“”We in the U.S. know that the M-16 is superior to the AK ... it’s more durable,” said Army Col. Stephen Scott,”
LOL.. is that the punchline or the Joke!
Iraqis going to the M-16/M-4 means that they want an army of shooters, not sprayers.
The problem with the M-16 has been the gas system - direct impingement. It gets hot and dirty and needs regular cleaning. There are ways to mitigate - by using a gas piston system. Bushmaster, Patriot Ordnance and one other company makes drop-in uppers. Stays cool, minimal maintenance.