F-16s to Pakistan—Why Now?

A wrong if not an outright foolish decision. F-16 is now more of playing domestic politics rather than a military need.

US is not giving them for free either. And US could anytime make them useless by stopping the spares. If this lesson has not been learnt in last 40 years, it is being too naive.

It was better to pour this money into the XF-17 co-production project with China. Its prototype is already out.

Unless, the precision bombing required on the hide outs of Talibans/Al Qaida in Hindu Kush Mountains require this capability. That could only be a valid cause.

nhk

#4 by haroonellahi

Soup and Shampoo controversy? What is that? Can you elaborate please?

Thanks.

The purchase of these f-16 fighter jets by Pakistan is an invitiation to diaster. The author spoke about how we would again be reliant on spare parts manufactured in America. Pressler Amendment square-rooted the capability of the Pakistan Air Force. By increasing our arsenal of F-16s, we are increasing that very dependence, which in the face of another Pressler-type of statue, would again become rather impotent.

Pakistan should realize it should put in money into its infrastructure, hospitals, schools, universities, and uplift the status of the People of Pakistan. Give birth to industries at home, which would help Pakistan provide jobs directly and indirectly to the Pakistani people.

Hindustan is a massive country, and unlike Pakistan, Hindustan has other players to keep in check. The most prominent of the players would the Chinese. India has been `castrated` by invading armies throughout it`s history. Aryan invasion, Arab and Mongol invasions, Mughal Establishment, and the British Empire have all tampered with the the `Vedic` development of Hindu Civilization. Chalo, enough intellectual bongies. The fact of the matter is that India is a rising power on the world stage. It is no longer irrelevant, and it is surely as important as the Germans, French, or Britons.

India is woven into the social, economic, and political fiber of South Asia. It`s GNP is more than all of South Asia combined. India has to have a military, so that India would be able to throw it`s weight around. `Speak softly and carry a big stick` - Teddy Roosevelt

The Indians have done a much better job than their Pakistani cousins when it comes to promoting development of industries. There is a babu in PAkistan as their is in India, but the Indian babu is more progressive than the Pakistani babu. As the shackles of Nehruvian Socialism are further hacked off from the Indian giant, India will become more powerful of a nation.

I remeber reading about the Americans offering India and Pakistan select amount of seats in their best universities. This is the 1960`s era I believe. The Pakistanis decided to send their `best students`, even though many Pakistani questioned the merit of those students. Nehru however said to the Americans that instead of offering those seats, give us the money and send over some of your best university designers to help us open a great institution in India. I think the Indian government dolled out some money for the iniative as well. Just look at how progressively the Indians managed the situation, whereas we raced to get to the East Coast.

I believe you guys are aware of the entire Soup and Shampoo contreversy, which helped India save capital and develop more universities and colleges in the country.

Heck, look at the Indians when it comes to promoting domestic industries. They purchase MADE-IN-INDIA cars, they always have! The goverment promotes it whenever they buy the cars. OVer here, our government prefers S-500`s MERCS, BMWS, Pajeros, and a multitude of other cars. It`s not just a slap in the face of sanity, it`s a slap in the face of humanity (Pakistani people).

hehe

Well written, indeed.

Otherwise, what`s new? Did anyone really ever believe that the US, UK, blah blah blah could be our friends? Did anyone ever think that even by a remote chance there could be a peace between the political elites of India and Pakistan, notwithstanding their respective populace`s desire for it?

Neither of the two scenarios have ever suited the G8`s interests.

Well written!

Bush did the right thing.Rewarding Mushaaraf and honoring the F-16 deal.After all pakistan did pay for the 16 odd units.This article is one of the most objective i have read on this site.Manmohan Singh in 1995 , said the 21st century will be India`s century.Abdul Kalam in 1995 laid out the road map in his book ``India 2020``.These two gentlemen have ended up holding the reins of government at this time!!.An indian figures in the running for a new pope.The indian entertainment industry is gaining worldwide recognition too.Washington is just playing it`s cards right this time.