niaz
PDF THINK TANK: CONSULTANT
- Joined
- Jun 18, 2006
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Regrettably military hardware is extremely expensive. When you want to buy a Mercedes, you can be expected to pay VW price so let us not belabour the cost issue. Pakistan always had the option to buy jets from anywhere else. Russia had offered to sell SU-35 but PAF went for more F-16’s for good reason, that we already operate this fighter hence no induction costs.
Obama did not offer F-16 to Pakistan. Pakistan made a request which was accepted by the Obama administration and despite strong objections from many Republican Congressmen, Obama got the sale approved. US has a certain way of doing things. President does not have unlimited powers.
If we were to buy jets from anywhere, say France, Britain, Russia or China, are we not expected to pay the full amount? Pakistan may get credit from China or Russia but will have to pay the full price regardless. Pakistan expected that like other purchases, a large part of the price will be funded from “Coalition support funds” and military assistance. This is where US Congress put their foot down. It is simply that you want to buy our jets, fine; just pay for the goods. Where does the insult or kneeling to US pressure come in? It is only that Pakistan expected special treatment which is not forthcoming.
Understand that this stumbling block has come up because Donald Trump claimed in a TV interview that he could get Dr Shakil Afridi out in two days. This is election year and Democrats don’t want to look impotent. Najam Sethi said in “Aapis ki baat” discussion that behind the scene Sartaj Aziz was told that you release Shakil Afridi (Doctor who helped tracing OBL) and the funds will be released. The whole thing now depends upon the Pak Army agreeing to free Shakil Afridi.
Are most of my compatriots incapable of objective thinking? Even the TV analysts consider this an insult. How is it an insult? Are we doing a favour to the US by accepting their F-16? I sincerely wish that as a nation we learn to look at the things objectively and deal with international diplomacy with cool head.
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Obama did not offer F-16 to Pakistan. Pakistan made a request which was accepted by the Obama administration and despite strong objections from many Republican Congressmen, Obama got the sale approved. US has a certain way of doing things. President does not have unlimited powers.
If we were to buy jets from anywhere, say France, Britain, Russia or China, are we not expected to pay the full amount? Pakistan may get credit from China or Russia but will have to pay the full price regardless. Pakistan expected that like other purchases, a large part of the price will be funded from “Coalition support funds” and military assistance. This is where US Congress put their foot down. It is simply that you want to buy our jets, fine; just pay for the goods. Where does the insult or kneeling to US pressure come in? It is only that Pakistan expected special treatment which is not forthcoming.
Understand that this stumbling block has come up because Donald Trump claimed in a TV interview that he could get Dr Shakil Afridi out in two days. This is election year and Democrats don’t want to look impotent. Najam Sethi said in “Aapis ki baat” discussion that behind the scene Sartaj Aziz was told that you release Shakil Afridi (Doctor who helped tracing OBL) and the funds will be released. The whole thing now depends upon the Pak Army agreeing to free Shakil Afridi.
Are most of my compatriots incapable of objective thinking? Even the TV analysts consider this an insult. How is it an insult? Are we doing a favour to the US by accepting their F-16? I sincerely wish that as a nation we learn to look at the things objectively and deal with international diplomacy with cool head.
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