US switches money to upgrade Pakistan F-16s

In a contentious move the Bush Administration has confirmed that it will move $230 million in Pakistan's foreign military funding (FMF) package from items to assist in the counter-terrorism fight to upgrading the country's F-16 fighters. The use of the money is set to be discussed when President George W. Bush hosts Pakistan's Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani for talks on 28 July.

The move by the white House has Democrats in Washington up in arms. They point out that the FMF should be used primarily to bolster US security and should be used on counter-terrorism equipment and training rather than to assist Pakistan in its continuing military rivalry with India by updating its fighter capability.

However, Bush officials told reporters that the rejected the notion that Pakistan's F-16s were of no use in the counter-terrorism fight and said that the aircraft can be used in counter-terrorism operations. But questions remain over Pakistan's current commitment to the US-led 'Global War on Terrorism.'

The Pakistan Army suffered badly in counter-terrorism operations against Taliban militants in the country's lawless border areas with Afghanistan before a ceasfire was negotiated In April. Since then US and coalition forces have noticed a rise in attacks in neighbouring Afghanistan as the Taliban feels secure continuing to launch attacks from Pakistan.

Terrorism analysts claim that alongside the Taliban Al-Qaeda is also building a base of operation in Pakistan. In that regard the money for the F-16s could be seen as a bribe to try and get Pakistan to re-launch its efforts to clean up its lawless border areas.