NationStates Jolt Archive

Voting has begun this morning in Iraq and the enemy is trying to derail the election with mortar attacks. But it appears Al Zarqawi is losing as Iraqis continue to go to the polls inspite of the attacks.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6874656/

Just 5 minutes ago, an explosion was heard at a polling station in western Baghdad sounding like a low rumble. Hundreds of Iraqis have injured in the attack according to Reuters.
It is believed the attack is designed to inimidated Iraqis and scare them away from voting.

The time of destiny has come. Go vote, iraq! This is your hour! Fight for freedom!

The attack was suicide car bombing that killed one Iraqi police man.

Despite the attacks, turn out in Iraq's election remains at high levels.

Several more polling stations in Baghdad have just been rocked by explosions just minutes ago.
The US has responded by launching assualt helicopters and UAV's into the air.
Several would be suicide bombers have been apprehended by US and Iraqi forces.

This good news for the people in iraq. Now they will finally have freedom, instead of a oppressive dictator.

Yes it is, but it also means that US troops will have to remain in Iraq longer to protect the newly elected government from assassins and terrorists.

I will bet a ton of money turnout is way higher than US turnout during the 2004 elections.

actually they are. And reports are pouring in that a large mob of Iraqi civilians has attacked a group of 5 terrorists who seen attempting to fire a rocket at a crowded polling center. The men were believed to have lynched. Their fate unknown. The men were in a car when the mob attacked them.

The time of destiny has come. Go vote, iraq! This is your hour! Fight for freedom!
WTF....you sound stupid.

It's weird. Iraqis risk their lives to vote (bombs, gunmen, etc) while the US have lower participation rates. I hope Americans appreciate what they have now.

WTF....you sound stupid.
Ah, so freedom is "stupid"? I'm just trying to be dramatic. I think it's fitting at such a crossroads in time.

More Iraqis have just been killed in a third suicide polling at yet another polling place, this one Basra.

heavy turnout. Over 2.5 million Iraqis have already voted and many polling stations are running out of ballots people are having to wait for new ballots to arrive.

actually they are. And reports are pouring in that a large mob of Iraqi civilians has attacked a group of 5 terrorists who seen attempting to fire a rocket at a crowded polling center. The men were believed to have lynched. Their fate unknown. The men were in a car when the mob attacked them.

Actually that has happened before. I've read a few reports of Iraqis attacking and in some cases killing foreign jihadiis.

Thats magnificent news.

It will be interesting on the outcome. Will a goverment be allowed if it's not pro-US?

Will the people accept a goverment that is?

Probably what will happen(IMHO), is that whomever wins will be labeled a US puppet and the fighting will go on.

The Shrub will now be able to say something like "anti-democracy" forces trying to dislodge a democratically elected goverment.

The troops will be there 2-3 years if not longer.....

Does anyone truly believe that this a truly democratic and honest election? Give me a break!! :eek:

Does anyone truly believe that this a truly democratic and honest election? Give me a break!! :eek:

Why not? At least it's a first step to a democratic election.

the american election isnt free of corruption and cheating, so what makes you think one run by them in another country will be?

Just 4 hours left to go..

Some of the pictures have been amazing - looks like high turnout, 25,000 voters per hour in the Basra area..

The terrorist leader promised 400 suicide attacks.. there's been 6, killing 17 people... not good news, but not the promised bloodbath.

In short: good news for Iraq and the troops, bad news for Zarqawi and the DNC.