Fragile peace in Iraqi Shiite cities a boon for local gunsmiths

[ProSense]

Fragile peace in Iraqi Shiite cities a boon for local gunsmiths

by Ali Assadi Fri Aug 18, 1:55 PM ET

NAJAF, Iraq (AFP) - The threat of violence in Iraq's Shiite holy cities of Najaf and Karbala has become a boon for local gunsmiths as residents fish out their old weapons for repairs.

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On August 10, a suicide bomber struck in Najaf at the last checkpoint outside the shrine of Imam Ali -- one of Shiite Islam's holiest sites -- and killed 35 people.

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Given the dangers of life in post-invasion Iraq, weapons are becoming more costly to buy, making the local gunsmith an important local figure.

"Before the fall of the regime, we were only allowed to mend weapons which were licensed by the state. We were not allowed to receive all sorts of weapons," Faham said.

Now, gun law is a bit more of a free-for-all, and for those nostalgic for the kind of excesses seen at Saddam's court, there is another service on offer: "If the customer wants, I can laminate his gun in silver or gold."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20060818/wl_mideast_afp/iraqweaponsgunsmith_060818174953