I remember that some of the Gulf Nations, including Saudi Arabia forgave Iraqs debt. I do not believe in giving advanced technology to a nation that has a shaky government and is warming is relations with Iran and Syria.
“I do not believe in giving advanced technology to a nation that has a shaky government and is warming is relations with Iran and Syria.”
That’s a very good point, and a concern I share. I am anything but completely confident about the long-term relationship between Iraq and the United States. Like you, I’d like to see a bit more stability and trustworthiness from the Iraqi government before selling their military a first line fighter aircraft.
I *do* think, though, that if the U.S. government remains intent on rebuilding the Iraqi military (as they seem to be), the F-16 would seem to be the option of least potential harm (compared to the F-35, etc.)