With record deficits, a Democrat in the White House and Iraq in the rear-view mirror, softening demand for weapons is a no-brainer especially given the way that rising pay and benefits for the All Volunteer Force are likely to crowd technology spending out of the Pentagon budget.

FORBES: Mideast Unrest, China Spark Swift U-Turn In Outlook For U.S. Defense Industry

They understand that it does America no good to appear indifferent to international laws, and have put much effort into softening the cavalier language and policy that have come from the White House and the Pentagon.

ECONOMIST: George Bush's climb-down over the Geneva Conventions