For Iraqi Expatriates in the U.S., a Chance to Savor the
Vote
By JODI WILGOREN
But even as they exulted in the opportunity to vote, many
expatriates expressed deep fears about Sunday's vote in
Iraq.
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/29/internat.../29vote.html?th
Full Version: Iraq
Common Ground Common Sense > Issues that Affect Our Lives > Foreign Policy and National Defense > Foreign Policy & National Defense Issues Archive
Flashback to the 60's: A Sinking Sensation of Parallels
Between Iraq and Vietnam
By TODD S. PURDUM
Nearly two years after the American invasion of Iraq,
comparisons to the conflict in Vietnam are bubbling to the
fore.
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/29/politics/29viet.html?th
Between Iraq and Vietnam
By TODD S. PURDUM
Nearly two years after the American invasion of Iraq,
comparisons to the conflict in Vietnam are bubbling to the
fore.
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/29/politics/29viet.html?th
TODAY'S EDITORIALS
Iraq's Election Gamble
It's important now to hope that a reasonably successful
election can be a first step toward a self-governing and
stable Iraq.
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/29/opinion/29sat1.html?th
Iraq's Election Gamble
It's important now to hope that a reasonably successful
election can be a first step toward a self-governing and
stable Iraq.
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/29/opinion/29sat1.html?th
Iraq Suicide Bomber Evades Pre-Election Security, Kills 8
http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=B4340E:2F72C9D
Insurgents vowing total war against national elections unleash wave of
fresh attacks Saturday despite heightened security precautions on eve
of vote Insurgents vowing total war against Iraq's national elections
unleashed a wave of fresh attacks Saturday despite heightened security
precautions on the eve of the ballot.
Iraqi officials say a suicide bomber killed eight people outside a
military center used by both Iraqi and American forces in the town of
Khanaqin near the Iranian border. Today's bomber did not use a car,
but walked up to his target and detonated a belt of explosives he was
wearing.
US soldiers tour a polling station in Mosul on eve of national
electionsExplosions and gunfire were reported near polling stations at
a number of locations around the country. Central districts of Baghdad
echoed with the sound of heavy machine-gun fire and explosions.
Special security procedures designed to safeguard Sunday's voting are
already in effect. All of Iraq's borders have been sealed, and road
traffic is restricted. An overnight curfew is in effect and Baghdad's
airport is closed.
Iraqis will be choosing a 275-member national assembly and provincial
governing councils on Sunday. The assembly is to draft a constitution
that will clear the way for elections to choose a permanent government
later this year.
Some information for this report provided by AP and Reuters.
http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=B4340E:2F72C9D
Insurgents vowing total war against national elections unleash wave of
fresh attacks Saturday despite heightened security precautions on eve
of vote Insurgents vowing total war against Iraq's national elections
unleashed a wave of fresh attacks Saturday despite heightened security
precautions on the eve of the ballot.
Iraqi officials say a suicide bomber killed eight people outside a
military center used by both Iraqi and American forces in the town of
Khanaqin near the Iranian border. Today's bomber did not use a car,
but walked up to his target and detonated a belt of explosives he was
wearing.
US soldiers tour a polling station in Mosul on eve of national
electionsExplosions and gunfire were reported near polling stations at
a number of locations around the country. Central districts of Baghdad
echoed with the sound of heavy machine-gun fire and explosions.
Special security procedures designed to safeguard Sunday's voting are
already in effect. All of Iraq's borders have been sealed, and road
traffic is restricted. An overnight curfew is in effect and Baghdad's
airport is closed.
Iraqis will be choosing a 275-member national assembly and provincial
governing councils on Sunday. The assembly is to draft a constitution
that will clear the way for elections to choose a permanent government
later this year.
Some information for this report provided by AP and Reuters.
Iraq Arrests 3 More Terror Leaders
http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=B43447:2F72C9D
Officials say they are all top aides to terrorist leader Abu Musab
al-Zarqawi
Abu Musab al-ZarqawiIraqi officials say they have arrested three top
aides to terrorist leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. Iraq's deputy prime
minister says the arrests, during the last several weeks, have hurt
the insurgency. But at least six people were killed in attacks on
Friday, and the deputy prime minister acknowledges that the insurgency
remains a serious threat as Iraqis prepare to go to the polls on
Sunday. Speaking from Baghdad to reporters at the Pentagon on Friday
he also predicted a larger turnout for the election than many experts
have predicted.
A senior Iraqi official announced two of the arrests in Baghdad early
Friday. The official said men known as Abu Saif, known also as Salah
Salman Dubaig al-Ubaidi, and Abu Hassan known also as Ali Hamed
al-Issawi, were key members of the Zarqawi terrorist organization.
Later, Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Barham Salih said Abu Saif was in
charge of attacks in Baghdad, and Abu Hassan was Zarqawi's logistics
chief. And the deputy prime minister also announced a third arrest. "I
am happy to tell you that our security services have also arrested a
third high level Zarqawi lieutenant," he said. "His name is Abu Ali.
His real name is Anad Mohammed Hamid al-Qais, a 31-year-old Iraqi. He
served as a military adviser to high ranking Zarqawi affiliates and
assisted in assisted in financing terrorist activities in Baghdad."
Deputy Prime Minister Salih says in the last two weeks the Iraqi
authorities have also arrested 12 other leaders of the terrorist
network and two thousand lower-ranking members.
One of they suspects arrested last week is alleged to have been the
bomb maker responsible the August 2003 attack on the United Nations
compound in Baghdad, and several other deadly blasts.
Mr. Salih says many of the recent arrests resulted from information
provided by ordinary Iraqis, and the men in custody have provided a
lot of information about the terrorists' activities.
Mr. Salih says the arrests have hurt the insurgency, but it must still
be taken seriously. "While we hope, and we believe, as a matter of
fact, that these arrests have helped erode the capability of Zarqawi
and his ability to inflict damage on the Iraqi people, we are taking
this terrorist organization as a serious threat and we are working
aggressively to get Zarqawi and his other lieutenants, and to
eradicate them from [the] Iraqi scene," he said.
Iraqi and U.S. officials expect attacks to continue in Iraq, including
on Election Day on Sunday. The insurgents have threatened massive
attacks, and say they will wash the streets of Baghdad with the blood
of people who go to vote.
