NPR report: Street costs of Iraqi weapons are rising

RAW STORY
Published: Wednesday July 5, 2006

On NPR's All Things Considered, Phillip Reeves reported on the rising street costs of Iraqi weapons.

"In a dark and tiny room inside his home, a young man - let's call him 'Muhammed' - shows off his wares," reports Reeves. "He's reluctant to give his full name, he says it's too risky, afterall, selling weapons in Iraq these days is a dangerous business."

The sounds of guns being handled are heard as 'Muhammed' describes the bullish market for weapons.

"Look, this is a glock pistol, now it costs 1400 dollars," says 'Muhammed.' "Two months ago you could buy it for less than seven hundred dollars."

"That pistol is not the only weapon to have become dramatically more expensive in recent months," reports Reeves. "'Muhammed' says there's been a sharp rise in weapons prices across the board in Baghdad."

"Just after Saddam fell, a Russian AK-47 sold for fifty dollars," says 'Muhammed.' "Now it costs 350 dollars."

"Immediately after the regime collapsed, a rocket propelled grenade was very cheap, no more than 50 dollars," said the arms dealer. "Now one costs about 11,000 to 12,000 dollars."

'Muhammed' blames the rising costs on the "rise of supply and demand from political groups," such as the Shiite militia and the Mahdi Army.

The full interview can be heard at NPR's Website.