Arms Are For Hugging

Weapons sales to developing countries last year reached their lowest level in eight years, according to a new report by the Congressional Research Service. In 2001, the United States was the biggest international arms dealer, followed by Russia. Among "developing" countries, according to the report, Israel, China, and Egypt were the biggest buyers. Persian Gulf states were among the biggest purchasers of weapons worldwide. The numbers show, however, that the total arms trade has fallen from a high in 2000 of more than $40 billion worldwide to $26.4 billion in 2001.