But Deputy Prime Minister Salih says in spite of the threats, he has
received indications in recent days that more people will go to vote
than experts have predicted, even in the mainly Sunni areas in the
middle of the country, where opponents of the election are
particularly strong.
He says more people have expressed interest in voting, and they are
becoming more confident of their ability to safely go out and do so.
He says the Election Commission even received a request from the Sunni
city of Samara for more polling stations to meet expected increased
demand.
"No doubt in my mind that these will be credible elections, maybe
imperfect in certain ways given the environment that we're talking
about, but nevertheless a major improvement on what we have had
before," he said. "And hopefully, with the security measures that we
are taking, that day Iraqis will turn out in large numbers to prove to
the terrorists and to prove to the doubters that we want to reclaim
our country and we want to take part in deciding the future of this
country."
Mr. Salih acknowledged that Iraq's elections are taking place in what
he called a "tough environment." But he predicted that a large turnout
in the mainly Kurdish north and the mainly Shi'ite south, and a good
response in the mainly Sunni areas, will result in a higher overall
turnout than in the recent U.S. election, which was just over 60
percent.
http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=B43447:2F72C9D
Officials say they are all top aides to terrorist leader Abu Musab
al-Zarqawi
Abu Musab al-ZarqawiIraqi officials say they have arrested three top
aides to terrorist leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. Iraq's deputy prime
minister says the arrests, during the last several weeks, have hurt
the insurgency. But at least six people were killed in attacks on
Friday, and the deputy prime minister acknowledges that the insurgency
remains a serious threat as Iraqis prepare to go to the polls on
Sunday. Speaking from Baghdad to reporters at the Pentagon on Friday
he also predicted a larger turnout for the election than many experts
have predicted.
A senior Iraqi official announced two of the arrests in Baghdad early
Friday. The official said men known as Abu Saif, known also as Salah
Salman Dubaig al-Ubaidi, and Abu Hassan known also as Ali Hamed
al-Issawi, were key members of the Zarqawi terrorist organization.
Later, Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Barham Salih said Abu Saif was in
charge of attacks in Baghdad, and Abu Hassan was Zarqawi's logistics
chief. And the deputy prime minister also announced a third arrest. "I
am happy to tell you that our security services have also arrested a
third high level Zarqawi lieutenant," he said. "His name is Abu Ali.
His real name is Anad Mohammed Hamid al-Qais, a 31-year-old Iraqi. He
served as a military adviser to high ranking Zarqawi affiliates and
assisted in assisted in financing terrorist activities in Baghdad."
Deputy Prime Minister Salih says in the last two weeks the Iraqi
authorities have also arrested 12 other leaders of the terrorist
network and two thousand lower-ranking members.
One of they suspects arrested last week is alleged to have been the
bomb maker responsible the August 2003 attack on the United Nations
compound in Baghdad, and several other deadly blasts.
Mr. Salih says many of the recent arrests resulted from information
provided by ordinary Iraqis, and the men in custody have provided a
lot of information about the terrorists' activities.
Mr. Salih says the arrests have hurt the insurgency, but it must still
be taken seriously. "While we hope, and we believe, as a matter of
fact, that these arrests have helped erode the capability of Zarqawi
and his ability to inflict damage on the Iraqi people, we are taking
this terrorist organization as a serious threat and we are working
aggressively to get Zarqawi and his other lieutenants, and to
eradicate them from [the] Iraqi scene," he said.
Iraqi and U.S. officials expect attacks to continue in Iraq, including
on Election Day on Sunday. The insurgents have threatened massive
attacks, and say they will wash the streets of Baghdad with the blood
of people who go to vote.
But Deputy Prime Minister Salih says in spite of the threats, he has
received indications in recent days that more people will go to vote
than experts have predicted, even in the mainly Sunni areas in the
middle of the country, where opponents of the election are
particularly strong.
He says more people have expressed interest in voting, and they are
becoming more confident of their ability to safely go out and do so.
He says the Election Commission even received a request from the Sunni
city of Samara for more polling stations to meet expected increased
demand.
"No doubt in my mind that these will be credible elections, maybe
imperfect in certain ways given the environment that we're talking
about, but nevertheless a major improvement on what we have had
before," he said. "And hopefully, with the security measures that we
are taking, that day Iraqis will turn out in large numbers to prove to
the terrorists and to prove to the doubters that we want to reclaim
our country and we want to take part in deciding the future of this
country."
Mr. Salih acknowledged that Iraq's elections are taking place in what
he called a "tough environment." But he predicted that a large turnout
in the mainly Kurdish north and the mainly Shi'ite south, and a good
response in the mainly Sunni areas, will result in a higher overall
turnout than in the recent U.S. election, which was just over 60
percent.
Iraqi Ex-Pats in Egypt Wonder If Their Votes Will Count
http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=B43416:2F72C9D
Egypt is not among 14 countries with official registration and
polling, so some Iraqis in Egypt organized their own, unofficial vote
Iraqi expatriates have been encouraged to vote in their country's
election. But only 14 countries around the world - including the
United States, Canada, Australia, five European countries, and Syria,
Turkey, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates - have official
registration and polling facilities. Iraqis living in other countries
have complained and some have even organized their own, unofficial
elections. Hundreds voted in Egypt on Friday in an atmosphere of
celebration, although it was unclear whether their votes would
ultimately be counted.
An Iraqi casts a ballot in Cairo, where organizers said they would
send them to Amman to be countedPatriotic Iraqi music played in the
background at the garden of the Iraqi Embassy in Cairo, where Iraqis
living in Egypt sipped refreshments, sat in the sun, and cast their
vote, many for the first time in their life.
Mr. Zaim Mohan Al-Khairallah, one of the members of the Volunteer
Organization for Elections in Cairo, says Iraqis in Egypt had been
told they should go vote in Jordan, where they would have had to spend
several days between registering and casting their ballot. Instead, he
and a few others decided to organize a ballot in Egypt.
Several hundred of Egypt's 6,000 expatriate Iraqis had registered and
voted by mid-afternoon on Friday, with the line leading to the
registration desk increasing. Mr. Al-Khairallah was happy with the
turnout.
