Iraq Election ~ an Overwhelming Success

As predicted, today's election in Iraq was phenomenal by all accounts. Although not yet tallied, it is estimated that this election will be quite easily the highest turnout in the short history of democratic Iraq. Violence was exceptionally low, thanks to many factors - including massive IRAQI security forces on the ground, coalition forces in the air and on the periphery, and promotional campaigns from all major groups in Iraq - most notably the Sunnis.

And noted by some of the American troops and civilian Iraqis today - children everywhere playing soccer and people merrily strolling the streets with their purpled fingers feeling safe, happy and optimistic - a rare thing in the lives of Iraqis over the last 30 years.

From Omar at Iraq the Model: "From what we saw, people feel safer walking to the voting centers this time; many of them were carrying Iraqi flags. There are no cars moving on the streets except for those of the police and army and of course there are children, lots of them playing soccer on the empty streets."

While there is still much to do and challenges ahead, for all involved, today was Iraq's day and we should be very happy for them and their future in the free world.