WASHINGTON - The Middle East’s share of U.S. arms imports has steadily declined, a trend largely influenced by the U.S. policy of ensuring Israel’s Qualitative Military Edge (QME), writes Forecast International.
This legally mandated policy, in place since 2008, guarantees Israel a technological and strategic advantage over its neighbors.
However, this approach has strained relations with key regional allies such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, which seek advanced military capabilities often restricted under QME guidelines.
In response, these nations have turned to alternative suppliers, including China, to meet their defense needs.
CENTCOM Commander General Kenneth McKenzie acknowledged this shift in 2020, warning, “We don’t want [U.S. partners in the Middle East] turning to China, we don’t want them turning to Russia to buy those systems.”
