Ak-47:the True Weapon of Mass Destruction Essay Example

Soviets provided AK's to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, who subsequently used them against the US and their supposedly superior M-16 rifles. The wet jungle conditions in Vietnam caused frequent jamming of the M-16's, leading US soldiers to acquire AK's from fallen Vietnamese rebels. However, this practice was eventually banned by the army due partially to embarrassment for their own weapon. Despite this setback, significant progress was not made by the US army in Vietnam and troops were withdrawn in March 1973. The communist AK-47 demonstrated its superiority over the democratic M-16. Consequently, rebel groups favored and widely adopted the AK-47 while the US failed to recognize its power. This occurred during a time when global attention centered around the peak of the Cold War in the 1970s.

Instead of directly confronting one another, the United States and the Soviet Union aimed to undermine each other indirectly following the devastating atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Both superpowers were apprehensive about a nuclear war and instead sought to gain support from subordinate nations by promoting their respective capitalist or socialist ideologies, with the goal of outsourcing their conflicts. In this context, Afghanistan became an important country as both the US and Soviets enticed it with promises of infrastructure development such as irrigation systems, roads, and airfields. Eventually, in December 1979, the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan using swift and lethal tactics alongside AK rifles which resulted in complete destruction of villages and forced rebel forces to go into hiding.

The Mujahideen, a rebel group supported by Osama bin Laden and known as the "strugglers," is seeking assistance from the United States. At that time, the United States was

collaborating with bin Laden and thus agrees to help. Consequently, the CIA provides the rebels with Enfield rifles, although it is apparent that the Soviet AK rifles are superior. However, due to persistent pleas from the Mujahideen, Howard Hart, the CIA leader, decides to secretly supply them with hundreds of thousands of AK-47's. Unfortunately, the CIA fails to anticipate any potential issues caused by the influx of these AK rifles into an already unstable nation.

The primary concern was ensuring that the AK's were not traced back to the individuals involved. This factor is now widely recognized as crucial in the proliferation of the AK-47. The CIA paid China and Poland to discreetly supply these weapons, which were believed to be untraceable, to the Mujahideen by way of Pakistan. As a result, Afghanistan received a large influx of AK rifles.

Pandora’s Box was opened as rebels armed with AK-47's implemented surprise hit and run tactics to ambush the Soviets, resulting in a relentless onslaught of bullets. This rendered the Soviets defenseless and they withdrew from Afghanistan in February 1989, leaving their weapons behind. Subsequently, the Middle East experienced an increase in the abundance of AK-47's due to continuous arms supply from Pakistan. These firearms became easily obtainable, with sales taking place on an hourly basis in Peshawar, Pakistan. This facilitated quick robberies or acts of homicide.

According to Aftab Sheikh, individuals who own AK-47's possess the capability to eliminate anyone. The Middle East, which was already unstable, worsens following the Soviet Union's dissolution in 1991. Numerous previously stored AK-47's are stolen and sold at prices as low as $100, leading to a widespread prevalence of these weapons in

the Middle East, catering to individual needs.

Pakistan's assistance to the Taliban in Afghanistan, which includes supplying them with weapons like 18,000 AK-47's in 1994, enables the Taliban to gain an upper hand over their rivals, the Northern Alliance. This support plays a significant role in allowing the Taliban to establish themselves as the dominant government in an already unstable Afghanistan. The rule of the Taliban is characterized by strict restrictions on women's rights and public execution for those who do not adhere to Qur'anic rules. Additionally, under Taliban control, Al Qaeda thrives and establishes numerous training camps where approximately 50,000 individuals are trained in using AK-47's and engage in activities that further this terrorist group.

On September 11, 2001, the world was shocked by Al Qaeda's terrorist attacks on the United States. These attacks were orchestrated by Osama bin Laden, who had previously worked closely with the CIA. In response, the US swiftly launched a war against Afghanistan to combat terrorism and apprehend bin Laden. Bin Laden frequently showcased his preferred weapon, the AK-47, in his videos. This association has further strengthened its link to anti-imperialism and animosity towards the US. As a result, individuals in the Middle East take pride in possessing an AK-47.

