Re: [semi-OT] Good mags (was Re:Terrorist Groups)

[CHam628781@xxxxxxx]

In a message dated 26/02/02 08:12:08 GMT Standard Time, roger@firedrake.org writes:


> >Not true.  Defense spending, like any other spending, should be in
> >proportion to the needs of the nation.  In other words, don't spend $5,000
> >on a hammer when people are starving in the streets.  Or dying from lack of
> >affordable, accessible health care.
>
> ...which is not particularly relevant to Millennium's End.
>
> On the other hand, if anyone can _find_ a way to make it relevant, I'd
> love to see it posted here...
>
> -- 
> Roger Burton West - roger@firedrake.org - gamer since 1984
> http://firedrake.org/roger/rpg/
> 36. Field experience is something you don't get until just after you need it


The recent experience with BAe (Watchman radar system $40 million, civilian equivalent $10 million) and Tanzania (Life expectancy (1998): 47 years, GNP per capita : $240, GDP : $8.8bn) is a perfect example and can be adapted to make a good scenario for ME.

Option 1:

An arms company has almost secured a deal with a developing country to sell it an expensive system. Opponents of the company claim a similar system can be created with civilian off-the-shelf parts at a fraction of the price and this has made the country's government dither.

To persuade the developing country that its product is what is needed the arms company feel that a few "incidents" demonstrating the need for such a system wouldn't go amiss.

Option 2:

An arms company is close to selling an expensive and out of date piece of military equipment to a developing country. A group of "concerned citizens" are appalled that the money isn't being spent on education and healthcare. Particularly as a similar system can be assembled cheaply from off-the-shelf civilian parts.

A neighbouring country purchased the same system the company offers 15 years ago. The "concerned citizens" feel a demonstration of the poor performance of the system wouldn't go amiss.

If you want ideas for more developed countries I can feel some bubbling under. 
 
Charles

Once is chance. Twice is coincidence. Three times is enemy action.