Laser Guns: Safer Weapon, With Risk

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18 May Los Angeles Times - A Safer Weapon, With Risks.

The U.S. military is deploying a laser device in Iraq that would temporarily blind drivers who fail to heed warnings at checkpoints, in an attempt to stem shootings of innocent Iraqis.

The pilot project will equip thousands of M-4 rifles with the 10 1/2 -inch-long weapon, which projects an intense beam of green light to "dazzle" the vision of oncoming drivers...

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18 May Associated Press - U.S. Uses Laser 'Dazzler' to Stop Iraqis.

The U.S. military in Iraq has begun using a laser device mounted on soldiers' M-4 rifles to "dazzle" Iraqi drivers who fail to heed warnings to stop at checkpoints, a Pentagon spokesman said Thursday...

The spokesman said he did not know how recently the military began using the devices. He said they are being used in limited numbers and have proven useful in avoiding incidents in which soldiers are compelled to use deadly force against vehicle drivers...

"The intent is to provide another non-lethal option as a warning device to troops as they come into contact with Iraqi civilians, primarily at checkpoints," Venable said. If used properly, the laser is not blinding, he said...

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Checkpoint System Disables Bad Guys.

A battery operated speed bump with retractable blades — designed for military and law enforcement use — can instantly shred vehicle tires. Produced by PMG Inc. of Wheeling, W.Va., the temporary roadblock apparatus package, or TRAP, offers traffic control at a distance that, for troops in Iraq, could mean protection from car bombs.

The system also includes a road gate and a cautionary sign in the local language. Insurgents who ignore this warning have their tires punctured...