Federal government finally goes totally insane, bonkers, off the deep end.

U.S. gift of F-16 fighters headed to Egypt, despite Morsi's harsh rhetoric

So, now we're arming the Muslim Brotherhood via the leader who says:

Can anyone find any justification for this at all? I've looked and looked, and can find none, nor any explanation other than that our government leaders have finally gone totally nuts and need to be committed.

Israel has to buy theirs.

I read somewhere the MusBros are to get Abrams tanks as well, Can anyone be surprised that this administration that has shown Israel nothing but contempt (at best) is now materially working toward Israel's demise ?

I know I'm not surprised one bit.

Did you see that Israel has abandoned plan s to neutralize Iran's nuclear capacity ? They got the word that we would at best do nothing and at worst inhibit it.

The middle east belongs to the muzzies. Africa is next.

You may argue whether Obama is m uslim or not but one thing is clear, he has a palatable bias in favor of islam.

I'm not sure just what a "palatable bias in favor of Islam" might mean, but sending arms to the likes of Hosni Mubarik is way more than "favoring Islam." It is supporting a dictatorial regime that supports hate.

Now, if they wanted to support Muslims in say, India or Indonesia for example, and do it some other way besides giving them F16s and tanks, that would be quite different, wouldn't it?

muslims in indonesia and india don't have the nation of pigs and dogs Israel as a next door neighbor.

I'm not sure what that means, either, but I'm sure that Egypt is way up there with Iran and NK among nations we don't want to give military arms to.

I'm sure they could be used in whatever way the Egyptian government decides to use them. As far as I know, there are no restrictions placed on them, and, if there were, they couldn't be enforced anyway.

Yes, there is a long history of arming countries that we'd be better off not having armed. I'm not sure what unelected leader you're talking about, but there is no doubt we've armed such regimes in the past.

No nation gives the United States arms or, as far as I know, anything else. This is a part of our foreign aid giveaway that seems to go willy nilly to friends and enemies alike. Yes, it has been going on a long time, but that doesn't mean it should continue. It's time to stop it.

There are a few things that need to be said in regards to all of this.

First, Congress approves such aid to Egpyt, and continues to do so. The Secretary of State can waive certain requirements in the interest of national security, but again, that is an issue for Congress to address -- something they won't do.

Next, Egypt is at a major crossroads. This is the time that will ultimately decide if they are pushed towards a relatively stable somewhat pro-western country, or an extremist dictatorship that promotes terrorism and destabilizes the region. Egypt is a huge player in the Middle East, and they hold a lot of sway. It is important that we make every effort to push them as much as possible towards at least some form of a stable, pro-western regime -- whatever form that takes. Politically speaking, it would be a huge win for the extremist elements in Egypt if America were to suddenly end foreign aid. They could use the issue to gain even more power, and further cast moderate elements in the country aside. It is imperative that we do not allow this to occur.

Certainly this is a gamble to an extent, and we should not focus solely on the military as a partner, or we will ultimately end up on the losing end. We need to continue to pursue partnerships with the military, but also make a big effort with the civilian leadership as well.

Not to mention, we should remember that Egypt is vitally important to the United States, because they control the Suez Canal -- the importance of which simply cannot be understated.

Further, yes the F-16 is a solid airplane, but simply giving a good plane to Egypt does not put them on par with someone like Israel for example. Pilot skill is very important, as well as training, the ability to get replacement parts for these aircraft, as well as conduct general maintence. I saw an argument from the Center for Strategic and International Studies in this regard that I think was spot on. It amounted to the concept that to maintain the software and munitions components you basically had to have access to US suppliers...something which further gives the United States a bargaining chip to help shape the future of Egypt.

So, is the timing bad? Probably. Is this really all that big a deal? I don't think so.

I don't see how this is related to "protection of the Suez"....I brought up the Suez as a major interest that the United States has in Egypt....that aside, I tend to doubt Egypt would be able to (or want to) mount a prolonged air campaign against Israel without access to American suppliers to get replacement parts for the planes. Not saying it would never occur, but I tend to think the odds are slim.