Iraq to spend $13B on U.S. arms, equipment

[unhappycamper]

An Iraqi soldier hands out leaflets asking residents to keep watch for militant activity in Baghad Tuesday, The number of U.S. forces in Iraq has been drawn down to 50,000.


Iraq to spend $13B on U.S. arms, equipment
By Jim Michaels, USA TODAY

BAGHDAD — Iraq is preparing to buy as much as $13 billion in American arms and military equipment, a huge order of tanks, ships and hardware that U.S. officials say shows Iraqi-U.S. military ties will be tight for years to come.

"It helps to build their capabilities, first and foremost; and second, it builds our strategic relationship for the future," said Army Lt. Gen. Michael Barbero, the ranking U.S. officer responsible for training and advising Iraq forces.

With combat operations officially ended, Vice President Biden and Iraqi officials will gather today at a ceremony at the main U.S. base near Baghdad Airport to mark U.S. troops' transition to an advisory role that focuses on assisting Iraqi security forces. The number of U.S. servicemembers has dropped below 50,000. All U.S. forces are scheduled to leave Iraq by the end of next year.

Military sales, which often include lengthy maintenance and training contracts, are part of U.S. efforts to maintain a relationship with Iraq. About half the $13 billion in sales are finalized contracts, and the rest are still in negotiations.

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In addition to the $13 billion purchase, the Iraqis have requested 18 F-16 Falcon fighter jets as part of a $3 billion program that also includes aircraft training and maintenance. If approved by Congress, the first aircraft could arrive in spring 2013. Under the plan, the first 10 pilots would be trained in the U.S.

[Mimosa]

1. War as a jobs program. n/t

[Octafish]

2. Now we're getting somewhere.

Petrodollars for the Pentagon's Owners -- An American Tradition since Big Brother can remember.

PS: K&R and the counter stayed at zero. To hell with warmongers.

[Panaconda]

3. The wheel

of death.

Hopefully everyone will see how it really works now.