The United States should provide Iraq weapons in fighting al-Qaida

The United States should provide Iraq weapons in fighting al-Qaida

8/1/2014 0:00

Yoshi Drezn and John Hudson
translation – Anis al-Saffar * re the rapid fall of the cities of Fallujah and Ramadi in the hands of al-Qaeda fighters raising controversy as to whether the White House to leave combat troops in Iraq. However, this argument may obscure from view the original sin committed by the United States when its withdrawal from Iraq two years ago: that is Washington’s refusal to supply Baghdad planes (AP – 16) and helicopters (Apache) attack that would have the heart of the wave in the battle bloody circle to re- Grab the major cities. Iraqi army besieging Fallujah now ground forces and armored vehicles, has pointed out Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki said on Monday that it was preparing to issue the command to launch a comprehensive attack on the city if it fails tribal fighters to expel al-Qaeda fighters on their own. In prick addressed to the White House official said Iranian military high-level, is Gen. Mohammad Hejazi, that Tehran was ready to supply Baghdad with weapons and military trainers to help them fight what could be a showdown excruciating from street to street and house to house may last weeks. Says U.S. officials, current and former aircraft (F – 16) and (Apache) can change the situation on the ground and Iraqi leaders are able to destroy the targets of the base from the air and prevent supplies from reaching the cities. I have spent Baghdad Snina in trying to pressure Congress and the White House to get permission to buy dozens of these aircraft, but Washington continued reluctance so far. In an interview, said the U.S. military official has already done several courses serve in Iraq: “It’s more than just the Palace of view, the Air Force can upset the balance of the game, and we catch the damage to our interests as we leave the Iraqi army decided the battle by land quickly snail. If we see in Iraq, an ally really we must be treated as such. “the reason that prevented Iraq to get planes and helicopters is that between U.S. lawmakers personalities influence does not trust that Maliki would accept the use of force against al Qaeda and other militant groups. the Obama administration supported its part, Iraq’s request for helicopters (Apache), but those members influential in Congress have refused so far to allow the deal to move forward. has declined spokesman, “Robert Menendez,” chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee of the Senate, a member of the Legislative Council who stopped the deal in the past, did not respond to our request for comment on whether the council member in question remains on his position of opposition to the Apache deal. The “Bernadette Meehan,” a White House spokeswoman has said that Baghdad hopes to buy American weapons in order to raise their capacity to counter terrorist threats. “And go, adding:” The administration supports this, and we are working with Congress to provide more military equipment to Iraq this endeavor. “Despite this, the rejection of the American-based to ship warplanes and attack helicopters to Iraq means that the Iraqi air force will remain, in essence, just a name. however, Baghdad, after Sdtha Washington, proceeded to sign agreements to buy dozens of helicopters, Russian-style (MI – 35), but most of them will not reach Iraq until late this year. Until then, Iraq will remain dependent on the aircraft, “Cessna” with fans that the Baghdad to provide a number of them with missiles, “Is Fire.” But these aircraft remained look fittest for use in airports personal small in the United States, including in the fields of fighting. has sought the Maliki government in all desperate to improve the arsenal of war, signing Baghdad contract in 2011 to supply 18 aircraft (F – 16), and then signed an initial contract in second in the year 2012 for 18 other aircraft of the same model. However, none of these planes have not been delivered, despite the words of the Foreign Ministry said the first batch of aircraft (F – 16) is supposed to be up to Iraq this fall, after nearly three years of the signing of the first deal. well ask Baghdad to provide tens of Apaches offensive armed missiles “Is Fire” and machine guns, the strong fed the tape. says military official said the aircraft will allow the Iraqi army to launch attacks relatively accurate capable of destroying al-Qaida targets inside Fallujah without rhythm Injuries remember among civilians. has made ​​Iraq strenuous efforts over the years, trying to get Apache helicopters, but did not succeed in getting any of them. in October last used the Maliki visit to Washington to ask the White House urged Congress to sign deals Apache, but what the impact of the signs motionless until now. however, all this may change in the wake of the fall of Fallujah in the hands of al-Qaeda. shows many lawmakers worried by the idea of an important parts of Iraq under the control of hard-liners, and this means they may be willing to give Maliki Apache helicopters, which calls for since years. was perhaps the Iraqi prime minister faces a tough fight on the ground in Fallujah and Ramadi, but the wave here in Washington may take the coup quickly. * magazine Foran Bolci

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