Iraqi forces push into Tikrit, Vz. 58's on display

[PLANofMAN]

I see at least two, with one a folding stock variant.
Here's the link to the article on the BBC. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-31849794

[CitizenPete]

Wait I see three. Looks like a strip of white towel being used as a sling on the one to the right (center of pic).  That's what 3 billion in US MIC funding gets ya

[PLANofMAN]

Also on the folder on the left.

I found a better picture to use.

[RSR]

Actually, the Czech Republic donated their surplus arms (from going to the 805 Bren) to the Iraqis as part of their NATO coalition contribution to Iraq -- and rather than $ that they didn't really have.

So likely these are coming from when the Iraqi Army threw down their arms and ran, or from when Daesh looted Iraqi Army/police supply caches... 

[Brasky]

There are a couple more in the background. Century must have sponsored this effort

[bugboy]

Actually, the Czech Republic donated their surplus arms (from going to the 805 Bren) to the Iraqis as part of their NATO coalition contribution to Iraq -- and rather than $ that they didn't really have.

So likely these are coming from when the Iraqi Army threw down their arms and ran, or from when Daesh looted Iraqi Army/police supply caches...

I think these are "the good guys",,, i.e. Iran back militia.

[Rock-it3]

Actually, the Czech Republic donated their surplus arms (from going to the 805 Bren) to the Iraqis as part of their NATO coalition contribution to Iraq -- and rather than $ that they didn't really have.

So likely these are coming from when the Iraqi Army threw down their arms and ran, or from when Daesh looted Iraqi Army/police supply caches...

I think these are "the good guys",,, i.e. Iran back militia.

I see at least 5, which is neat. I'm just not sure I trust anyone wearing a black ski mask, and I sure don't trust anyone wearing an Arafat patterned headwrap.

[MP2 Guy]

Very interesting shot. Most would just look and think AKs. It seems they are pretty enthusiastic with their vz. 58s. I know I like mine a lot.

[ncgoober]

I think these are "the good guys",,, i.e. Iran back militia.

Nobody under the spell of the death cult is a "good guy".....but maybe that's why you already have it in quotes.

[gwvt]

It seems they are pretty enthusiastic with their vz. 58s. I know I like mine a lot.

Good point! I like mine a lot, too and although I'm not prone to ululation, I have been known to 'wahoo!' from time to time.

[PLANofMAN]

BBC has changed some of the photos, but the photo in the OP is of Iran sponsored Iraqi militants celebrating as they drive Isis out of Tikrit.

The mask is worn to prevent retribution attacks on family members.

As for who are "good guys," I guess that depends on one's point of view. Isis members are arguably "True Muslims," following the 7th century feudalistic dictates of the Koran...beheadings, stonings and crucifixions included. Also slavery and other barbarisms.

Shi'ite and Sunni have been killing each other for centuries. I'm sure atrocities are being carried out on both sides. I pity all who live in the middle east during this time of conflict.

[CitizenPete]

BBC has changed some of the photos, but the photo in the OP is of Iran sponsored Iraqi militants celebrating as they drive Isis out of Tikrit.

The mask is worn to prevent retribution attacks on family members.

As for who are "good guys," I guess that depends on one's point of view. Isis members are arguably "True Muslims," following the 7th century feudalistic dictates of the Koran...beheadings, stonings and crucifixions included. Also slavery and other barbarisms.

Shi'ite and Sunni have been killing each other for centuries. I'm sure atrocities are being carried out on both sides. I pity all who live in the middle east during this time of conflict.

+1

[MP2 Guy]

In my opinion none of the parties (Sunni, Shi'a or Kurds) holds the "moral high ground"....  Kind of reminds me of the Balkans in the 1990s.

[Rock-it3]

BBC has changed some of the photos, but the photo in the OP is of Iran sponsored Iraqi militants celebrating as they drive Isis out of Tikrit.

The mask is worn to prevent retribution attacks on family members.

As for who are "good guys," I guess that depends on one's point of view. Isis members are arguably "True Muslims," following the 7th century feudalistic dictates of the Koran...beheadings, stonings and crucifixions included. Also slavery and other barbarisms.

Shi'ite and Sunni have been killing each other for centuries. I'm sure atrocities are being carried out on both sides. I pity all who live in the middle east during this time of conflict.

Was there a time in the last 1200 years that would have been a less pitiable time for anyone living int the Middle East?

[PLANofMAN]

BBC has changed some of the photos, but the photo in the OP is of Iran sponsored Iraqi militants celebrating as they drive Isis out of Tikrit.

The mask is worn to prevent retribution attacks on family members.

As for who are "good guys," I guess that depends on one's point of view. Isis members are arguably "True Muslims," following the 7th century feudalistic dictates of the Koran...beheadings, stonings and crucifixions included. Also slavery and other barbarisms.

Shi'ite and Sunni have been killing each other for centuries. I'm sure atrocities are being carried out on both sides. I pity all who live in the middle east during this time of conflict.

Was there a time in the last 1200 years that would have been a less pitiable time for anyone living int the Middle East?

Yeah. From about 100 years after the fall of the Persian and Eastern Roman Empires until the Desert Campaign in WW2, the Middle East wasn't a terrible place to live. The Crusades were a low point, but those generally were harder on the Europeans than the natives.

Once, the middle east was the center of knowledge, civilization and culture.

Not anymore.