Despite ISIL advance, U.S. still weighs F-16 commitment to Iraq – World Tribune: Window on the Real World

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WASHINGTON — The administration of President Barack Obama is still planning delivery of the first F-16 multi-role fighters to Iraq.

"The question being explored is whether there are other facilities that can house the aircraft at least temporarily," a U.S. official said. — “The question being explored is whether there are other facilities that can house the aircraft at least temporarily,” a U.S. official said.

Officials said after months of delay the Defense Department and other agencies were examining the feasibility of sending the first of 36 F-16 Block 52+ aircraft to Iraq. They said the Pentagon and State Department were working on arrangements that would address such issues as payment delays as well as safety issues.

“The Iraqis have made the F-16s a litmus test for our commitment to their security and future relations,” an official said. “The feeling is there will have to be much greater flexibility on both sides.”

Officials said the delivery schedule called for the arrival of four F-16s in June 2014. But days before the delivery ISIL captured Mosul as well as most northern Iraq, including key military bases.

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Despite ISIL advance, F-16 Block 52, Mosul, U.S. still weighs F-16 commitment to Iraq

Despite ISIL advance, U.S. still weighs F-16 commitment to Iraq added by World Tribune on September 12, 2014
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