"We have had Sunnis, Shias, Kurds, Arabs, Muslims, Christians," he
said. "Everyone has come to vote with us, and although all of them
know that there is a 90 percent chance that we won't be recognized."
Egypt is not on the list of 14 countries where the International
Organization for Migration is organizing the expatriate election on
behalf of the Iraqi Interim government. But the Iraqi electoral
committee has told Iraqis in Egypt to tally their votes and forward
the results to Baghadad. The committee has not yet said whether the
votes will be accepted.
The effort to vote from Egypt has encountered several obstacles. An
office that had been set up in downtown Cairo to register voters was
shut down by Egyptian state security forces last week.
Talib Al Hamdany, a candidate for the Independent Iraqi Front who was
passing through Cairo and came to show his support, expressed
disappointment at the decision not to include Egypt on the list of
eligible countries.
"I don't like it," he said. "I don't know why they did that. Because
the money is spent for the election for Iraqi expatriate overseas is a
lot of money. They could open many offices, I mean it doesn't cost a
lot of money. You could find a lot of volunteers also. They should let
Iraqis at least participate in the process."
Other Arab countries that have no polling stations are home to tens of
thousands of Iraqis, including Libya and Yemen.
Iraqi voters are choosing from over a hundred parties, each with its
own list of candidates. Members of the winning lists will join a
275-member national assembly, whose main task will be to debate and
approve a new constitution. Mr. Al Hamdany says Iraq expatriates have
a wide range of attitudes toward the elections. Some are enthusiastic,
traveling long distances to vote. Others have decided to boycott the
elections, saying they are just for show and the winners have been
decided already.
Still others, like 20-year-old Manar Ali, who has lived in Egypt for
seven years and is studying to be a pharmacist, say even though they
think the result of the elections is a foregone conclusion, they want
to participate to show their support of the democratic process.
"I think Iyad Allawi will win, because America wants him, and this is
how life goes on," he said. "But I voted because I want to tell
everyone that we want democracy. Arab people say that Iraqi people are
not supporting the election, they don't want the elections. And I'm
doing this because I want to tell all the Arab people that we are with
the elections."
http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=B43416:2F72C9D
Egypt is not among 14 countries with official registration and
polling, so some Iraqis in Egypt organized their own, unofficial vote
Iraqi expatriates have been encouraged to vote in their country's
election. But only 14 countries around the world - including the
United States, Canada, Australia, five European countries, and Syria,
Turkey, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates - have official
registration and polling facilities. Iraqis living in other countries
have complained and some have even organized their own, unofficial
elections. Hundreds voted in Egypt on Friday in an atmosphere of
celebration, although it was unclear whether their votes would
ultimately be counted.
An Iraqi casts a ballot in Cairo, where organizers said they would
send them to Amman to be countedPatriotic Iraqi music played in the
background at the garden of the Iraqi Embassy in Cairo, where Iraqis
living in Egypt sipped refreshments, sat in the sun, and cast their
vote, many for the first time in their life.
Mr. Zaim Mohan Al-Khairallah, one of the members of the Volunteer
Organization for Elections in Cairo, says Iraqis in Egypt had been
told they should go vote in Jordan, where they would have had to spend
several days between registering and casting their ballot. Instead, he
and a few others decided to organize a ballot in Egypt.
Several hundred of Egypt's 6,000 expatriate Iraqis had registered and
voted by mid-afternoon on Friday, with the line leading to the
registration desk increasing. Mr. Al-Khairallah was happy with the
turnout.
"We have had Sunnis, Shias, Kurds, Arabs, Muslims, Christians," he
said. "Everyone has come to vote with us, and although all of them
know that there is a 90 percent chance that we won't be recognized."
Egypt is not on the list of 14 countries where the International
Organization for Migration is organizing the expatriate election on
behalf of the Iraqi Interim government. But the Iraqi electoral
committee has told Iraqis in Egypt to tally their votes and forward
the results to Baghadad. The committee has not yet said whether the
votes will be accepted.
The effort to vote from Egypt has encountered several obstacles. An
office that had been set up in downtown Cairo to register voters was
shut down by Egyptian state security forces last week.
Talib Al Hamdany, a candidate for the Independent Iraqi Front who was
passing through Cairo and came to show his support, expressed
disappointment at the decision not to include Egypt on the list of
eligible countries.
"I don't like it," he said. "I don't know why they did that. Because
the money is spent for the election for Iraqi expatriate overseas is a
lot of money. They could open many offices, I mean it doesn't cost a
lot of money. You could find a lot of volunteers also. They should let
Iraqis at least participate in the process."
Other Arab countries that have no polling stations are home to tens of
thousands of Iraqis, including Libya and Yemen.
Iraqi voters are choosing from over a hundred parties, each with its
own list of candidates. Members of the winning lists will join a
275-member national assembly, whose main task will be to debate and
approve a new constitution. Mr. Al Hamdany says Iraq expatriates have
a wide range of attitudes toward the elections. Some are enthusiastic,
traveling long distances to vote. Others have decided to boycott the
elections, saying they are just for show and the winners have been
decided already.
Still others, like 20-year-old Manar Ali, who has lived in Egypt for
seven years and is studying to be a pharmacist, say even though they
think the result of the elections is a foregone conclusion, they want
to participate to show their support of the democratic process.
"I think Iyad Allawi will win, because America wants him, and this is
how life goes on," he said. "But I voted because I want to tell
everyone that we want democracy. Arab people say that Iraqi people are
not supporting the election, they don't want the elections. And I'm
doing this because I want to tell all the Arab people that we are with
the elections."
Religious Shiite Women Mobilize for Iraqi Elections
http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=B4341A:2F72C9D
Election laws ensure that women, who make up 55 percent of Iraq's
population, will have prominent role in country's political
process
Iraqi election postersSunday's elections in Iraq guarantee that women,
who make up 55 percent of the population, will have a prominent role
in the country's political process. Election laws ensure that one in
every three candidates of a political party or coalition running in
the elections is a woman. The hope is that women will make up at least
25 percent of the new 275-member interim Iraqi assembly. But in the
south central Iraqi city of Najaf, not all Iraqi women are speaking
with a single voice.
