Archives » Monday, August 13, 2007
-
Larry Kaplow
|
Aug 13, 2007 02:47 PM
Iraqi troops in Baghdad are setting aside their sturdy AK-47 rifle and going to battle with the same sure-firing, but higher-maintenance M-16 used by U.S. soldiers. The question is whether the Iraqis can keep their new guns clean and firing--or keep them at all. U.S. officials say the Iraqi Army requested the new guns (paid for mostly with Iraqi money). It's an unusual move. There are reasons the AK has become the favored weapon (and worldwide scourge) among Third World armies, guerilla groups and terrorists. It's simple and requires little care. People joke that you can bury it for a year, dig it up and shoot.
More
