Something Worth Shooting in the Air About

"At least," I told myself as I watched the latest horror from Iraq, "they've established the right to bear arms."

Maybe not. Search the Iraqi Constitution (as presented here) for "arms" and you get nothing. Null, nada, zip.

Of course, it may appear in some other form. For example, Article 36, Section A, protects "freedom of expression, through all means." I assume this secures the right to fire machine guns in the air at weddings?

But hey, looky, looky folks.--forget about arms. Article 15 of the Iraqi Constitution provides:

Every individual has the right to enjoy life, security and liberty. Deprivation or restriction of these rights is prohibited except in accordance with the law and based on a decision issued by a competent judicial authority.

Emphasis added. Um, no secret military tribunals? What a concept!