US Government vs Congress: Sale of F16s to Pakistan

[HAIDER]

"But key members of Congress have made it clear that they object to using foreign military financing funds to support this sale." he said.
The U.S. is not using the Congressional objections as an excuse to deny Pakistan eight F-16 fighter jets at a subsidised rate, the Obama administration has said.

“No, that’s not true,” State Department Deputy Spokesman Mark Toner told reporters at his daily news conference when asked if it is just using Congress as an excuse not to give F-16 to Pakistan.

“We have made the case for FMF [foreign military finance] funds to be used [towards sale of F—16s to Pakistan],” Mr. Toner said.

The Administration, he said, has made the case to the Congress that it continue to support proposed sale of these eight F-16s to Pakistan to assist in Pakistan’s counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations.

“We believe that these F-16s have supported these kinds of operations to date. We think that they reduce the ability of certain militant groups to use Pakistani territory as a safe haven for terrorism and a base of support for the insurgency in Afghanistan,” he said.

“But key members of Congress have made it clear that they object to using foreign military financing funds to support this sale. Given these objections, we’ve told the Pakistanis that they should put forward national funds for the purchase,” he said.

Observing that in the U.S., in checks and balances, Congress does control the purse strings, Mr. Toner said the Administration has argued to Congress why it believes that the purchase of these F-16s is in America’s interest.

“We’ll continue to make that case. In the meantime, we’ve offered Pakistan an opportunity to purchase these out of their own funds,” Mr. Toner said.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/intern...s-to-deny-pakistan-f16s-us/article8565105.ece

 

[MastanKhan]

"But key members of Congress have made it clear that they object to using foreign military financing funds to support this sale." he said.
The U.S. is not using the Congressional objections as an excuse to deny Pakistan eight F-16 fighter jets at a subsidised rate, the Obama administration has said.

“No, that’s not true,” State Department Deputy Spokesman Mark Toner told reporters at his daily news conference when asked if it is just using Congress as an excuse not to give F-16 to Pakistan.

“We have made the case for FMF [foreign military finance] funds to be used [towards sale of F—16s to Pakistan],” Mr. Toner said.

The Administration, he said, has made the case to the Congress that it continue to support proposed sale of these eight F-16s to Pakistan to assist in Pakistan’s counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations.

“We believe that these F-16s have supported these kinds of operations to date. We think that they reduce the ability of certain militant groups to use Pakistani territory as a safe haven for terrorism and a base of support for the insurgency in Afghanistan,” he said.

“But key members of Congress have made it clear that they object to using foreign military financing funds to support this sale. Given these objections, we’ve told the Pakistanis that they should put forward national funds for the purchase,” he said.

Observing that in the U.S., in checks and balances, Congress does control the purse strings, Mr. Toner said the Administration has argued to Congress why it believes that the purchase of these F-16s is in America’s interest.

“We’ll continue to make that case. In the meantime, we’ve offered Pakistan an opportunity to purchase these out of their own funds,” Mr. Toner said.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/intern...s-to-deny-pakistan-f16s-us/article8565105.ece

Hi,

Paf should ask for some more helicopters and C130's from these funds---and thank the U S govt for them-----.

I think that is the best solution of the problem----. There is no reason for the Paf to sink any more money into this aircraft.

 

[AZADPAKISTAN2009]

Let it be I am sure even the US counter parts are shocked at the congress (or more less 1-2 guys) hijacking the deal

 

[The Eagle]

There is mix of hurt and happiness in neighborhood but one thing for sure, let the month end and there will be surprises though the few will laugh of their short-sight in the beginning of the matter without patience and lot of long lasting hurt due to the success story of ours either this way or that. Stopping of such sale based upon FMF will indeed effect our further procurement of F-16s while looking at the larger picture, blessing in disguise indeed. Either the more Falcons come or not, this end will not like be just about the birds alone.

F-16s have been playing the part of diplomatic relations between US-Pakistan since long and moreover, US has been using the F-16s card on many third world nations to maintain the influence and relations. The Geo-strategic shape of this region is changing and either accept it or not but China has gained a lot in the region that indeed US is worrying much about. Also, since long, US has given enough chance to India in Afghanistan to support US and counter China & Pakistan but has brought nothing than unrest, terrorism and more damage to the peace in the region which also costs US in heavy due to its prolonged stay in Afghanistan. US can arm the India as much as it can or let it buy anything to counter China but in reality, indeed it's needed a heart to do so that China is far out of reach of India and for sure, US itself is not going to face China but pushing India to the front that in the end US wouldn't have to lost anything but once again, another nation sacrificed. The game is played on same rules yet the parties are changed like to counter USSR, US helped and pushed Pakistan to bring down her cold war rival and this time, preparing India to counter China on the same fashion though time, place and many tactics are changed and above of all, Pakistan is standing with China.

