Drop That Gun, Commie

The logical next step in Premier Karim Kassem's squeeze on the Communists was to deprive them of the guns with which they might one day shoot their way to power. This he tried to do last week, ordering a three-year prison sentence and $450 fine for anyone caught with firearms in his possession. Doubtless many an illegal pistol remained hidden under mattresses, but at least Communist mobs would henceforth be discouraged from roaming the streets waving their weapons in open intimidation.

Though asked to lay down their arms, the Communists are not prepared to give up their struggle. They are in the delicate position of supporting Kassem's regime while trying to capture it. Last week, ignoring Kassem's pointed request that party activities cease, the Communists announced formation of a National Union Front, which includes themselves, fellow travelers from Kurdish parties, and what they called some dissident elements from the National Democratic Party (which had taken Kassem's hint and ceased politicking). On behalf of this Front, the Communists were once again demanding seats in the Cabinet. "This represents a historic turning point in the evolution of our patriotic movement," cried Baghdad's Communist mouthpiece, Ittihad al Shaab --and then waited to see how Kassem would react to their patriotism.

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