Weapons supplies do not pose a problem in democratic countries, but do produce negative results in fragile states, said a recent study entitled "Determining the risk of American aid in the security sector of fragile countries of Africa and means to reduce them."
The study linked aid directed to the security sector with the stability of African countries.
The study, prepared by Stephen Watts and published by the Egypt State Information Service, said programs focused on the education of military leaders in these states have a positive impact, unlike military aid which could have negative consequences.
Although US aid has had positive results in Latin America, East Asia and Europe, it did not have a positive impact on stability in Africa and the Middle East, according to the study.
Watts also referred to another study which focused on the relationship between the provision of arms shipments and military dynamics. It showed that there is a strong correlation between providing weapons and the possibility of human rights violations, as well as the likelihood of military coups.
Watts believes that strengthening troops that are guarding a regime is dangerous because they represent the elite forces whose primary allegiance is to an ethnic group or party rather than loyalty to the state as a whole.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
