Jets can't fix trade
Re: "Arms deals tied to US tariff talks", (BP, April 22).
The US has suggested Thailand purchase F-16 jets to offset its trade surplus, but this is unlikely to happen due to the lack of a constitutional framework or procedure for such a purchase. Thailand's annual budget follows strict guidelines, such as those established by the Public Debt Management Office.
Even if purchasing F-16s from the US were feasible, Thailand would be better off recognising that its exports to the US are likely to decline sharply as global economic powers shift. Instead of investing in military jets, we would be better off using such funds to reduce household debt levels, so enhancing consumer economic power and supporting local investment projects.
Another compelling reason not to purchase F-16s is the long-term cost of maintenance and upgrades. The initial cost of an F-16 is estimated to be 30% of its total lifetime expenses.
Further, in selling arms, the US often withholds its latest technology, opting instead to sell an inferior version to countries it deems less strategically important. For example, in the 1970s-80s, the US sold F-16s to both Israel and Egypt, but the aircraft provided to Israel were superior, and the US refused to upgrade Egypt's planes, viewing Israel as its primary regional ally. This practice is fully in effect today.
Better we should remember the history of great empires; they are often most dangerous in their final throes when they are willing to weaponise anything to hold onto power.
ML Saksiri Kridakorn
Drop the Isoc spin
Re: "Scholar not tied to tariff talks", (BP, April 30).
Isoc's denial in the case of US academic Paul Chambers simply lacks credibility. Isoc -- the national security apparatus -- has nothing to do with trade talks?
It is former PM Thaksin Shinawatra who is in a position to know what trade negotiations are going on. He has noted that conditionality has been imposed by Washington.
Instead of making up stories, Isoc should recognise that the event description on the ISEAS think tank website was written by someone in Singapore, and it was an ISEAS staff member who was responsible for posting it online.
The fact that Chambers neither wrote nor posted the problematic event description means he should not be prosecuted for the charges Isoc has levelled against him.
William K Roland
DRC conflict ignored
Re: "Congo: Where the tail is still wagging the dog", (Opinion, March 28).
This opinion piece by columnist Gwynne Dyer was a depressing read. It reminds us that even though people in the world are preoccupied with the wars in Gaza and Ukraine, the fact remains that there are battles just as bad, or even worse, elsewhere.
Dyer shows how, through Rwandan and Ugandan proxies, the innocent of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have had to suffer for at least 30 years. It also does not help that the eastern part of the nation is filled with numerous resources which other nations desperately seek.
What's worse is that this war is not an isolated case, as Dyer has also commented in the past about other wars on the continent, such as in Ethiopia and Somalia. Even though things are slowly getting better, Africa remains a basket case.
The only bright point is that former political leader Joseph Kabila has returned to the DRC after living in exile. Hopefully, he can bring back peace and order to things here.
Paul
