Persian Gulf: Implementation Gaps Limit the Effectiveness of End-Use Monitoring and Human Rights Vetting for U.S. Military Equipment

Abstract

The United States has authorized billions of dollars in arms sales and exports to six Persian Gulf countries: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). However, regional tensions and civil conflicts have raised concerns about the security and use of arms sold or exported to these countries. The Departments of Defense (DoD) and State (State) established end-use monitoring programs to ensure that these arms are used as intended. This report assesses the extent to which DoD and State do the following: (1) safeguard U.S. military technologies sold or exported to the Gulf countries, (2) provide similar or differing levels of protection for the same military technologies, and (3) vet recipients of U.S.-funded military training and equipment for potential human rights violations. To address these objectives, GAO reviewed laws and regulations, analyzed data and documentation, and interviewed officials in Washington, D.C., and the Gulf countries. GAO recommends that DoD and State harmonize their end-use monitoring for night vision devices (NVDs) and strengthen procedures to verify compliance with security and accountability requirements, among other things. Also, State should implement individual- and unit-level human rights vetting for recipients of equipment. DoD agreed with all of the recommendations. State agreed with two of the recommendations, but disagreed that it should develop guidance on the use and timing of site visits and closure of Blue Lantern cases. GAO believes the recommendations remain valid on the need for policies, procedures, and guidance.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Nov 01, 2011
Accession Number
ADA552761

Entities

People

  • Adam Vogt
  • De Alteriis
  • Drew Lindsey
  • Jeff Phillips
  • Joseph A. Christoff
  • Juan Avila
  • Justin Fisher
  • Loren Yager
  • Martin
  • Mitchell Karpman
  • Rachel Dunsmoor

Organizations

  • United States Government Accountability Office

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Counter WMD
  • Engineered Resilient Systems
  • Human Systems
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aircrafts
  • Anti-Tank Missiles
  • Commerce
  • Congress
  • Data Analysis
  • Department Of State
  • Governments
  • Human Rights
  • Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures
  • Law
  • Military Education
  • Military Equipment
  • Military Training
  • National Security
  • Persian Gulf
  • United States Central Command
  • United States Government

Readers

  • Government Contracting/Procurement.
  • Government and Public Administration Law.
  • Nuclear Non-Proliferation and International Security