US is not going to loose Pakistan like this but there is always a continuous suspense kept till end of the game so that the participants and viewers may not get bored or may not ever think that the sponsorship money is gone in vain. Many of among us, here, are just cheering on the matter due to their over-stress that yet the matter has to be finalized and there are plenty of other things that could happen in this deal and will be like most have to take their words back.

Pakistan has already sacrificed enough for US for her WOT though we have our own mistakes as well but the same could be avoided being not that close friend with US in first place. US has used the Pakistan with every mean and so also defamed us in the same times only for upper hand. The game has been played since start and it was not like only US to blame but indeed the lack of leadership at our end as well as weak diplomacy which resulted a dying foreign policy yet adopted by most of the corrupted and incompetent so called elected public leaders. US or anyone else couldn't succeed until & unless we were not like incompetent. The personal greed of our so called leadership has drowned us deep that we have to work harder than before not just to survive but to float like others while breaking the bowing policy shell. US couldn't force Pakistan more to bow like has been doing in past that was also just because of our greedy and incompetent leaders. Pakistan is right now in a position where it can pave it own ways towards better future without any large help or permanent camp of US inside Pakistan. It is time for US to be worried more that loosing such friend that has sacrificed many precious lives.

We are almost on the right track and journey for better future so also the same has minimized the dire need of US as well that the success story of our forces in WOT has introduced us in a better manner ever than before so also the world has recognized our efforts against the same. There are still many days left to the end of the month yet it is up-to us whether to go for these Falcons against our own money or US is going to change his minds though there will be bundle of explanation to save her face but the reality is, US itself is not ready to say goodbye like this. This is pure business like you need us, there is the price because nothing is free in this world and this is the same formula that you have been applying upon us but now the time is changed.

We have other options for our fighter fleet and by the grace of ALLAH, we are still here though many dreamed to undo Pakistan but useless efforts. We don't have much time indeed that we have wasted the much of it but still things can be turned into right direction so it depends upon the decision of high-ups to think out of the box.

For the PAF, seems like EFT is out of the reach as per reality that going to costs us a lot. SU-35 is speculated as going to be the more costly due to unreliable supply and after sale service, the Russian history due to weak economy or want of more money. However, the Chinese option is always and will be the more reliable, feasible and trustworthy for us. As per some sources, FC-31 is the choice for PAF in future but we need a platform with good range and payload as a stop gape and as well as to supplement the power in future with FC-31 alongwith minimizing the possible damage due to unavailability of F-16s. J-10C is first choice however, our strong diplomacy and China's relations with Russia can make it possible to have our hands on something like J-16 or J-11D so that could be more than welcome. Any of these jets, will not just prove to be punch for adversary but so also will be very helpful in such operations that currently we were acquiring F-16s. Any of above said birds with right weaponry can do the same job much better than these Falcons as we wouldn't have any strings attached/sanctions prone fear so also a wide range of weaponry would be available as per our choice/need.

Even, if we have to say goodbye, we will be maintaining the relations but on normal grounds and no more extreme or risky support though doesn't seems possible very soon. US still in Afghanistan and need assistance of Pakistan very badly so also cannot leave Pakistan's hand like this as Russia is also getting closure to Pakistan beside China is already here. Even the birds are not coming, we will be more happier than before so that at-least such doubtful love of F-16s may come to an end and we will be moving further like a devolving nation.

We have many projects in pipeline and Gawadar alongwith CPEC are good enough to draw a picture of our future economy and necessity. While keeping in view the need of CPEC and Gawadar, Pakistan is already on the way of getting better than before and China is already on board in the same interests while helping Pakistan to adopt the proper development way. Pakistan has almost cleansed Balochistan off insurgents/terrorists and many dreams of our enemy are hard crushed that spent a lot of money to destabilize or push us to the same as much as it can. From North to South, things with respect to security, are getting better yet our diplomacy and approach of political elite alongwith building a strong foreign policy lacks a lot due to incompetency of leadership. Indeed and I would say, a must, accountability across the board is required if we want to avoid such hurdles and damages in future that may costs us more than ever.

IMO, It wouldn't be wrong to say that US has time till end of the may to chose whether want Pakistan on higher level or not and the answer could be expected the way US funds the sale of Falcons or not otherwise, we also need to walk away like said nothing but turned around and gone.

Above all, are just merely my observations/thoughts or view on individual grounds so no one is supposed to take it personally. No offense intended at all.