Young boys eagerly anticipate receiving their AK-47, which they wear everywhere as a symbol of manhood. This cultural belief, along with the prevalence of arms in Pakistan, has integrated the AK-47 into daily life. Despite the US military's presence in Afghanistan and Iraq, both civilians and guerrilla fighters continue to face challenges in warfare tactics. Engaging in street battles where 600 rounds are fired per minute at any moving target without discrimination,

these individuals often overpower the US army due to their superior firepower. The US army's tactics are ill-suited for navigating narrow streets while under constant gunfire.

Kahaner (3) states that with minimal training, civilians can quickly become as deadly as US soldiers using the AK. Some locals view fighting against the US as heroic and are willing to sacrifice their lives for this cause. In contrast, it is difficult to find American citizens volunteering for Middle East wars. The AK is also known for its durability, making it suitable for multiple conflicts. Interestingly, a substantial number of these firearms currently in Afghanistan and Iraq were initially provided by the CIA (Al Jazeera English).

Despite the higher death toll associated with bombs, it is actually AK-47s that cause the greatest number of casualties in Iraq (Kahaner 3). These firearms are distributed to both civilians and rebels involved in religious and ethnic conflicts, increasing instability in the Middle East. In the past, Europe exploited Africa's abundant resources during the 19th and 20th centuries but then neglected the continent. Moreover, Africa was tasked with creating nations from territories historically divided by tribal regions and African Empires. This instability offered Charles Taylor, originally from Liberia but later moved to the United States and attended college in Massachusetts, a perfect opportunity to take advantage of the widespread availability of AK-47s.

In 1979, Taylor expressed his desire to become the ruler of Liberia during a conference in New York, with the Liberian president present. Later on, Muammar al-Gaddafi, who held influence in Libya, supplied Taylor with weapons while they were in Libya. Despite having only 100 men armed with AK-47's, Taylor believed he had

enough resources to take over Liberia. Consequently, Taylor became the primary catalyst for both civil wars that devastated Liberia as his rebel group mercilessly slaughtered entire villages.

Taylor had no motive to murder civilians since they did not offer any opposition. He only killed for the sake of killing. His method of recruiting soldiers would be adopted in the future. He simply provided his men with AK-47s and ordered them to kill. However, it was not only men who received these weapons. Taylor established a model that influenced rebel groups throughout Africa, with one aspect of this model being particularly horrifying.

Taylor utilized child soldiers, thanks to the AK-47, as it provided them with the ability to handle a firearm and inflict harm. The AK-47's advantageous characteristics such as its lightweight, minimal recoil, and exceptional durability facilitated this. By simply aiming and shooting, children could engage in combat. Charles Taylor opted to exploit the use of child soldiers. The majority of these children were coerced into becoming guerrilla fighters and subsequently subjected to drugs like marijuana or cocaine to instill a sense of invincibility during battle. Ishmael Beah, a former child soldier in Sierra Leone, recalls that he received training on operating the AK-47 in less than a week, with some children in his group being shorter than their weapons.

According to Beah, the AK-47 had a significant impact on children involved in conflict. It became their source of protection, provision, and power. Beah carried his AK-47 everywhere and initially felt a sense of longing when he was rescued by UNICEF. At the time of his rescue, Beah, a young teenager, was struggling with addiction to

marijuana, cocaine, and alcohol (Al Jazeera English). These child soldiers in rebel groups are manipulated to become killers, without any other purpose. The intimidating appearance of this child in a rebel group clearly illustrates the complete control exerted by their warlords, making them just as dangerous as adults when armed with an AK-47.

