Firstly, the elections were broadly a positive development. In many ways they were farcical, and they were very poorly timed, but they were better than no election at all.
Some thoughts, however:
- The turnout figures are simple guesses, and ones that are probably too high (made by people who admitted that they were making them in the context of their own excitement and enthusiasm for the elections).
- In conjunction with the Iraqi Electoral Commission, the elections were largely organised by the UN. Why no plaudits for them from the rightists whooping and hollering about this great success for democracy?
- Was the election held because of, or in spite of, the efforts of Bush et al? This site (linked to from
www.juancole.com) argues that it was Sistani that forced the administration to hold proper elections that they tried their hardest to avoid.
The elections Bush didn't want
- Election or not, Iraq is still a huge mess.
I had more, but I think I'll go home instead.
Still, let's hope for more positive developments, with the caveat that they aren't used to justify further military adventures.