Frustrated Iraqi PM Buys Russian Fighters
Still awaiting deliveries from the U.S., Iraq buys second-hand fighters from Russia, which are scheduled to arrive in a few days.
Russian fighters, such as this Sukhoi Su-25, are being urgently supplied to Iraq. (photo: Chris Pocock)
Russian fighters, such as this Sukhoi Su-25, are being urgently supplied to Iraq. (photo: Chris Pocock)

Frustrated by the slow process of acquiring American air power hardware, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has turned elsewhere. He told the BBC’s Arabic Service that Iraq has “bought second-hand fighters from Russia and Belarus that will arrive in a few days’ time.” Al-Maliki’s government is trying to counter a rapid advance by The Islamic State of Iraq and Al-Sham (Isis), whose fighters have overrun most of five Iraqi provinces.