Aerospace Peace vs. Prosperity

The proposed sale of F-15s to Saudi Arabia is forcing Bush into a no-win decision

Which is a higher priority for America, making peace in the Middle East or saving jobs at home? That, in extreme shorthand, is the painful quandary facing the White House as it considers the sale of F-15 combat jets to Saudi Arabia. If the U.S. makes the sale, it will contribute to the arms race in the Middle East. If the deal is scuttled, thousands of American aerospace workers could lose their jobs. Postwar tensions in the Middle East and the depressed U.S. defense industry have raised the stakes on both sides.

In the latest volley, the chiefs of McDonnell Douglas...

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