Special to WorldTribune.com

WASHINGTON — Iraq, deemed an ally of Syrian President Bashar Assad,
has requested an air traffic control system.

The administration of President Barack Obama has approved the sale of an air traffic control and landing system to Baghdad. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency relayed the Iraqi request, which includes radar and simulator, to Congress for final approval.

Over the last year, Congress has become increasingly concerned over
Baghdad’s tilt toward neighboring Iran and Syria. Congressional sources said
the government of Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki has allowed Iran to send
supplies to the Assad regime through Iraqi territory and air space.

“The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the
basic military balance in the region,” DSCA said. “There will be no adverse
impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.”

“This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national
security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a
friendly country,” the Pentagon agency said.

In a statement on Aug. 15, DSCA said the Iraqi request, valued at $60
million and without offsets or additional U.S. personnel, included an
ASR-11 radar, Autotrac-2 simulator, instrument landing system, airfield lighting system, as well as spare parts and training. The agency said the system was commercially available and approved by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Officials said the air traffic control would be deployed at the Iraq Air
Force base in Tikrit. They said the system would also advance Iraqi efforts
to establish a national system to control the nation’s air space.

  As Iraq tilts to Syria, ASR-11 radar, Autotrac-2 simulator, Defense Security Cooperation Agency, Federal Aviation Administration, Nouri Al Maliki, Obama OKs sale of air traffic control system, Pentagon, Tikrit base