Voter Turnout High in Iraq

[Ryan]

http://www.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/meast/...ain/index.html

Much better that American turnout, which is both hopeful and pathetic at the same time. Now let's pray this works so we can get the fuck out of there.

[bfp]

I think it's great. They're defying the terrorists, even as they are getting attacked at the polls. Unbelievable, that their turnout is much higher than ours. Yes, sad indeed. Hopefully soon, the Iraqi forces will be able to hold their own, while we slowly start to pull out.


Alaasmary writes in his blog: "A suicide explosion in Al-Mansor city, Al-Sader city and in New Baghdad city near election center , but the Iraqis still insistent to vote. We will crush the terrorists. The democracy will win." He has a few pictures up, including his ink-stained finger, the symbol of this election.

http://sunofiraq.blogspot.com/

[bfp]

http://iraqthemodel.blogspot.com/


Mohammed and Omar are as joyful as you would expect:

We had all kinds of feelings in our minds while we were on our way to the ballot box except one feeling that never came to us, that was fear. We could smell pride in the atmosphere this morning; everyone we saw was holding up his blue tipped finger with broad smiles on the faces while walking out of the center.
I couldn't think of a scene more beautiful than that.

From the early hours of the morning, People filled the street to the voting center in my neighborhood; youths, elders, women and men. Women's turn out was higher by the way. And by 11 am the boxes where I live were almost full!
Anyone watching that scene cannot but have tears of happiness, hope, pride and triumph.

The sounds of explosions and gunfire were clearly heard, some were far away but some were close enough to make the windows of the center shake but no one seemed to care about them as if the people weren't hearing these sounds at all.

How can I describe it!? Take my eyes and look through them my friends, you have supported the day of Iraq's freedom and today, Iraqis have proven that they're not going to disappoint their country or their friends.

Is there a bigger victory than this? I believe not.

walked forward to my station, cast my vote and then headed to the box, where I wanted to stand as long as I could, then I moved to mark my finger with ink, I dipped it deep as if I was poking the eyes of all the world's tyrants. I put the paper in the box and with it, there were tears that I couldn't hold; I was trembling with joy and I felt like I wanted to hug the box but the supervisor smiled at me and said "brother, would you please move ahead, the people are waiting for their turn".

Yes brothers, proceed and fill the box!

These are stories that will be written on the brightest pages of history.

It was hard for us to leave the center but we were happy because we were sure that we will stand here in front of the box again and again and again.
Today, there's no voice louder than that of freedom.


Check out their pictures, too.

[bfp]

[Click Here]


[Click Here]


A good day for the Iraqi's.

[Ryan]

I have a number of initial reactions to this:

1) Relief and hope for that country and for the war.
2) Disgust that people who know they might die voting still vote in greater numbers than Americans.
3) Concern that if this is successful, and I certainly hope it is, that Bush will use it as an excuse to drag us into more conflict.

[bfp]

Originally Posted by Ryan

I have a number of initial reactions to this:

1) Relief and hope for that country and for the war.
2) Disgust that people who know they might die voting still vote in greater numbers than Americans.
3) Concern that if this is successful, and I certainly hope it is, that Bush will use it as an excuse to drag us into more conflict.

I understand where you're coming from. We(the majority of americans) seem to have it so good that we simply do not give a shit what happens; so disconnected from reality, and so involved with our own personal lives, the subject of governmental and international policy have become mute.

I hope that this day in Iraq will start a revolution in other countries that border Iraq so we will not have to invade other countries that support terrorists.

It will suck us dry.

[werdna]

[bfp]

I find it amazing that iraqi-expatriates in Iran and Syria have the right to vote, but the neighboring countries' citizens do not.

[werdna]

"By midday, at least 29 people were dead but the violence had slowed and voting picked up. (AP Photo/US Air Force, MSgt Dave Ahlschwede) "



hmm... violence slowed , and voting picked up.

[Ryan]

I am still not optimistic about the future of the insurgent campaigns. Were they just a group of Iraqis who were truly "insurgents" againt the occupying forces, I think there would be a good chance of getting them to lay down arms for a piece of the political action, a la Arafat and the PLO. But most of these guys are connected to Islamic terrorist groups and their agendas go well beyond kicking American forces out of their country. I don't see them retreating simply because a new government is in place, in fact, they might start fighting harder. It is going to be essential that they seal off their borders one way or another and try to break up the cells that are already there.

Incidentally, has anyone seen any info on the Sunni turnout? The first concern was that Iraqis in general would not vote out of fear or mistrust of the new government, and that seems not to have taken place. The next concern, which is potentially more serious, is that the Sunnis will revolt and grow the insurgency.

[zerojunkie]

Quit hatin Ryan...
















j/k

But most of these guys are connected to Islamic terrorist groups and their agendas go well beyond kicking American forces out of their country.

Actually I've read the exact opposite, that they're held together for the sole reason to kick america out. If I can find the link I'll be sure to post it. Mind you these are the radicals, not sure about how the Sunni factor's going to play out.

[EDIT: Found the link http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/li...125-meehan.htm

Second, announcing a drawdown would splinter insurgent groups who have set aside their own differences to unite against the United States . Foreign jihadists, Sunni nationalists, and Shiite extremists have little in common except their opposition to the U.S. presence in Iraq .

]

[bfp]

Originally Posted by Ryan

I am still not optimistic about the future of the insurgent campaigns. Were they just a group of Iraqis who were truly "insurgents" againt the occupying forces, I think there would be a good chance of getting them to lay down arms for a piece of the political action, a la Arafat and the PLO. But most of these guys are connected to Islamic terrorist groups and their agendas go well beyond kicking American forces out of their country. I don't see them retreating simply because a new government is in place, in fact, they might start fighting harder. It is going to be essential that they seal off their borders one way or another and try to break up the cells that are already there.

Incidentally, has anyone seen any info on the Sunni turnout? The first concern was that Iraqis in general would not vote out of fear or mistrust of the new government, and that seems not to have taken place. The next concern, which is potentially more serious, is that the Sunnis will revolt and grow the insurgency.

I'm optimistic for the fact that the Sunni insurgency does not have a huge number behind them. It was expected that the majority of Sunni's would rebel and oppose the voting process. In Mosul, a few thousand were expected to vote. Only 3-400 showed up to vote at each polling place. Insurgencies have tended to last a few years, so I'm expecting the violence to stay steady for quite some time. We seem to be taking down Zarqawi's network that involves the 'large' bombs. Who knows what happens next. Some top Sunni officials are taking part in the process.

Personally, I'm not expecting everything to play out in a 100% positive direction immediately.

But it's better than I expected, and they can go on from there. This election was a HUGE factor in terms of gaining momentum.

[bfp]

http://daybydaycartoon.com/

a little humor.

[bfp]

Nationwide: 72%
Baghdad: 80%
South: 92%
Najaf: 80%
Karbala: 90%

[Satchel]

Great news. Let's hope someone gets in there that can get support from all sides. That's really the crux, imo, not how many vote. Although that is encouraging no doubt.