The recent evolution of West German arms transfer policies is related to legal stipulations, socioeconomic interests, local politics, a need for anonymity in controversial dealings, and particularly to a more autonomous foreign policy. New 1982 guidelines allowed increased arms sales flexibility to conflict-ridden and strategic regions such as the Middle East. Despite government attempts to limit terrorists' access to arms, international arms production remains largely unregulated. The Foreign Ministry has the prime role in controversial sales authorizations, but Germany's many interlinked private arms contractors and subcontractors, lured by relatively high profits, do most of the promotions. Local and national political factions are keenly interested in the disposition of contracts and regulations. Future arms sales will depend on Europe's and Germany's increasing foreign policy assertiveness, and on the direction of European weapons technology.