The United States will be announcing major arms deals later this week that center around creating ties in the Middle East in order to combat Iran’s growing influence in the area. The deals are expected to be worth at least $20 billion, the most important of which will supply weapons to Saudi Arabia as well as five other oil-rich Persian gulf states. The deals are also expected to supply 10-year military aid packages to Israel and Egypt.

Iraq’s soccer team won the Asian Cup today which prompted celebrations complete with gunfire and a death toll. Stray bullets killed four and injured seventeen so far.

Director of National Intelligence, Mike McConnell is asking Congress for greater power overseas due to a heightened threat of attacks on American soil. McConnell sent a letter to a congressional committee that stated that he hoped Congress “will be able to act immediately . . . to provide the legislative changes needed to protect the nation in this period of heightened threat.” Yet another example of how fear can validate the worst atrocities and attacks on human rights.

Two pilots have been killed in two separate air shows this weekend. Thousands of spectators in Dayton, Ohio watched as a biplane crashed onto a runway, skidding on the pavement before bursting into flames. A similar incident occurred in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Both incidents happened after reports came in on Friday that two news helicopters collided in the air over Phoenix, Arizona killing a total of four.

A new survey has found that most Americans are approaching the presidential campaign cynically. Big surprise.