How The CIA Helped The Saudis In Developing Their Own Ballistic Missile Program With Chinese Help

DongFeng 21 (CSS-5) Medium-Range Ballistic Missile. Defence.pk

Exclusive: CIA Helped Saudis in Secret Chinese Missile Deal -- Jeff Stein, Newsweek

Saudi Arabia has long been a back-room player in the Middle East's nuclear game of thrones, apparently content to bankroll the ambitions of Pakistan and Iraq (under Saddam Hussein) to counter the rise of its mortal enemy, Iran.

But as the West and Iran have moved closer to a nuclear accommodation, signs are emerging that the monarchy is ready to give the world a peek at a new missile strike-force of its own-which has been upgraded with Washington's careful connivence.

According to a well-placed intelligence source, Saudi Arabia bought ballistic missiles from China in 2007 in a hitherto unreported deal that won Washington's quiet approval on condition that CIA technical experts could verify they were not designed to carry nuclear warheads.

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My Comment: I am surprised that the Chinese were willing to sell these missiles. I guess they want to develop better ties with Saudi Arabia as well as getting some quid pro quo on their oil.