German arms exports to the Gulf Arab states are on the way to setting a new record, according to figures released by Germany’s Economics Ministry August 7.

Germany set the previous record just last year with €1.42 billion of arms going to the Gulf states, €1.24 billion of that for Saudi Arabia. In the first half of 2013, Germany approved the export of weapons worth €817 million, this time with Qatar as the primary customer.

Qatar’s purchase, which includes 62 Leopard, two combat tanks and 24 self-propelled howitzers, totals €635 million worth so far.

This increase in arms sales is part of a huge change in Germany foreign policy. From 2002 to 2011, Germany sold roughly €250 million in arms to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Today, Germany sells these countries more in two months than they previously did in 10 years.

Meanwhile, Germany has put arms exports to Egypt on hold.

This is part of a new policy by Germany to build a network of alliances aimed at containing Iran. Across North Africa and the Middle East, Germany is building these alliances and expanding arms sales. For more information on this strategy, see Trumpet editor in chief Gerald Flurry’s recent article “The Whirlwind Prophecy.”