Fully-veiled from head-to-toe in a long black robe, Najaf provincial
council candidate Anwar Uboud-Ali, 34, speaks passionately to Western
reporters about her desire to promote women's rights and to help the
poor in Iraq.
Ms. Uboud-Ali says she is running as a candidate who will take up the
cause of women, the poor, and the dispossessed. She says she is
referring to a class of people that has known little except misery and
suffering.
In the West, Ms. Uboud-Ali's statement could be interpreted to mean
that she wants to help women like her discard the veil and abaya.
Western women generally view such attire as a symbol of oppression and
subservience to male-dominated traditions.
But Ms. Uboud-Ali and the half a dozen other women on the ticket for
the religious Shi'ite Islamist Dawa Party say their intention is to
fight for the opposite. Candidate Faliha Kadhim says she believes that
a government guided by strict Islamic laws will be better able to
protect Iraqi women.
Ms. Kadhim says many women suffered under the secular regime of Saddam
Hussein. Most had no rights and certainly no freedom. Ms. Kadhim
agrees with religious leaders who have called for a constitution based
on Islamic laws. She says those laws would be far more fair to women
than the secular laws.
Islamic traditions do encourage people to view women as individuals.
So unlike in many Western societies, most Muslim women keep their own
names after marriage. They are also allowed to negotiate the terms of
their marriages and are automatically given custody of children in a
divorce.
In Iraq, civil laws passed before Saddam Hussein took power gave women
more specific rights, including the right to vote and to own property.
But Iraqi women's right activist Nawan Ibrahim says under Saddam,
ordinary women held virtually no significant posts and were often
treated with disdain.
Ms. Ibrahim says the only women able to find jobs and work were
members of Saddam's despised Baath Party. Everyone else was ignored.
After the dictator's ouster in April, 2003, Iraqi women quickly began
regaining their position in politics and society. Several joined the
interim Iraqi Governing Council. Some went to work as senior managers
at ministries and at universities. Others founded businesses and
became corporate chiefs.
But not everyone welcomed the swift progress Iraqi women were making.
Religious militants began threatening women's rights activists. Last
year, police in Baghdad found the remains of a prominent
businesswoman, wrapped in a head scarf she refused to wear in public.
A fundamentalist attitude toward women started appearing in the
Governing Council as well. Religious conservatives on the council
vigorously pushed for an amendment, putting matters of marriage,
divorce, child custody and inheritance in the hands of clerics. The
conservatives shelved the amendment only after women's rights
activists mobilized a large protest against it and Paul Bremer, the
top American administrator at the time, threatened to veto it.
But religious women in Iraq say they do not share the views of secular
women, who advocate a clear separation of state and religion. Many
female Shi'ite candidates say if elected, they will support measures
to impose Sharia Islamic law in Iraq.
Iraqi feminists say they fear that based on the way the law is
interpreted, Sharia could severely limit women's role in society.
Determined to keep their hard-won rights, the feminists say they
foresee a bruising battle on the issue after January 30.
http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=B4341A:2F72C9D
Election laws ensure that women, who make up 55 percent of Iraq's
population, will have prominent role in country's political
process
Iraqi election postersSunday's elections in Iraq guarantee that women,
who make up 55 percent of the population, will have a prominent role
in the country's political process. Election laws ensure that one in
every three candidates of a political party or coalition running in
the elections is a woman. The hope is that women will make up at least
25 percent of the new 275-member interim Iraqi assembly. But in the
south central Iraqi city of Najaf, not all Iraqi women are speaking
with a single voice.
Fully-veiled from head-to-toe in a long black robe, Najaf provincial
council candidate Anwar Uboud-Ali, 34, speaks passionately to Western
reporters about her desire to promote women's rights and to help the
poor in Iraq.
Ms. Uboud-Ali says she is running as a candidate who will take up the
cause of women, the poor, and the dispossessed. She says she is
referring to a class of people that has known little except misery and
suffering.
In the West, Ms. Uboud-Ali's statement could be interpreted to mean
that she wants to help women like her discard the veil and abaya.
Western women generally view such attire as a symbol of oppression and
subservience to male-dominated traditions.
But Ms. Uboud-Ali and the half a dozen other women on the ticket for
the religious Shi'ite Islamist Dawa Party say their intention is to
fight for the opposite. Candidate Faliha Kadhim says she believes that
a government guided by strict Islamic laws will be better able to
protect Iraqi women.
Ms. Kadhim says many women suffered under the secular regime of Saddam
Hussein. Most had no rights and certainly no freedom. Ms. Kadhim
agrees with religious leaders who have called for a constitution based
on Islamic laws. She says those laws would be far more fair to women
than the secular laws.
Islamic traditions do encourage people to view women as individuals.
So unlike in many Western societies, most Muslim women keep their own
names after marriage. They are also allowed to negotiate the terms of
their marriages and are automatically given custody of children in a
divorce.
In Iraq, civil laws passed before Saddam Hussein took power gave women
more specific rights, including the right to vote and to own property.
But Iraqi women's right activist Nawan Ibrahim says under Saddam,
ordinary women held virtually no significant posts and were often
treated with disdain.
Ms. Ibrahim says the only women able to find jobs and work were
members of Saddam's despised Baath Party. Everyone else was ignored.
After the dictator's ouster in April, 2003, Iraqi women quickly began
regaining their position in politics and society. Several joined the
interim Iraqi Governing Council. Some went to work as senior managers
at ministries and at universities. Others founded businesses and
became corporate chiefs.
But not everyone welcomed the swift progress Iraqi women were making.
Religious militants began threatening women's rights activists. Last
year, police in Baghdad found the remains of a prominent
businesswoman, wrapped in a head scarf she refused to wear in public.
A fundamentalist attitude toward women started appearing in the
Governing Council as well. Religious conservatives on the council
vigorously pushed for an amendment, putting matters of marriage,
divorce, child custody and inheritance in the hands of clerics. The
conservatives shelved the amendment only after women's rights
activists mobilized a large protest against it and Paul Bremer, the
top American administrator at the time, threatened to veto it.
