Agence France Presse (AFP) reported that the Lebanese are purchasing weapons in fear of war. The agency reported that, “Due to escalating fears of the outbreak of civil war in Lebanon, reinforced by the armed clashes which took place recently between majority and opposition supporters” the number of Lebanese who want to face the security risks with Kalashnikov machine guns or hunting rifles has increased.

The agency said that "fear of the return of civil war, suffered by the Lebanese people for a period of 15 years (1975-1990), was an incentive for individuals and groups who want to feel safe to buy more weapons."

AFP quoted an anonymous Lebanese arms dealer as saying, "One year ago, Kalashnikov rifles were sold on the black market at a price ranging between $100 and $150. They are now sold at about $1000. Prices for hunting rifles have also surged from $800 to $2700.” The dealer added that demand was highest for Russian-made Kalashnikov rifles and shotguns or American M-16’s. The anonymous source noted that one of the most important routes for smuggling weapons was through Syria, and that the arms were purchase in Iraq before being transported by road.

Fadi Fadel, a legal expert and professor at the Antonine University in Lebanon, expressed his fears of an increased demand for light weapons, which are used in 90% of cases of civil strife around the world. “The problem is that no binding international agreement on the sale of weapons has been reached, and the leading producers of these weapons are permanent members of the UN Security Council,” he concluded.

The United States, China, Russia, France, and Great Britain are the five permanent members of the UN Security Council.

-NOW Staff