Skelton Worried About Iraq Buying Arms From China

Rep. Ike Skelton is worried about the possibility that Iraq's government could purchase weapons from China.

The Army Times reports that Rep. Skelton recently co-wrote a letter to Defense Secretary Robert Gates about issue. The letter stated that one of his chief worries is about keeping track of the weapons to make certain they don’t end up being pointed at U.S. troops. The possible $100 million sale of military equipment from China to Iraq was reported in the Washington Post, the writers said.

Iraq is a sovereign government with the right to spend its own money how it chooses, the letter concedes, but the lawmakers said that they have “serious misgivings.”

The letter asked Gates to provide details on whether the purchase will include any U.S. funds and how well the Iraqi government and U.S. commanders will be able to track the weapons.

It also asked what changes have been made to the U.S. foreign military sales program to hasten sales to Iraq.

Skelton co-wrote the letter with ranking Republican member Rep. Duncan Hunter, who is also a candidate for president.