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Iraq
Iraqis go to the polls
2005-10-15
BAGHDAD: Iraqis dug in for a referendum today on their draft constitution amid a security lockdown. Shi'ite imams transmitted the word of the majority community's most powerful cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali Al Sistani: Go to the polls and vote "yes". The message among the Sunnis was more muddled after the Islamic Party threw its support to the constitution after last minute amendments were made to the draft.

The US said the referendum was an historic milestone and evidence of steady political progress.
Like Emily said yesterday, best wishes and a big hurrah to the Iraqi people.

Democracy is a process, as we've said many times. This vote is a big step, but not the only step, for the Iraqis to take. They'll have to clean up a few items in their new constitution. They'll have to elect a parliament that will implement the laws, and they'll have to be wise enough to rein in blabbermouths like Sadr. They need to sniff out the Iranians and Syrians and kill remove them from their country.

And they have to build their lives. Democracy is a means to an end: a decent life for yourself and a better life for your family. That is what is at stake in this vote, and I'm praying that the Iraqis have the courage and intelligence to make it happen.

Life, liberty, pursuit of happiness: a universal code.
Posted by:Steve White

#6  Jeebus, I've finally seen the Cassinii division.
Posted by: Shipman   2005-10-15 07:59  

#5  she's right, you know?
Posted by: Jamie Rubin   2005-10-15 14:21  

#4  The insurgent militants may have held off violence during the election to shepherd their resources to attack occupying ofrces once their let down their vigil as part of the long feared Ramadan offensive. Yeah, that's tongiht's lead.
Posted by: KKKris Amanpour, Warwhore   2005-10-15 12:34  

#3  QUAGMIRE! I was watching CNN coverage last night, Christine was practically crying about the Iraqis actually going to the polls and voting. Everyone she talked started out with a negative question such as: "Are you happy with everything in the new Constituion?" or "Are you worried about the increase in violence leading up to the elections?" Can't wait for teh sin over the next week or so: "No plan", "Suicide bombers", and "No un sign off." I hope they like crow.
Posted by: Cyber Sarge   2005-10-15 12:23  

#2  Good luck and best wishes to the Iraqui people. I'll be saying a prayer for them, their armed forces, and the Coalition forces.
Posted by: Ptah   2005-10-15 05:32  

#1  But, but, Bush is a chimp, a terrorist, too stupid to be President, a neonut, a Fascist! Those are not compatible with such an achievement! This can't be real - it's just not possible! It all was for the OIL! He's a FAILED President!
Posted by: .Cassini - Moonbats in Space   2005-10-15 01:44  

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