In the wake of recent international turmoil and tension between Middle Eastern nations, the Democratic Party in the United States has recently proposed legislation to tighten rules for arms exports given to foreign countries. The aim of the bill is to ensure that the arms given to other nations are used for protective purposes, and is not used to cause destruction and instigate conflict.
The proposed legislation, known as the Enhanced Security Cooperation and Arms Transfer Reform and Restrictions Act, is designed to increase accountability for US weapons transfers while also supporting Israel and its security forces. It would require the Secretary of State to certify that a foreign country has completed certain security training and has met certain human rights conditions before a weapons transfer can take place.
The proposed bill has received mixed reactions from the international community. While some countries and non-governmental organizations have expressed support for the bill, citing the need to stop the proliferation of weapons in regions known for deep-seeded conflicts, others have criticized the proposal stating it is a political move on the part of the US to gain favor with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
In order to provide evidence that the weapons given to foreign nations are being used for the protection of their citizens and not for destruction and violence, the bill would also mandate periodic reports and evaluations of the recipients use of the weapons, as well as a detailed list of the arms exports.
Ultimately, this proposed bill is an indication that the US seeks to move forward in promoting peace and stability, as well as standing by its allies such as Israel. By deliberately assessing the risks of any foreign weapons transfers, the country is taking a step in the right direction. For now, we will have to wait and see whether the bill passes and leads to a more regulated and better-controlled weapon trade.