Well The Elections Are Over
Iraqis appear to have turned out in larger than expected number, but unfortunately it looks like only the braver of the Sunnis turned out. Falluja saw a reasonable turnout, but Tikrit saw almost none. They are going to have to realize at some point that most of the wealth in their country will no longer be diverted to their small town. The news again focuses on the attacks, but overall I was impressed by the reportage this time. They do a very good job of reporting both side, showing people who support the elections, the celebrations, as well as the violence. Hearing tales of celebrations in Baghdad was the most exciting thing for me. That city has been hit the hardest by the violence and the repercussions of the violence. It is easiest to hurt a large group of people by destroying water and electricity.
I just hope that the “higher than expected” turnout in Mosul and Fallujah turns into real numbers, but hopefully dramatic turnout in the Kurdish regions will help offset that. But I am so very impressed by the bravery of the average Iraqi. Taking a suicide bomber mentality and turning it into a suicide voter mentality.
“On the top of our privileged today are those who were killed in their way for voting. Their names should be perpetuated for ever! Their names should be written in Gold in Al-Fordos Square in Baghdad!” Shame on those in our country who don’t vote.
And I end with a story that gives me the most hope for a lack of dictatorships in the future of Iraq:
“The first thing we saw this morning on our way to the voting center was a convoy of the Iraqi army vehicles patrolling the street, the soldiers were cheering the people marching towards their voting centers then one of the soldiers chanted “vote for Allawi” less than a hundred meters, the convoy stopped and the captain in charge yelled at the soldier who did that and said:
“You’re a member of the military institution and you have absolutely no right to support any political entity or interfere with the people’s choice. This is Iraq’s army, not Allawi’s”.
This was a good sign indeed and the young officer’s statement was met by applause from the people on the street.
The streets were completely empty except for the Iraqi and the coalition forces ‘ patrols, and of course kids seizing the chance to play soccer!”
And finally, I haven’t seen Salam Pax post in a while, but that’s because he’s been making videos. If you have a spare 25 minutes watch his video as it gives an incredible background on the election.