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Arabia
Saudi says infidels can pack heat!
2004-06-24
Saudi Arabia will allow foreigners who feel threatened by the wave of militant violence in the kingdom to carry guns for their protection, Interior Minister Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz says. "In principle a Saudi has the right to carry a weapon, if he has a permit. Likewise a foreign resident, if he felt in danger he could get a permit to carry a weapon," Nayef was quoted as saying by the official Saudi Press Agency on Thursday.
In principle, you can get a permit to carry in New York City. However, the reality is somewhat different.
"I mean a personal weapon which a person can have in his own country," the prince said.
"So, Americans can have their 45's, the Germans 9mm's, and the Yemenis, Iraqis, Iranians, Pakistanis, Afghans, etc, will have their traditional islamic weapons - AK-47s and RPGs. You English, so sorry."
Al Qaeda supporters have waged a year-long campaign of violence targeting Westerners, government sites and oil workers in the kingdom, prompting some foreigners to flee the country which is the world's biggest oil exporter.
Wonder how long the waiting list for a "permit" will be?
Posted by:Steve

#12  If there's any truth to this, then watch the violence level against foreigners plummet once they start shooting back.

Something the anti-gunners here at home should take note of (not that they would, or even care).
Posted by: Bomb-a-rama   2004-06-24 5:10:27 PM  

#11  Not sure I would really want the Saudi police knowing who had applied for a permit and who had not. Call me paranoid but...
Posted by: john   2004-06-24 2:04:50 PM  

#10  I am impressed but, I will believe it when I see it.
It also tells me that the exodus of expats must have turned out to be bigger than they originally estimated!

Posted by: Anonymous4617   2004-06-24 1:48:09 PM  

#9  The Suadis must really be worried about exodus of "foreign" workers.As Steve's comments noted,this is probably more rhetoric than reality.Altho it may be possib that soon armed Western security guards may be allowed to guard compounds-after being properly accredited,by greasing right palms.
Posted by: Stephen   2004-06-24 1:04:53 PM  

#8  Which side of his mouth was Nayaf talking out of?
Posted by: mojo   2004-06-24 12:55:53 PM  

#7  Mike, you hit that nail on the head. You can review almost ALL engagements with Arab ‘fighters’ and rarely do they stand their ground. When they encounter the miniscule amount of resistance they flee and look for some safe haven. In the West Bank the ‘warriors’ sought refuge in the Church of the Nativity. In Iraq they flee to the local Mosque cower behind the walls. Most of the ‘live’ attacks are against soft civilian targets and not Armed Troops (exception being IEDs). Arabs are not brave or dumb, they don’t want to die unless they have no other choice. If they suspect that their likely ‘hostage’ might have a gun they will go look for another target. If I were working in Saudi it would be a requirement for my staying. You feel safer and braver if you have a weapon to grab in emergencies. FYI 9mm kills just as fast as a AK47, just with fewer rounds.
Posted by: Cyber Sarge (VRWC CA Chapter)   2004-06-24 12:39:19 PM  

#6  I like my Ruger Super Blackhawk. I can hit a target at 75 yards with it.
Posted by: Deacon Blues   2004-06-24 12:29:27 PM  

#5  Clinton Boyd.
http://www2.hickam.af.mil/pacaf/news/2003/200301/2003005.htm

Shows what one well-trained and well-motivated soldier can do.
Posted by: Anonymous4021   2004-06-24 11:59:43 AM  

#4  Mike - One would hope so! Then maybe the average Soddies would finally get pissed at the right people.

Anon5089 - You're right. It takes only one bullet, properly placed, to stop the guy firing the AK, or any other weapon. The trick is to stand (or more likely, crouch) firm and take your shot. And it helps if the bad guys got their idea of how to "hose" a room (or bus, or crowd) from the movies.
Posted by: Barbara Skolaut   2004-06-24 11:42:38 AM  

#3  AK vs 9mm... remember that old RB post about clinton Boyd, the serviceman that got a medal for having pumped full of lead a (pious) muslim screaming "allan hoo akbar" while shooting at him with an AK? This was in Qatar, in nov. 2001, when the HQ of the us air force was transferred there, and Clint was only allowed an handgun. That didin't stop him from winning this firefight (of course, that the attacker was in berserk mode and fired 60 shots at range 15 ft without hitting anything did certainly help...)
Posted by: Anonymous5089   2004-06-24 11:38:21 AM  

#2  ...True on the M1911 vs. Aks - but let me point out that if foreigners can indeed start shooting back, the Brave Islamic Warriors(TM) might start going after targets that don't fight back, just like any bullies.

Mike
Posted by: Mike Kozlowski   2004-06-24 11:20:06 AM  

#1  I'm assuming I'm allowed my usual brace of 155 mm howitzers?
Posted by: Bitman Barth   2004-06-24 11:19:07 AM  

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