But religious women in Iraq say they do not share the views of secular
women, who advocate a clear separation of state and religion. Many
female Shi'ite candidates say if elected, they will support measures
to impose Sharia Islamic law in Iraq.
Iraqi feminists say they fear that based on the way the law is
interpreted, Sharia could severely limit women's role in society.
Determined to keep their hard-won rights, the feminists say they
foresee a bruising battle on the issue after January 30.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/Columnists/Colum...1400621,00.html
Iraqi Democrats can't win in this desperate election
Iraqi Democrats can't win in this desperate election
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/GA29Ak04.html
Why Insurgents May be the Winners
Ehsan Ahrari
Why Insurgents May be the Winners
Ehsan Ahrari
http://www.realcities.com/mld/krwashington/10751704.htm
Iraqi forces expected to do little to stop election day violence
Iraqi forces expected to do little to stop election day violence
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?t...storyID=7468491
On Armored Vehicles, US Troops Tell Iraqis to Vote
On Armored Vehicles, US Troops Tell Iraqis to Vote
http://newstandardnews.net/content/index.cfm/items/1420
Public Can Force Iraq Troop Withdrawal, Lawmakers and Critics Say
Emerging Splits Over Occupation Policy Give Hope to Antiwar Activists
Public Can Force Iraq Troop Withdrawal, Lawmakers and Critics Say
Emerging Splits Over Occupation Policy Give Hope to Antiwar Activists
http://www.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/meast/01/29/...main/index.html
Eight more Iraqis killed on election eve
Final preparations underway for Sunday's historic elections
Eight more Iraqis killed on election eve
Final preparations underway for Sunday's historic elections
http://www.guardian.co.uk/Iraq/Story/0,2763,1400634,00.html
Hoon and Rumsfeld agree Iraq exit strategy
Hoon and Rumsfeld agree Iraq exit strategy
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml.../ixnewstop.html
Zarqawi may be hated but so are the Americans
Zarqawi may be hated but so are the Americans
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml;j...storyID=7473981
U.S. Embassy in Baghdad Hit by Rocket, Two Dead
Sat Jan 29, 2005 01:03 PM ET
BAGHDAD (Reuters) - A rocket hit the U.S. embassy inside Baghdad's fortified Green Zone on Saturday, killing two people and wounding at least six, a diplomatic source said.
The rocket struck after dark on the eve of Iraq's elections. An explosion could be heard across the city center and sirens sounded in the Green Zone shortly after the blast. A U.S. embassy official confirmed the blast.
"It was a rocket. Two people are dead and at least six are wounded," a diplomatic source said.
QUOTE
U.S. Embassy in Baghdad Hit by Rocket, Two Dead
Sat Jan 29, 2005 01:03 PM ET
BAGHDAD (Reuters) - A rocket hit the U.S. embassy inside Baghdad's fortified Green Zone on Saturday, killing two people and wounding at least six, a diplomatic source said.
The rocket struck after dark on the eve of Iraq's elections. An explosion could be heard across the city center and sirens sounded in the Green Zone shortly after the blast. A U.S. embassy official confirmed the blast.
"It was a rocket. Two people are dead and at least six are wounded," a diplomatic source said.
Yes, this is currently on CNN breaking news. Information is sketchy...more details to follow. Looks like more military casualities, uncertain as to the number of wounded...
Aah, fake freedom!
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/a...q_stocking_up_2
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/a...q_stocking_up_2
QUOTE
Iraqis Try to Stock Up on Food, Gasoline
23 minutes ago
By BUSHRA JUHI, Associated Press Writer
BAGHDAD, Iraq - Nightfall approached, the military curfew drew near and Baghdad residents scurried from shop to shop on one of the city's main streets to stock up on food, water and gasoline before Sunday's national election. "I hope the coming government will be wise and will look at what people need," said Umm Ahmed, one of the shoppers who braved the city's dangerous streets.
Like many Iraqis, the 33-year-old homemaker said she was worried she might not be able to get to the shops in the next days because of curfews and violence. "I am looking for bread," she said, explaining that most of the bakeries near her house are closed.
Glancing down the street toward a bread shop where people were waiting in line, she said she had given up trying to get gas, used by residents not just for cars but to power generators during Baghdad's frequent electricity outages.
"I am trying to make my sons used to the darkness," Ahmed said.
In central Baghdad, the traffic was unusually light as the weekend began — a few cars drove warily by the growing number of American military patrols roaming the streets. By Saturday the streets were deserted.
Some supporters of the Communist Party took advantage of the presence of the American and Iraqi foot patrols to hand out fliers to passing drivers.
But large parts of the Iraqi capital appeared to be on holiday — few pedestrians were on the sidewalks and the shops that were open lacked customers. Store owners whiled away the afternoon chatting with each other or standing in front of their shops.
For all the differences in Baghdad this historic week, one thing remained the same — long lines of cars at gas stations. Officials blame the crunch on attacks on pipelines, ambushes of fuel convoys and a crumbling energy infrastructure.
Electricity in Baghdad also remains shaky, with multiple outages every day in some neighborhoods. The city also has struggled with water shortages in recent weeks.
The only shops with customers were grocery stores and bakeries. The latter were the busiest, some with dozens of people waiting in line.
Residents complained of high prices.
"Regrettably, some greedy merchants are making use of the exceptional circumstances to raise prices." said Ahmed al-Saadi, 30.
Near a grocery on a main street in eastern Baghdad, an elderly woman named Um Ammar said she doubted the violence would be as bad as feared and said "people are exaggerating things."
"On the contrary, I think that the polling day will be quieter than what we see every day," Ammar said.
Iraqis are used to long lines, a staple of life under Saddam Hussein (news - web sites). But that doesn't mean they accept them.
"For 35 years Iraqis are used to standing in lines to buy things," said a math teacher standing near a meat shop who wished to remain unidentified. He said it was "incredible" that they continue to do so today.
Many people blamed the shortages on the government; others attributed them to chaos and widespread fears.
"People are afraid that things might get worse so they resort to storing everything," said Suzan Zaid, 30, a housewife. "Violence is behind these rising prices."
Yousif Abid al-Mutabib, a 19-year-old vegetable vendor in Baghdad's central Karrada neighborhood, said his prices are higher because the vegetables were imported.
