Senator Jim Risch, Republican of Idaho and the chairman of the panel, was more muted. The two gulf countries are waging an air war in Yemen that has come under sharp criticism from Congress and human rights organizations. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had pushed hard for the move, over the objections of career Foreign Service officers and legislators. “These sales will support our allies, enhance Middle East stability and help these nations to deter and defend themselves from the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Mr. Pompeo said on Friday afternoon. The warplanes are able to carry out offensive as well as defensive operations.

Source: New York Times May 24, 2019 15:58 UTC