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| | Arms control orphans | thebulletin.org |
 | | Although they have been overshadowed by the firepower, range, and technological dazzle of intercontinental missiles, jet fighters, and combat tanks, small arms are the weapons of choice in many of today's conflicts--internal struggles rather than wars between sovereign nations. |
 | | These weapons belong to a well-established class manufactured by a mature industry, but there is little information about the numbers of small arms and light weapons being produced, transferred, or stockpiled. |
 | | The first rifle was invented almost 500 years ago, and although the eighteenth, nineteenth, and twentieth centuries have witnessed important inventions and breakthroughs, the industry is mature. |
| www.thebulletin.org /article.php?art_ofn=jf99renner (2989 words) |
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