"Iraq (news - web sites) does not have produce this year because of the war," he said.
One woman in a traditional black robe on a main street in central Baghdad, blamed the elections. "But we are hopeful," said Um Sajjad, a housewife with four children.
Others questioned the government's ability to control the violence.
"Even after the elections, whether we vote or not, the government does not seem to care," said Umm Ahmed, the woman on her way to a bakery. "With every sound of explosion, our nerves are paralyzed."
As evening approached, people headed for home. Many asked each other when the curfew began. Street lights were out due to a power outage and most of the shops were now closed.
A slim man driving a donkey cart bearing empty gas cylinders on a main street in eastern Baghdad said he was out of gas.
"I do not know why. Go and ask the government," he shouted.
23 minutes ago
By BUSHRA JUHI, Associated Press Writer
BAGHDAD, Iraq - Nightfall approached, the military curfew drew near and Baghdad residents scurried from shop to shop on one of the city's main streets to stock up on food, water and gasoline before Sunday's national election. "I hope the coming government will be wise and will look at what people need," said Umm Ahmed, one of the shoppers who braved the city's dangerous streets.
Like many Iraqis, the 33-year-old homemaker said she was worried she might not be able to get to the shops in the next days because of curfews and violence. "I am looking for bread," she said, explaining that most of the bakeries near her house are closed.
Glancing down the street toward a bread shop where people were waiting in line, she said she had given up trying to get gas, used by residents not just for cars but to power generators during Baghdad's frequent electricity outages.
"I am trying to make my sons used to the darkness," Ahmed said.
In central Baghdad, the traffic was unusually light as the weekend began — a few cars drove warily by the growing number of American military patrols roaming the streets. By Saturday the streets were deserted.
Some supporters of the Communist Party took advantage of the presence of the American and Iraqi foot patrols to hand out fliers to passing drivers.
But large parts of the Iraqi capital appeared to be on holiday — few pedestrians were on the sidewalks and the shops that were open lacked customers. Store owners whiled away the afternoon chatting with each other or standing in front of their shops.
For all the differences in Baghdad this historic week, one thing remained the same — long lines of cars at gas stations. Officials blame the crunch on attacks on pipelines, ambushes of fuel convoys and a crumbling energy infrastructure.
Electricity in Baghdad also remains shaky, with multiple outages every day in some neighborhoods. The city also has struggled with water shortages in recent weeks.
The only shops with customers were grocery stores and bakeries. The latter were the busiest, some with dozens of people waiting in line.
Residents complained of high prices.
"Regrettably, some greedy merchants are making use of the exceptional circumstances to raise prices." said Ahmed al-Saadi, 30.
Near a grocery on a main street in eastern Baghdad, an elderly woman named Um Ammar said she doubted the violence would be as bad as feared and said "people are exaggerating things."
"On the contrary, I think that the polling day will be quieter than what we see every day," Ammar said.
Iraqis are used to long lines, a staple of life under Saddam Hussein (news - web sites). But that doesn't mean they accept them.
"For 35 years Iraqis are used to standing in lines to buy things," said a math teacher standing near a meat shop who wished to remain unidentified. He said it was "incredible" that they continue to do so today.
Many people blamed the shortages on the government; others attributed them to chaos and widespread fears.
"People are afraid that things might get worse so they resort to storing everything," said Suzan Zaid, 30, a housewife. "Violence is behind these rising prices."
Yousif Abid al-Mutabib, a 19-year-old vegetable vendor in Baghdad's central Karrada neighborhood, said his prices are higher because the vegetables were imported.
"Iraq (news - web sites) does not have produce this year because of the war," he said.
One woman in a traditional black robe on a main street in central Baghdad, blamed the elections. "But we are hopeful," said Um Sajjad, a housewife with four children.
Others questioned the government's ability to control the violence.
"Even after the elections, whether we vote or not, the government does not seem to care," said Umm Ahmed, the woman on her way to a bakery. "With every sound of explosion, our nerves are paralyzed."
As evening approached, people headed for home. Many asked each other when the curfew began. Street lights were out due to a power outage and most of the shops were now closed.
A slim man driving a donkey cart bearing empty gas cylinders on a main street in eastern Baghdad said he was out of gas.
"I do not know why. Go and ask the government," he shouted.
From BBC an interesting news about Iraqi casualty figures:
Lies, lies, lies, Bush's Administration, forever lies
QUOTE(BBC @ January 29 2005)
BBC obtains Iraq casualty figures
Coalition troops and Iraqi security forces may be responsible for up to 60% of conflict-related civilian deaths in Iraq - far more than are killed by insurgents, confidential records obtained by the BBC's Panorama programme reveal.
Official figures, compiled by Iraq's Ministry of Health, break down deaths according to insurgent and coalition activity. They are usually available only to Iraqi cabinet ministers.
The data covers the period 1 July 2004 to 1 January 2005, and relates to all conflict-related civilian deaths and injuries recorded by Iraqi public hospitals. The figures exclude, where known, the deaths of insurgents.
Conflct-related civilian deaths in Iraq. July 2004 to January 2005
3,274 civilians killed in total
2,041 by coalition and Iraqi security forces
1,233 by insurgents
12,657 civilians wounded in total
8,542 by coalition and Iraqi security forces
4,115 by insurgents
The figures reveal that 3,274 Iraqi civilians were killed and 12,657 wounded in conflict-related violence during the period.
Of those deaths, 60% - 2,041 civilians - were killed by the coalition and Iraqi security forces. A further 8,542 were wounded by them.
Insurgent attacks claimed 1,233 lives, and wounded 4,115 people, during the same period.
Panorama interviewed US Ambassador John Negroponte shortly before it obtained the figures. He told reporter John Simpson:
"My impression is that the largest amount of civilian casualties definitely is a result of these indiscriminate car bombings.
"You yourself are aware of those as they occur in the Baghdad area and more frequently than not the largest number of victims of these acts of terror are innocent civilian bystanders".
The coalition has yet to respond to the figures.
Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/panorama/4217413.stm
Coalition troops and Iraqi security forces may be responsible for up to 60% of conflict-related civilian deaths in Iraq - far more than are killed by insurgents, confidential records obtained by the BBC's Panorama programme reveal.
