I realize this blog focuses on Virginia and U.S. politics, but I didn't want the day to go by without saying a word about Iraqi politics as well. Specifically, I just wanted to point out that today's nationwide elections in Iraq are absolutely crucial for: 1) that country's fledgling Democracy; 2) its structural integrity as a nation (and the avoidance of civil war between ethnic and sectarian groups); 3) any possibility that the (largely Sunni) insurgency might be defeated; 4) the marginalization of thugs like Abu Musab al-Zarqawi; and 5) ultimately, the chances that U.S. forces might be drawn down sometime soon in an orderly fashion. For those reasons, and more, we should all be hoping that Iraqis turn out in large numbers today and that the voting goes smoothly.The key might very well be Sunni turnout. Keep an eye on that: if it's high, it's good news; if it's low, it's bad. In addition, keep an eye on how well the "cleric-led Shiite coalition" fares versus the " largely secular group of parties led by Ayad Allawi." According to the New York Times:
A Shiite-dominated government is viewed with some alarm by American officials here, in part because of the Shiite leaders' close ties to the theocratic government in Iran and also for the anger it would be likely to incite among Iraq's Sunni Arabs.Sunni Arab leaders have complained bitterly that the Shiite-led government of Mr. Jafaari has waged a campaign of persecution against them. Indeed, there is mounting evidence that the Shiite-dominated security services have engaged in widespread abductions, killings and torture of Sunni civilians.
[...]
A government under the leadership of Mr. Allawi, who is regarded as the American favorite, would steer a markedly different course from one led by the Shiite coalition. The Iraqis gathered around Mr. Allawi, including the Sunni and Kurdish leaders, are largely secular, and they view Iran with great suspicion.
"View Iran with great suspicion?" Gee, I can't imagine why, just because Iran is led by a fundamentalist fanatic who denies the Holocaust, who is trying to acquire nuclear weapons, and says who Israel and America should be wiped off the face of the earth. Check out this statement by our friend, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad:
In this very grave war, many people are trying to scatter grains of desperation and hopelessness regarding the struggle between the Islamic world and the...infidels, and in their hearts they want to empty the Islamic world.... They [ask]: 'Is it possible for us to witness a world without America and Zionism?' But you had best know that this slogan and this goal are attainable, and surely can be achieved.
Ah yes, a world without Israel and America, what a fine place! Yet another reason why we need the Iraqis to pull their country together fast, as a strong counterweight to Iran under Ahmedinejad.
[UPDATE #1: Looks like a big turnout for Iraqis - Shia, Kurd, and Sunni alike. Great news, although there's still a long way to go, obviously.]
[UPDATE #2: Saudi Prince Turki al-Faisal, ambassador to the US, utterly rejects Iranian President Ahdmedinejad's Holocaust denial. Turki says "As far as Saudi Arabia is concerned, that's a historical fact, you cannot deny that, and people should move forward from that." Good for him. Now, I hope to hear condemnations from other key Arab and Muslim leaders, like Egyptian President Husni Mubarak.]