F16s sale contributes to US foreign policy objectives

Notification says proposed sale to improve Pakistan's capability to meet current and future threats; opposition to deal continues to be in full swing

WASHINGTON: The Obama administration's intent to sell eight F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan took another turn when the announcement was published in the Federal Register late Friday.  The published note also carries a copy of the letter sent out last month by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency. 

"This proposed sale contributes to US foreign policy objectives and national security goals by helping to improve the security of a strategic partner in South Asia," reads the notification. The note insisted that the sale was necessary in furtherance of the US foreign policy and national security objectives outlined in the Policy Justification.   It further says the F-16 sale "will increase the number of aircraft available to the Pakistan Air Force to sustain operations, meet monthly training requirements, and support transition training for pilots new to the Block-52. Pakistan will have no difficulty absorbing these additional aircraft into its air force." The notification repeated that the proposed sale improves Pakistan's capability to meet current and future threats. 

These additional aircraft will facilitate operations in all weather, non-daylight environments, provide a self-defense/area suppression capability, and enhance Pakistan's ability to conduct counterinsurgency and counterterrorism operations.  The total cost of this sale nears $700 million, and the request was made by the Government of Pakistan.

Meanwhile, the opposition to this deal continues to be in full swing. 

Republican Senator Rand Paul had introduced a resolution after the initial announcement from the Defense Security Cooperation Agency. The resolution to this date sits with the committee which is yet to decide to proceed. 

A similar resolution was introduced in the House proposed by Congressman Dana Rohrabacher. The California Republican congressman has been a long time critic of Pakistan. Senator Rand Paul wrote a letter to his colleagues as well this week asking them to join him in opposing the sale.   "Selling military hardware to Pakistan - with a generous subsidy from American taxpayers - is no way to convince them to become responsible partner in the international community and assist in the fight against terrorism," Rand Paul stated in the letter adding, "It is past time to stand up and demand greater accountability from Pakistan - that it fully severs its ties with terrorist organisations, and that it respect the rights of its own people."

The administration and especially Secretary John Kerry has been defending the plan to sell fighter jets to Pakistan on every other official forum. In response to criticism from various Congressional members he has said, "I understand your reservations about it but their (Pakistan's) military has been deeply engaged in the fight against terrorism." The administration approved the sale to Pakistan last month, and only a week is left for the Congress to block it, which appears unlikely given the time constraint.