid east. Just like eluded to already with UAE possibly getting some nuke reactors for *civilain* purposes from France already? What happens is if Israel allows it they wake up one day and find themselves surrounded by 400 million nuclear armed Arabs and Persians who hate their guts. Israel knows that and ain't gonna let it happen IMHO. And they got every right to stop it.

 

beazz