Saudi Arabia and Oman have rapidly increased their defense budgets since 2011. But they aren’t the only ones in the Middle East accelerating weapons purchases, according to a new IHS Jane’s Annual Defense Budgets Review. Four out of five countries with the most rapid increase in military spending are in the Middle East, in some cases over a 30% increase. Other countries spending billions on military hardware include Iraq, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates and Algeria.
At a time when NATO’s major nations are contracting military spending, the Middle East is shifting the center of gravity in terms of military acquisitions. Military spending worldwide has increased for the first time in five years, thanks to the contribution of Middle East nations.
Why are they preparing for war? The Bible declares, “The way of peace they have not known.” Romans 3:17
And Jesus told us that before He comes the second time that there will be military conflict.
“And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all [these things] must come to pass, but the end is not yet.” Matthew 24:6