January 30, 2005
Great expectations...
...just waiting to be fulfilled. Iraq's elections today are one heck of a good start.
President Bush's commented on this historic day:
The commitment to a free Iraq now goes forward. This historic election begins the process of drafting and ratifying a new constitution, which will be the basis of a fully democratic Iraqi government.Terrorists and insurgents will continue to wage their war against democracy, and we will support the Iraqi people in their fight against them.
We will continue training Iraqi security forces so this rising democracy can eventually take responsibility for its own security.
There's more distance to travel on the road to democracy, yet Iraqis are proving they are equal to the challenge.
On behalf of the American people, I congratulate the people of Iraq on this great and historic achievement.
What a day.
UPDATE:
Related articles -
VINDICATED
Joy explodes across Iraq
'This Is Democracy' Say Delighted Iraqis
Image: Sky News
Posted by Valerie at January 30, 2005 10:00 PMI saw a story about one of the Iraqi securitymen throwing himself on a suicide bomber to protect the voters in the que. He was killed and five others were injured. The vote proceeded. This brave man who gave his all for people standing feet from him never had his name mentioned. His name should have been mentioned.
This was a man worth remembering.
Here is a visual aid for the Iraqi elections.
A short film strip on the power of the vote.
Fabulous link, Paper. All the images are great but something about all the women in black, some with faces covered, voting...
How can anyone anywhere NOT feel joy at the event.
Posted by: Valerie at February 1, 2005 12:59 PMPaper, you're right about the bravery of that nameless man. Let's hope that in Iraq, he'll be remembered every time Iraqis vote in the future.
Posted by: Valerie at February 1, 2005 01:01 PMYou must remember that the terrorists were handing out leaflets threatening to kill all those who voted.
Thus the women in their funeral cloaks. They had every reason to believe this would be their final act of defiance.
Yes, the Iraqi Security Forces stepped up big time. Lets hope they can continue.
Posted by: andy at February 1, 2005 04:59 PM
