Iraq to Buy 36 Fighter Jet U.S.

WASHINGTON - Iraq resumed talks to buy 36 fighter jets the United States in a contract worth billions of dollars. Washington hopes the arrival of the jets will help restrain the influence of Iran. Thus the daily Wall Street Journal reported on Monday (7/11/2011).

Iraq freeze agreement worth 4.2 billion U.S. dollars to buy 18 fighter jets at the beginning of the year due to the instability associated with the situation in Arab countries. However, now they're considering a purchase even more. According to the newspaper quoted officials with the United States (U.S.) and Iraq.

The newspaper reported that desire with respect to revenues from petroleum are estimated to be greater than expected. It is also related to concerns on both sides ahead of the withdrawal of 46,000 U.S. troops left over from the country by the end of this year. Aircraft purchase agreements that may be achieved that is worth billions of dollars and take several years for factories to produce it.

The newspaper reported, Iraq's air defense system also request that is placed on the ground, including missile-to-air missiles and big guns.

Still according to the Wall Street Journal, Oman will also purchase 18 F-16 fighter aircraft at a price of 3.5 billion U.S. dollars.

U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, in a surprise visit to Baghdad on Monday, saying that U.S. troops will continue to hunt down the rebels who supported Iran. He said they have killed many U.S. soldiers. Washington has urged Iraq to make a decision whether the country wants the U.S. troops remain in the country after the end of this year, when all U.S. troops will be withdrawn in accordance with the security treaty in 2008.