This article gives some credence to the idea it may be a protectionist tactic since it does seems to address any threat: https://skift.com/2016/06/28/u-s-airlin

This article gives some credence to the idea it may be a protectionist tactic since it does seems to address any threat: https://skift.com/2016/06/28/u-s-airlines-set-to-lose-major-battle-against-gulf-carriers-in-open-skies-debate/ https://skift.com/2016/06/28/u-s-airlines-set-to-lose-major-...