If the average Iraqi is well-armed, how does a "ruthless dictator" stay in power?

[Jim March]

Baath party members can get AK47s via the gov't.

Several reports speak of Bahgdad gun shops with "handguns, shotguns and 22s" (what they call "handguns and hunting weapons"). Can't prove it, but I'd be willing to bet the following:

* Scoped bolt-guns are unheard of. THOSE are what Saddam would be scared of.

* Other than underground sources (via Iran), there's no "legal" gun sales in the Shi'ite or Kurd areas.

* If I was Saddam and had control of the AK47 ammo, I wouldn't put exactly the same powder charge in every round. For close-in full-auto urban work it wouldn't matter. Out past 150 yards it would. Think Saddam wouldn't do that?

I also don't suspect a lot of RPGs are available "legally".

Note: anything relating to the Iraqi government and using the term "legal" shouldn't be taken literally.

 

[cpileri]

still good stuff

I suspect we are soon to find out just what kind of hero he is or is not to the average iraqi!
C-

 

[JohnBT]

Fearless Leader owns the tanks and planes is my best guess.

John

 

[zxc]

Dictatorships thrive on fear and disinformation; maybe the herdsmen and such are allowed. City dwellers probably not-where the majority of the people live is where his rule the hardest.

 

[madkiwi]

According to the paper today every Iraqi home has at least one gun.

Apparently gun sales are not up (everyone who wants a gun already has one), but ammo sales are.

FWIW, the paper was the San Jose Mercury News, so it might have been ant-war propaganda.

Madkiwi

 

[mrsMTN]

Two thoughts: in a culture where being a martyr is a good thing, one well-placed shot would work, even if the shooter were killed.
However, they have folks like Saddam's son, Uday, who could step right up, and that is NOT a good thing. Apparently Uday is far worse than his father.

 

[bogie]

Because the average Iraqi aims as well as this guy?

Sorry, couldn't resist...