Episode 12: Profiting From War

America continues its unwavering devotion to Saudi Arabia, despite the gruesome murder of Jamal Khashoggi and the humanitarian catastrophes in Yemen. What is behind this resolute support to America's undemocratic ally in the Middle East? Bill Hartung dives into the history of the U.S.-Saudi relationship, U.S. arms sales, and just how much of the arms trade actually benefits America's defense companies. How is the war in Yemen being supported by America's arms dealers, and are U.S. defense contractors really benefiting the American economy as President trump insists? Bill pushes us to evaluate this relationship, and the costs taxpayers are willing to accept for the benefit and profit of the American arms lobby. Bill Hartung is Director of the Arms and Security Project at the Center for International Policy. You can read his recent report titled U.S. Arms Sales to Saudi Arabia: the Corporate Connection.