Electioneering

The general shape of what has happened in Iraq is now clear. A substantial majority of Iraqis turned out and voted -- somewhat less in the Sunni areas that have been worst hit by terrorism. This in itself is a considerable triumph. The sheer joy expressed by the Iraqi people is wonderful to see. This was a truly remarkable day. What is particularly important is that everyone on all sides recognizes that there is a long, hard, dangerous road ahead. And this, I argue, is crucial for the success of democracy.

One Iraqi interviewed on CNN put it perfectly. He said "the road to democracy cannot be strewn with roses, it must be covered with blood." The very real and tangible sacrifices of the Iraqis who voted, their courage and determination, their palpable joy, and the failure of the terrorists to abort the election process have ratified the democratic process far more than any international resolutions could ever have done. The Iraqi nation has spoken, and they have chosen democracy.

The Iraqis have done their job, the "fingers of freedom" have been raised -- now it is up to the American Congress and the international "community." The only things that can stop Iraqi democratization now are a failure of will on the part of the United States, or cynical deal cutting with ethnic groups by members [we all know which ones] of the international "community."

I am happy to see the spin shifting before our eyes. Democrats, who in the runup to the election were declaring the Iraq intervention an unmitigated disaster and calling for an early troop pullout, have changed their tune. All through the early hours of voting they and their media representatives kept emphasizing the extent of the violence and sounding a pessimistic tone, but as the elections proceeded the spin began to shift. Now Democrat spokespeople are playing down the importance of the elections and emphasizing the hard road that faces us. They have set a trap for themselves. In their reluctance to admit any success for the Bush team, they have publicly committed themselves for remaining in Iraq for the long haul.

Condi is glowing, as well she should. This is a great start for her tenure at State. Bush speaks this afternoon. It will be interesting to hear what he has to say. Unfortunately, many on the right are being triumphalist. That is understandable, but we must not lose sight of the problems ahead. Determination, not exuberance, is what is called for here on our part. This is a victory for the Iraqi people. Let them do the happy dances. They've earned it.