Predict This!

It has been 50 years since Iraq held their last free elections. Although turnout today started a bit slow, it culminated with an unexpected number of Iraqis showing up to vote. In some districts, people waited for hours just to participate. Dressed in their finest clothing, Iraqis showed insurgents their wholehartedness and dedication to free elections. Over 8 million voters showed up while final numbers were still being determined. That's roughly 55 to 60 percent of Iraqi registered voters. Such a huge turnout, though not expected, is crucial in determining a legitimate election....but the large numbers are a sign of something bigger in Iraq. Condeleezza Rice called it the "voice of freedom". Insurgents who promised to "wash the streets of Baghdad with the voters' blood have inadvertently failed. They wanted to cause chaos, stop the voting, and instill fear in the hearts of many. They failed all the way down the line. Although all voting booths were protected with armed guards and a myriad of defense measures... insurgents still managed to take out 36 people in a string of suicide bombings and attacks around the country with the majority occuring in Baghdad. This number, although extremely sad, is nothing compared to what the insurgents would have hoped for. The Iraqis who died should be remembered as martyrs... people who suffer to further a cause. In all, the vote was a huge success. Even in largely domianted Sunni provinces, such as Nineveh and Anbar, voter turnout was high. The final results of the election aren't to be determined for about a week. Iraq has much to celebrate this year. With an elected government, the process of drafting a constitution will begin shortly and a head of state will be chosen. Democracy in such a remote part of the world is key to the advancement of freedom. It will bathe the world like a thousand suns and the outcome will be close to bliss. What I really want to know now is what Democrats have to say about that. Just shut your mouth before you even think, you've already traveled too far down the wrong path. My gratitude to the wonderful New York Times for the information. You may be liberal, but you're still one of the greatest sources of news and so much more.