U.S. Military Sales To Iraq Is Moving Forward Despite Concerns

A U.S. flag flies from a mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicle as it crosses into Kuwait, Dec. 18, 2011. The vehicle is part of the last military convoy to leave Iraq. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Bradley Wancour

Weapons Sales To Iraq Move Ahead Despite U.S. Worries -- New York Times

BAGHDAD — The Obama administration is moving ahead with the sale of nearly $11 billion worth of arms and training for the Iraqi military despite concerns that Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki is seeking to consolidate authority, create a one-party Shiite-dominated state and abandon the American-backed power-sharing government.

The military aid, including advanced fighter jets and battle tanks, is meant to help the Iraqi government protect its borders and rebuild a military that before the 1991 Persian Gulf war was one of the largest in the world; it was disbanded in 2003 after the United States invasion.

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My Comment: Regardless of what our intentions are .... to the Shiite dominated Iraq government and military they are now getting into their possession U.S. military equipment that can be effectively used not only to defend their borders from outsiders, but to also (more importantly to them) maintain order and unity within their country.