The Pentagon Wants To Sell $2.7 Billion In Weapons To A Country On The Verge Of Collapse

[xchrom]

http://www.businessinsider.com/us-selling-weapons-to-civil-war-iraq-2013-8



The Pentagon is looking to bolster its military options for Syria's civil war by sending $2.7 billion in weapons to Iraq, despite the country being on the verge of civil war.

The weapons deal would include 681 Stinger anti-aircraft missiles and 40 truck-mounted launchers, as well as three Hawk anti-aircraft batteries with 216 Hawk missiles, according to Agence France Presse.

The sale is primarily viewed as a way to bolster a possible no-fly zone in Iraq, though it would also help to cut off Iranian supplies to Syria through Iraqi air space.

"This capability will provide Iraq with the ability to contribute to regional air defenses and reduce its vulnerability to air attacks and also enhance interoperability between the government of Iraq, the US, and other allies," the Pentagon said in a statement.



Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/us-selling-weapons-to-civil-war-iraq-2013-8#ixzz2bHVBiuig

[PoliticAverse]

1. Gotta make the sale while there's still a functioning government with cash... n/t

[dipsydoodle]

2. Just gotta support the MIC.

[Sherman A1]

3. What could possibly go wrong

with this idea?

[JHB]

4. Is this selling off old inventory?

The Hawk was first introduced when Eisenhower was still president. It's had upgrades since then, but if I'm not mistaken it's been completely phased out of US service.

The Stinger is of more recent vintage: developed in the 70s and deployed in the 80s. Again, it's had updates, and this one is still in service. They built a lot of the earlier versions, thanks to St. Ron and the budding neocons being convinced that the Soviets were just chomping at the bit to pour through the Fulda Gap.


Granted, as long as they can hit planes they're deadly weapons systems. But how much of this finding a use for old junk in the back of the warehouse?

[bemildred]

5. Our little buddy Iraq is best friends with our sworn enemy Assad. nt

[xchrom]

6. what was that old tv soap opera -- 'as the world turns'?

you get into the details of a situation like this -- and it all turns bizarre.

[bemildred]

7. It's like hanging out with serious drug users.

Things just stop making any sort of sense after a while, it's all about the drugs. If you get that, if you get it, you'll be fine, a pal, if you don't, you're in the way.

In the Pentagon, it's all about the money, and if you don't get that, you're in the way.

[xchrom]

8. indeed. nt

[LuvNewcastle]

9. Exactly. In our government, it's all about selling arms.

When you open your mind and understand that one principle, you'll understand why our government does what it does. Things don't make much since when you don't see it.