update more really good discussion of this at the blogs of Jane Galt, Instapundit and Stuart Buck.

As they say, the exception proves (as in "tests", not "verifies" — this is an often misunderstood saying) the rule. I found this on cartoonist Tom Tomorrow's blog, This Modern World: I've been thinking this over, and it seems to be a pretty good contradiction of the oversimplified dogma that Second Amendment advocates often state. Still, I think the basic principle holds, and here's why:

• There are no hard-and-fast rules in politics. It's a matter of tendencies, not guarantees. A well-armed populace makes despotism less likely, not impossible.
• It matters what sort of firearms the population has. A fifty-year-old hunting rifle means little against what was once the world's fourth-largest army. This is part of why gun rights advocates are so strongly opposed to weapon restrictions — such as the outlawing of assault weapons — and not just flat-out bans.
• A culture of freedom is important. The people have to feel entitled to freedom, that it is a natural right. Historically, that has not been the case in Iraq and the Iraqis likely do not identify with slogans like "live free or die". They, unfortunately, may be historically accustomed to subjugation by one despot or another.
• The claim might be false or an exaggeration. On what is that statement based? Are the guns in good condition, with ample ammunition available? Do people know how to use them, or are they largely ceremonial, like the jambia (knives) of Yemenis and chakrams (blades worn on the wrist) of Sikhs?

Here are some further thoughs from Electrolite's comments section:

• Derek James points out that there is, presumedly, a lack of parity in gun distribution among Sunnis, Shi'ites and Kurds.
• Nicholas Weineger states, "I don't know of any serious gun-rights advocates who claim that gun rights are effective bulwarks of liberty *in the absence of* either (a) other essential rights like free speech and free assembly, or (b) a culture in which people are willing to risk their own safety to preserve liberty against government."

No more comments! Either someone has violated Godwin's Law, I'm tired of the discussion or, most likely, the ten-week window has closed. You can, however, contact me through email.