Official figures, compiled by Iraq's Ministry of Health, break down deaths according to insurgent and coalition activity. They are usually available only to Iraqi cabinet ministers.
The data covers the period 1 July 2004 to 1 January 2005, and relates to all conflict-related civilian deaths and injuries recorded by Iraqi public hospitals. The figures exclude, where known, the deaths of insurgents.
Conflct-related civilian deaths in Iraq. July 2004 to January 2005
3,274 civilians killed in total
2,041 by coalition and Iraqi security forces
1,233 by insurgents
12,657 civilians wounded in total
8,542 by coalition and Iraqi security forces
4,115 by insurgents
The figures reveal that 3,274 Iraqi civilians were killed and 12,657 wounded in conflict-related violence during the period.
Of those deaths, 60% - 2,041 civilians - were killed by the coalition and Iraqi security forces. A further 8,542 were wounded by them.
Insurgent attacks claimed 1,233 lives, and wounded 4,115 people, during the same period.
Panorama interviewed US Ambassador John Negroponte shortly before it obtained the figures. He told reporter John Simpson:
"My impression is that the largest amount of civilian casualties definitely is a result of these indiscriminate car bombings.
"You yourself are aware of those as they occur in the Baghdad area and more frequently than not the largest number of victims of these acts of terror are innocent civilian bystanders".
The coalition has yet to respond to the figures.
Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/panorama/4217413.stm
Lies, lies, lies, Bush's Administration, forever lies
QUOTE(putino @ Jan 29 2005, 06:49 PM)
From BBC an interesting news about Iraqi casualty figures:
... 12,657 civilians wounded in total...
... 12,657 civilians wounded in total...
They key point here is that in 21st Century warfare, "wounded" usually means you are missing a few limbs, not merely scratched like in a John Wayne movie.
White House Has High Stake in Iraqi Vote
By DEB RIECHMANN
Associated Press Writer
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_...EMPLATE=DEFAULT
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The White House is keenly watching the Iraqi election because it could affect U.S. military action there and sap President Bush's political strength here and abroad if the balloting doesn't lead to stability.
Bush has sought to declare victory before the polls even open in Iraq on Sunday by arguing that just the fact that Iraqis are voting means success. The election "will add to the momentum of democracy," Bush said Saturday in his weekly radio address.
Hours after it aired, however, National Security Adviser Steve Hadley informed the president that a rocket had hit the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, killing at least two Americans who worked there and wounding four others. The White House reaction to the attack echoed Bush's insistence that violence will not dissuade Iraqis from voting.
"The terrorists will stop at nothing to try to disrupt this election, yet, in the face of intimidation, the Iraqi people are standing firm," White House spokeswoman Claire Buchan said.
Bush has given the vote such a high priority that he has been on the phone every few days with either interim Iraqi Prime Minister Ayad Allawi or interim Iraqi President Ghazi al-Yawer, who conceded Saturday that security concerns likely will prompt many Iraqis to stay away from the polls.
Bush is expected to be kept abreast of voting and events in Iraq; the State Department formed a task force Friday to follow developments. Preliminary results are expected a few hours after the polls close, but the election commission in Iraq is not promising definitive results for days or a week or more.
In his radio message, Bush called the Iraqi election "a turning point in the history of Iraq, a milestone in the advance of freedom crucial advance in the war on terror." At the same time, however, his advisers have downplayed the importance of Sunday's vote by calling it just the first step toward a new Iraqi constitution and fully elected leadership.
If the Iraqi elections lead to a stable government and open the way to a phased American troop withdrawal, Bush's image around the world would be buoyed. Republicans on the ballot in 2006 and 2008 also would be relieved. On the other hand, problems with the election could complicate Bush's efforts to pass costly items on his second-term domestic agenda, such as partially privatizing Social Security.
The Bush administration is convinced that most Iraqis support the election and that a large number will participate. Turnout will vary, depending on security in each Iraqi province, but administration officials believe the overall election will be legitimate. The president cautions that the election will not end terrorist violence. Still, the administration thinks the balloting will help impair the strength of the insurgency.
In the Democratic radio response on Saturday, Sen. Ike Skelton, D-Mo., said that while the election shows progress in Iraq, its outcome will not likely be representative of the views of all Iraqi ethnic and religious factions. The Shiites likely will control a majority of assembly seats with considerable Kurdish participation, he said. The Sunnis, however, will likely be underrepresented, said Skelton, the ranking Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee.
"If they do, it will be tempting to question what we could have done differently for the last two years," Skelton said. "What if the administration had listened to commanders like former Army Chief of Staff Gen. Eric Shinseki, who called for a larger force for postwar stabilization? What if the reconstruction funds appropriated by Congress had been spent more quickly to provide more economic opportunity for the average Iraqi?"
In an op-ed article published Saturday in The Washington Post, national security adviser Hadley argued that critics have claimed unfairly that the elections will be a failure unless a "certain but never specified" percentage of voters, especially Sunnis, turns out.
"Instead of exaggerating any imperfections, democrats around the world should celebrate the election as both a milestone in the advance of liberty and a source of profound hope to all the people of Iraq," Hadley wrote.
Americans, though, are increasingly anxious about the war and its costs.
So far, more than 1,400 U.S. troops and many thousands of Iraqis have lost their lives. The United States is spending more than $1 billion a week in Iraq. The administration this week asked for $80 billion in emergency spending, most of it for military operations in Iraq. That would add to the nearly $250 billion already spent for the war and reconstruction.
By DEB RIECHMANN
Associated Press Writer
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_...EMPLATE=DEFAULT
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The White House is keenly watching the Iraqi election because it could affect U.S. military action there and sap President Bush's political strength here and abroad if the balloting doesn't lead to stability.
Bush has sought to declare victory before the polls even open in Iraq on Sunday by arguing that just the fact that Iraqis are voting means success. The election "will add to the momentum of democracy," Bush said Saturday in his weekly radio address.
Hours after it aired, however, National Security Adviser Steve Hadley informed the president that a rocket had hit the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, killing at least two Americans who worked there and wounding four others. The White House reaction to the attack echoed Bush's insistence that violence will not dissuade Iraqis from voting.
