It’s too early for this:
| “We’ll take three dozen. Min faDlak?”.
The Iraqi government is seeking to buy 36 advanced F-16 fighters from the U.S., American military officials familiar with the request told the Wall Street Journal. This move could help Iraq reduce its reliance on U.S. air power and potentially allow more American forces to withdraw from the country than had been proposed. […] Iraq now appears determined to significantly expand the air power of its military, which has become more competent and confident in recent months but depends heavily on the U.S. for air support. Iraq quickly has become one of the biggest weapons buyers in the world as it seeks to strengthen and professionalise its fighting force. |
Iraq still needs to prove it’s on the side of the Americans if they wish to purchase offensive armaments from the Americans.
Maybe these particular F-16s could have a 50-gallon fuel tank and CB radios. 😆
Israel should be able to sleep at night without wondering when those F-16s will come on an aggressive visit.
Maybe these particular F-16s could have remote control manual overrides…with the remote controls in the hands of loyal Israelis in Israeli bunkers. 😆
Besides, if Iraq can afford such weaponry, they should first pay their liberators for services rendered.
And provide a bunch of free oil. A huge bunch, in fact.
And do for wounded liberators and the families of killed liberators what Saddam Hussein used to do for the families of Palestinian homicide bombers.
Oh, and ship that Sadr guy to Gitmo.
Just a few random thoughts. 🙄
Seriously, though, I think providing these aircraft any time soon will haunt the US later.
If they need such aircraft for national defense (which I’m sure they do), let them make the US Air Force a lucrative offer in exchange for on-going American air protection, insisting that the huge air bases included in the deal be named after President Bush and Vice President Chenney.
And Rumsfeld.
And Rove.
Ooooops! Somewhere in there I quit being serious again. 🙁