The Iraqi Air Force 08/30/2009
The Saudi Air Force on Display at the Al-Ain Airshow in UAE, 2007
Doesn't exist. In the rush to expand the Iraqi Army, there has been little effort to create an air force.
While this might sound unimportant from a hierarchy of needs standpoint, it is a useful reminder that Iraq is not really prepared to take over its own sovereignty.
No country can control its borders if it can't control its airspace, and Iraq lives in a tough neighborhood. Northern Iraq is already subject to regular bombing campaigns by Turkey. Iraq has generally unfavorable relations with the Sunni Arab Gulf states. Iran is a friend, but has been meddling in Iraqi affairs ever since the 2003 invasion. Syria is still its unpredictable, mischievous self.
More importantly for the U.S., Iraqi armed forces are reluctant to attack insurgents without air support. They are accustomed to executing combat missions with American air cover- the finest in the world. How will they fight insurgents once America leaves?
While this might sound unimportant from a hierarchy of needs standpoint, it is a useful reminder that Iraq is not really prepared to take over its own sovereignty.
No country can control its borders if it can't control its airspace, and Iraq lives in a tough neighborhood. Northern Iraq is already subject to regular bombing campaigns by Turkey. Iraq has generally unfavorable relations with the Sunni Arab Gulf states. Iran is a friend, but has been meddling in Iraqi affairs ever since the 2003 invasion. Syria is still its unpredictable, mischievous self.
More importantly for the U.S., Iraqi armed forces are reluctant to attack insurgents without air support. They are accustomed to executing combat missions with American air cover- the finest in the world. How will they fight insurgents once America leaves?
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