With the drugs imposed on them, they lead a deluded life, oblivious to the fact that they are causing harm by murdering innocent civilians. Taylor, accompanied by his men and soldiers, forcefully entered Monrovia, the capital city of Liberia, and after much bloodshed, seized control of the country, subsequently becoming its leader. He maintained his presidency for a period of six years, coinciding with the Second Liberian Civil War, by supplying AK-47s to anyone willing to serve under him. However, Taylor eventually succumbed to the pressure exerted by the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy and the Movement for Democracy in Liberia groups, losing his position at the helm. His regime witnessed the deaths of 200,000 individuals and 1... (continues)

Charles Taylor's actions in Liberia resulted in approximately 25 million people being displaced from their homes. Taylor exploited Liberia's resources and traded conflict diamonds from Sierra Leone, amassing around $400 million. The introduction of the AK weapon worsened conflicts in Africa, particularly in Sierra Leone, making them even more destructive. Warlords seized the opportunity to profit from exploiting workers and selling blood diamonds, earning tens of millions of dollars.

During the civil war in Congo, the tragic deaths of four million people were caused by the widespread use of AK-47 rifles. It is important to note that African countries obtained a significant number of

these rifles after the Soviet Union dissolved. For instance, Mozambique received 1.5 million units. As a result, countries like Mozambique had to adapt their policies and procedures to effectively deal with the abundant presence of AK-47 rifles within their borders.

AK prices become incredibly affordable and readily available. Benjamin Pauker, a US citizen, travels to Congo to gain insight into the destructive impact of AK rifles. Throughout his journey, he encounters a rebel group and purchases an AK for $100, illustrating the ease of acquiring AK rifles in Africa (Pauker). In regions such as Mozambique, where there is a surplus of AK rifles, prices are significantly inflated, and they are sold to conflict-ridden areas. When AK rifles are abundant, they serve as a form of currency and can be exchanged for livestock or provisions (Kahaner 98-100).

Members of various tribes often trade livestock and food. The African tribes have been the most affected by the AK-47, which has drastically changed their way of life. While Europe's influence had already harmed the tribes, the introduction of the AK-47 significantly altered their fundamental principles. Throughout history, tribes had relied on spears and similar weapons to engage in intertribal conflicts.

When tribes acquire AK-47s, they continue to engage in battles against the same adversaries. However, these conflicts result in a higher number of fatalities. The Karimojong, a tribe located in northeast Uganda, has always held the belief that they possess divine entitlement to all the cattle in the world. Nevertheless, they had previously refrained from encroaching beyond their boundaries. Once the tribe attains 40,000 AK-47s, the younger members gain autonomy from their elders and undertake numerous cattle raids on other tribes

without constraint. Failure to comply with their demands leads to numerous casualties among the targeted tribes. Additionally, the Karimojong provoke antagonism from clans lacking AK-47s and incur the anger of Kenya and Sudan for raiding cattle within their respective territories.

The people with AK's now hold the power that was supposed to belong to the elders of the tribes. The AK-47 amplifies conflicts and gives rise to new forms of warfare. In Latin America, dictators have historically wielded absolute power through militarism. The advent of the AK-47 brings a shift in the balance of power in Latin America, and it is fitting that the United States and the Soviet Union, as two superpowers, introduce the AK-47 to the region. With support from the US, Anastasio Somoza Garcia gains control in Nicaragua, driven by a desire for military and financial aid while remaining anti-communist.

In late 1972, a devastating earthquake hits Managua, the capital of Nicaragua. Despite receiving millions of dollars in relief funds, Somoza, the country's dictator, selfishly keeps the money for personal gain. This act leads to widespread anger among the population and strengthens the popularity of the Sandinista National Liberation Front, a paramilitary group supported by the Soviets. In July 1979, the Sandinistas, having gained significant support, successfully oust Somoza from power and assassinate him shortly after. Although they seize control of the country, the Sandinistas struggle to revive the economy. Simultaneously, the Contras, a counterrevolutionary group backed by the Reagan administration, aim to gain control of Nicaragua. However, in 1983, a bill is passed by Congress making it illegal to provide financial support to the Contras. To circumvent this law, the CIA continues to

fund the Contras through intermediaries rather than directly violating the legislation.