 

[livingdead]

can somebody do a tl;dr version of article, is pakistan short of fighter aircrafts or something for the operation thats going on?

 

[Indika]

can somebody do a tl;dr version of article, is pakistan short of fighter aircrafts or something for the operation thats going on?

It is a long winding senseless article by a pakistani think tank which simply says that existing F16 are not good enuf to fight terrorists and they need new shiny F16 for free. It goes into the entire philosophy of afghan withdrawal,nawaz sharif's panama, saudi coalition, India's agreement with US,ISIS and what not. It is like karz ..no it is karan-arjun...ah forget about it.
So all in all it went from direct begging to indirect blackmail where it spells out consequences to world of not getting F16!

 

[I M Sikander]

RIGHT TIME TO USE CARD OF

STOP NATO SUPPLY LINE

Come on yaar, why we are begging and licking their balls.
Paisa do , cheez lo.

Scrap this deal and get new jets from Russia or else where.

These 100 million dollar per plane F sola will add no punch to PAF.

How long we will continue with our love with F Sola's.

Enough is enough. Paf supreme jet, block 52 F16 are much inferior to IAF Sukhoi and newly ordered rafales.

We already have 76 F sola, it useless to keep on adding these 1980s era machines.

PAF is in urgent need of a 2 engine heavy figter with AESA radar in its inventory.

 

[HAIDER]

Pakistan will get F16, but again dishonest govt official stop begging . People should start paying tax. Politicians need to pay billions of rupees outstanding taxes. Its a shame govt official holding billions of dollar in foreign account, but govt has unable to pay few millions for the national security .

 

[New World]

Hi,

Paf should ask for some more helicopters and C130's from these funds---and thank the U S govt for them-----.

I think that is the best solution of the problem----. There is no reason for the Paf to sink any more money into this aircraft.

i think this is the good idea to use the funds..

 

[Path-Finder]

Please Dont buy/obtain these F16's. Seldom will this reach the ears of PAF!

 

[livingdead]

It is a long winding senseless article by a pakistani think tank which simply says that existing F16 are not good enuf to fight terrorists and they need new shiny F16 for free. It goes into the entire philosophy of afghan withdrawal,nawaz sharif's panama, saudi coalition, India's agreement with US,ISIS and what not. It is like karz ..no it is karan-arjun...ah forget about it.
So all in all it went from direct begging to indirect blackmail where it spells out consequences to world of not getting F16!

thanked you just for karan-arjun reference...

 

[cloud4000]

Let it be I am sure even the US counter parts are shocked at the congress (or more less 1-2 guys) hijacking the deal

This is a common practice in US Congress. A single member can hold up an entire bill, especially if it's being discussed at a committee level. But in this case, I believe there is more than 1-2 Senators holding up the deal regarding F-16s.

 

[airmarshal]

Hypothetically, lets say we have to fully finance the deal. Just think about it. For a country of 200 million people, isnt it shameful to not be able to arrange just 400+ million dollars!!?

Pakistan is telling US it has no money. If I m US, I will say 'go f*ck yourself'. You cant beg F-16s. Stop begging please! People will respect you if you stop seeking cheap money. Cheap money actually comes at a very high price and that price is self dignity and self respect.

Suzuki is claiming it is ready to invest $460 million in Pakistan. Does that mean Suzuki has more money than Pakistan? How shameful this comparison could be!

 

[leftfordead]

Girti hue Deewaar ko , Ek dhakka aur do

 

[Samlee]

Hypothetically, lets say we have to fully finance the deal. Just think about it. For a country of 200 million people, isnt it shameful to not be able to arrange just 400+ million dollars!!?

Pakistan is telling US it has no money. If I m US, I will say 'go f*ck yourself'. You cant beg F-16s. Stop begging please! People will respect you if you stop seeking cheap money. Cheap money actually comes at a very high price and that price is self dignity and self respect.

Suzuki is claiming it is ready to invest $460 million in Pakistan. Does that mean Suzuki has more money than Pakistan? How shameful this comparison could be!

Pakistan Has A Minimum Tax Potential of Rs. 8000 Billion(Roughly $80 Billion) But Don't Expect That To Be Collected As As Long We Are Under Patwari Raj


Apart From This Pakistan Has Got Mineral Wealth That Are Worth Entire G 8 GDPs(No This Is Not Me Bragging I Am Saying This With Full Responsibility Because Of Certain Documents I Have Personally Had Access To)


Cutting Off Of US Aid May Be The Best Thing That Happened To Pakistan.Next Time US and NATO Containers Come They Should Pay Market Rates For Using Our Ports and Roads