Iraq to shut borders, ban guns for referendum

"BAGHDAD, Oct 8 (Reuters) - Iraq will impose special security measures including travel restrictions and a gun ban for several days on either side of an Oct. 15 referendum on a new constitution, the government said on Saturday.

The referendum and an election for a new parliament in December have fired tensions between the Shi'ite majority and the Sunni Arab minority which dominated Iraq under Saddam Hussein but now fears political eclipse.

Iraq is struggling through a stepped-up campaign of insurgent bombings and suicide attacks before the vote."
Reuters