Asia's Arms Race Continues

Militarized States -- Newsweek

The rising power of generals within the governments of Asia is fueling the regionwide arms race.

In recent months, the wars of words between china and Japan over disputed islands in the South China Sea have rattled many Asian nations, which would prefer that their giant neighbors focus on peaceful trade. But the verbal battles have obscured another, more disturbing regional trend: Asian countries are gearing up for the possibility of a real fight. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, the amount spent on weapons purchases in Southeast Asia nearly doubled between 2005 and 2009, the most recent figures available. The weapons-buying spree will go on--these increases are expected to continue in 2010 and 2011, despite the global economic downturn. Indeed, for many Western and Russian arms manufacturers, Asia has become the promised land.

Read more ....

My Comment: I am skeptical that Generals are causing Asia's arms race .... but this is another sobering analysis on Asia's arms race .... read it all.