US opposition to sale of F-16s to Pakistan fizzles out

WASHINGTON: After a month-long tumultuous opposition to Obama administration's intent to sell eight F16 fighter jets to Pakistan, the resistance backed by various lobbies seems to be fizzling out.

The top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Senator Ben Cardin, confirmed this as well saying that he doesn't expect an upcoming vote against the deal. The Obama administration announced last month that it had approved the sale of eight F16 fighter jets and other sensitive equipment to Pakistan for aggressive counterterrorism efforts. The estimated cost comes around $700 million. The State department had highlighted that the proposed sale contributes to U.S. foreign policy objectives and national security goals by helping to improve the security of a strategic partner in South Asia.

It stated that the sale improves Pakistan's capability to meet current and future security threats, and the 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 counter-insurgency and counterterrorism operations.

The intent was criticized vehemently. Republican Senator Rand Paul even introduced a resolution to block the sale, and later wrote letters to his colleagues urging them support him. Senator Paul, however, could not gain strength.

Senator Cardin told reporters that he opposed the resolution and expected it to fail because most Republican and Democrat leaders were opposing it already. "It was not controversial that Pakistan needs to modernise its air force and its counter insurgency and counter terrorism activities, particularly along the Afghan border," he said.

The U.S. government's decision to sell fighter jets needed Congressional approval. As per procedure, lawmakers have to approve or object within thirty days. The measure was not tabled for discussion till the filing of this report, but it has to finally go through today, March 12. The chairman of the powerful Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator John McCain had proposed a middle ground, suggesting the administration to postpone the deal. Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Senator Bob Corker had questioned the sale as well, and had written a letter to Secretary Kerry refusing to back it.

All this time, the administration officials, including Secretary of the State John Kerry, fought back and appeared determined to pass the deal. Kerry appeared before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and defended the deal saying, "I understand your reservations about it but their military has been deeply engaged in the fight against terrorism."

Pakistan embassy officials commenting on the process said, "We understand that the deal has not been blocked but there are reservations regarding the financial aspect. We intend to continue engaging constructively with the US side to address specific concerns."