U.S. Sees Mideast Sales As Vital

WASHINGTON [MENL] -- The U.S. military regards arms sales to the Middle East
as vital in an effort to maintain the nation's defense industry.
Military commanders said increased U.S. weapons exports to the Middle
East and other regions could sustain defense production lines amid deep
budget cuts ordered by Congress. They said the sales could also enable the
establishment of weapons arsenals available to the U.S. military in hot
spots.