War Costs and Shifting Power in the Middle East
War is very expensive. The U.S. spent $11.3 billion in only the first six days of this war. This money mostly buys munitions. It does not even count troop costs or base repairs. Taxpayers are essentially burning cash every day. The U.S. uses debt to fund this. Interest on old war debt is already $1 trillion. Iran uses cheap drones to drain expensive U.S. missiles. These drones cost as little as $20,000. One U.S. interceptor can cost $15 million. This is “Smart Thinking” against “Smart Bombs”. Now the whole Middle East is a target. Iran attacks oil zones to pressure the U.S.. Oil prices could hit $200 a barrel. If the Iranian government falls, the power balance might become a total monopoly.
Why Boeing Signed the Deal and What Happens Next
Boeing signed a new $289 million contract. They will deliver 5,000 new air-launched smart bombs. These are Small Diameter Bombs. They are guided munitions. Israeli jets can launch them at targets 40 miles away. Deliveries will not start for 36 months. This deal is separate from the current air strikes on Iran. Boeing also has a $8.6 billion deal for F-15 jets. The after-effect is a more heavily armed ally. It also keeps Boeing’s production lines very busy.
The U.S. Role as “Mediator” and How It Benefits
The U.S. is not exactly a neutral mediator. It is by far the largest arms supplier to Israel. The U.S. government uses “foreign military sales” to provide weapons. The Trump administration even bypassed Congress to speed up sales. They used emergency authority to sell over 20,000 bombs. The U.S. gets more geopolitical influence from these deals. It reinforces its position as a central supplier to allies. The U.S. dominates the world with 42% of all arms exports. This lead comes from advanced technology and massive production capacity.
The Massive Arms Business: A Profit Machine for the Powerful
The arms business is giant. The U.S. share is four times larger than any other country. War is a “loss for the people” but a “profit machine” for the powerful. Powerful people love war because it fills their pockets. Taxpayers pay the massive bill while contractors profit. Common people like high gas prices. Stock markets drop for the public, but the powerful stay wealthy. A fresh war also helps hide dirty scandals. Missiles fly and news about bad files often vanishes. It is a comedy of errors if people weren’t dying.
In the end, the aam-jonota (common people) face the consequences. Stock markets are dropping, Gas prices are rising, hundreds of civilians and many soldiers are dead.
War war war! Powerful people love war, don’t they?
War is a loss for the people but a profit machine for the powerful. Powerful people love war because it fills their pockets while taxpayers pay the bill.
– Opinion | Daily ScrollDown