The Middle East is one of the most volatile regions of the world; however, the United States and European nations have never established joint policies toward Middle East arms sales. One of the foremost obstacles to the development of a joint arms policy is the inability of the United States and France, the two largest Western suppliers of arms to the Middle East, to find a basis for an agreement. This paper defines the interests of France and the United States in Middle East arms sales, uses these definitions of national interests to evaluate the various proposals for a joint Franco-American policy towards Middle East arms sales, and presents an alternative which would satisfy the national interests of both parties and reduce the threat that continued arms sales make to future world stability. The United States’ fundamental interests are: the survival and security of Israel; preventing the expansion of Soviet power; ensuring the flow of oil at reasonable prices; and promoting an Arab-Israeli peace. France’s interests are: maintaining a façade of influence; having an independent foreign policy; coping with energy problems; and remaining economically and politically solvent. Numerous solutions have been proposed, such as shifting ties with Israel and alternative energy solutions; however, this paper argues standardization of arms as the best solution. Standardization of arms allows the United States to continue its arms sales policies in the Middle East and French interests would be served as well.
Keywords: Arms Sales, Middle East, France, United States, Israel, Foreign Policy