This text illustrates a gray market trade, where the government exploits legal loopholes to engage in surreptitious dealings with another country that may not be entitled to receive the goods. For instance, it is inappropriate for a paramilitary organization to acquire large quantities of firearms. The gray market significantly contributes to the proliferation of the AK-47. A revealing incident occurred when a US aircraft loaded with AK-47s was uncovered, uncovering that the United States had been selling weapons to Iran and redirecting the funds to support the Contras.

Thousands of AK-47 firearms made their way into Latin America, specifically to aid the conflict in Nicaragua and later in El Salvador. The civil war in El Salvador emerged as a result of the Salvadoran government being backed by the US and facing off against the Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front guerrilla group. The latter received their supply of AK-47s from Honduran officials who had acquired them during the eased tensions in Nicaragua.

The FMLN effectively used guerrilla tactics in El Salvador, armed with AK's that surpassed the US government's M-16's. These rebel attacks overwhelmed the government and led to the signing of a peace treaty, which made the FMLN the main governing body in El Salvador. Furthermore, a paramilitary group acquired thousands of AK's, enabling them to seize control of a legitimate government. Not only did El Salvador receive weapons after the Nicaraguan conflict, but Colombia also obtained a significant number of AK's. These weapons were primarily distributed to the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), an antigovernment group that protects drug dealers in order to sustain their

illicit activities. Between 1991 and 1993, Colombia received $344 million worth of weapons.

The rebels now have ample firepower and are receiving significant sums of money from the rapidly growing cocaine industry. The FARC currently boasts a force of 20,000 armed soldiers, including child soldiers. Furthermore, what were once small-scale drug operations have transformed into immense drug cartels that traffic tons of cocaine. Two notable cartels, the Medellin and Cali cartels, have amassed enough power to finance their own armies equipped with AK’s, effectively warding off the Colombian government (Ceballos Melguizo 123-124). These cartels primarily export their drugs to the United States, and despite the joint efforts by the US and Colombian authorities to eliminate this industry, the availability of cocaine on the streets continues to grow.

In 1986, the price of cocaine was $100 per gram, but by 2003, it had dropped to $38 (Kahaner 128). This decline in price resulted in the rise of the largest drug cartel in the world, which originated from Colombia. The cartel flooded revolutionary groups and civilians with an excessive amount of firearms, leading to countless casualties and political upheaval. The AK-47 played a pivotal role in these events, fundamentally altering societies and governments. However, it is disheartening to realize that the spread of the AK-47 could have been avoided. If the United States had recognized the effectiveness of the AK-47 combined with guerrilla tactics during the Vietnam War, they would not have supported the Mujahideen. Unfortunately, their focus was solely on the Cold War. Ultimately, the Mujahideen triumphed, resulting in the collapse of the Soviet Union shortly after.

Millions of AK's are currently being sold from Russia, leading

to a chain reaction that has made the AK-47 a widely used firearm and a global symbol against imperialism. The AK's influence is now unstoppable, making it difficult to disarm individuals. Larry Kahaner elaborates on the reasons behind the AK's widespread effectiveness. Despite political considerations, the AK proves to be the ideal weapon for guerilla fighters and terrorists, making it highly attractive for sellers.

Cheap, easily producible, transportable, and good value for the price, the AK-47 became a readily marketable commodity. Governments facing economic hardships found lucrative opportunities in supplying AKs to rebels in unstable nations. Even communist countries would sell to anti-communist nations if desperate for money. In this way, both sides profited, at the expense of innocent civilians and the country's peace and stability. While the superpowers were preoccupied with nuclear warfare and weapons of mass destruction, they conveniently supplied rebels worldwide with a devastatingly lethal weapon. Consequently, an easily obtainable weapon capable of swiftly causing mass casualties presents an immensely tragic scenario.

The AK-47 has been a constant source of astonishment worldwide and will continue to be so for many years.