ABSTRACT
The sale of arms to the Middle East is among the most controversial issues in American foreign policy. The case presents a prime example of the need for effective conflict resolution in interbranch policy disagreement. It is also the case in which the loss of the legislative veto has had the most detrimental effect. As a strategic-salient issue, arms sales to the Middle East present a high potential for congressional-executive conflict since Congress has the incentive and the will to oppose the president in cases of policy disagreement. An explicit look at the variables affecting the policy process of arms sales to the Middle East will better illustrate just why relations between the branches hold high potential for conflict. As a strategic-salient issue, arms sales to the Middle East presents a high potential for congressional-executive conflict since Congress has the incentive and the will to oppose the president in cases of policy disagreement.