"The terrorists will stop at nothing to try to disrupt this election, yet, in the face of intimidation, the Iraqi people are standing firm," White House spokeswoman Claire Buchan said.
Bush has given the vote such a high priority that he has been on the phone every few days with either interim Iraqi Prime Minister Ayad Allawi or interim Iraqi President Ghazi al-Yawer, who conceded Saturday that security concerns likely will prompt many Iraqis to stay away from the polls.
Bush is expected to be kept abreast of voting and events in Iraq; the State Department formed a task force Friday to follow developments. Preliminary results are expected a few hours after the polls close, but the election commission in Iraq is not promising definitive results for days or a week or more.
In his radio message, Bush called the Iraqi election "a turning point in the history of Iraq, a milestone in the advance of freedom crucial advance in the war on terror." At the same time, however, his advisers have downplayed the importance of Sunday's vote by calling it just the first step toward a new Iraqi constitution and fully elected leadership.
If the Iraqi elections lead to a stable government and open the way to a phased American troop withdrawal, Bush's image around the world would be buoyed. Republicans on the ballot in 2006 and 2008 also would be relieved. On the other hand, problems with the election could complicate Bush's efforts to pass costly items on his second-term domestic agenda, such as partially privatizing Social Security.
The Bush administration is convinced that most Iraqis support the election and that a large number will participate. Turnout will vary, depending on security in each Iraqi province, but administration officials believe the overall election will be legitimate. The president cautions that the election will not end terrorist violence. Still, the administration thinks the balloting will help impair the strength of the insurgency.
In the Democratic radio response on Saturday, Sen. Ike Skelton, D-Mo., said that while the election shows progress in Iraq, its outcome will not likely be representative of the views of all Iraqi ethnic and religious factions. The Shiites likely will control a majority of assembly seats with considerable Kurdish participation, he said. The Sunnis, however, will likely be underrepresented, said Skelton, the ranking Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee.
"If they do, it will be tempting to question what we could have done differently for the last two years," Skelton said. "What if the administration had listened to commanders like former Army Chief of Staff Gen. Eric Shinseki, who called for a larger force for postwar stabilization? What if the reconstruction funds appropriated by Congress had been spent more quickly to provide more economic opportunity for the average Iraqi?"
In an op-ed article published Saturday in The Washington Post, national security adviser Hadley argued that critics have claimed unfairly that the elections will be a failure unless a "certain but never specified" percentage of voters, especially Sunnis, turns out.
"Instead of exaggerating any imperfections, democrats around the world should celebrate the election as both a milestone in the advance of liberty and a source of profound hope to all the people of Iraq," Hadley wrote.
Americans, though, are increasingly anxious about the war and its costs.
So far, more than 1,400 U.S. troops and many thousands of Iraqis have lost their lives. The United States is spending more than $1 billion a week in Iraq. The administration this week asked for $80 billion in emergency spending, most of it for military operations in Iraq. That would add to the nearly $250 billion already spent for the war and reconstruction.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6874656/
QUOTE
Baghdad blasts rock historic Iraqi election
Explosions reported as polls open in war-torn nation
BREAKING NEWS
NBC News and news services
Updated: 12:50 a.m. ET Jan. 30, 2005
BAGHDAD, Iraq - Against a backdrop of bloody violence that killed two Americans at the U.S. Embassy, Iraqis cast their ballots Sunday in the war-torn nation's first free election in more than 50 years.
Less than 90 minutes after voting had begun at 7 a.m. local time (11 p.m. ET Saturday), Reuters reported that a suicide car bomber near a West Baghdad polling place blew up his vehicle, killing a policeman. Police sources told Reuters that two Iraqi soldiers and two civilians were also wounded in the attack outside the Zahraa school, which is being used as a voting center.
A few moments later, Reuters said multiple blasts were being reported in the center of the city and the Associated Press said mortar fire also could be heard.
MSNBC-TV's David Shuster, reporting from Baghdad, confirmed that reporters had heard an explosion but had no other immediate details. "In addition to what sounded like an explosion, there was also the rattle of gunfire," Shuster said.
As the voting got under way, poll workers checked identifications. Iraqi President Ghazi al-Yawer was one of the first to vote at election headquarters in the heavily fortified Green Zone, calling the election his country’s first step “toward joining the free world.”
While workers watched, he marked two ballots and then dropped them into boxes. A poll worker handed him an Iraqi flag as he left.
“I’m very proud and happy this morning,” al-Yawher told reporters. “I congratulate all the Iraqi people and call them to vote for Iraq.”
Insurgents vow to block voting
Insurgents vowed to do all they could to stymie the process. Saturday, they hit the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad with a rocket, killing two Americans. They set off explosions that killed eight Iraqis and a U.S. soldier and blasted polling places across the country as Prime Minister Ayad Allawi’s government urged Iraqis to overcome their fears of violence and vote in the landmark elections.
The polls and were scheduled to be open for 10 hours, closing at 5 p.m. local time (9 a.m. ET Sunday).
The embassy strike in Baghdad’s heavily fortified Green Zone was a dramatic sign of guerrillas’ ability to hit at the heart of power in Iraq even as the U.S. and Iraqi militaries took some of their strictest security measures ever for the election, imposing a strict lockdown in the capital and large parts of the country.
The rocket hit the embassy’s compound after nightfall, near the building itself, an embassy official said. A civilian and a Navy sailor, both assigned to the embassy, died and four Americans were injured.
During the day, bursts of heavy machine gun fire rattled through central Baghdad at midday, and several heavy explosions shook the downtown area in the afternoon. A U.S. soldier was killed by a roadside bomb in a western district of the capital, the military said.
Iraqi police and soldiers set up checkpoints through streets largely devoid of traffic, with a nighttime curfew imposed across the country and the borders sealed. Seven American soldiers were killed Friday in the Baghdad area, including two pilots who died in the crash of their OH-58 Kiowa Warrior helicopter.
West of the capital, in the insurgent bastion of Ramadi, five Iraqis with hands tied behind their backs were found slain Saturday on a city street. One of the bodies was decapitated. Militants accused them of working for the Americans.
Sunni Muslim extremists have warned Iraqis not to participate in the election Sunday, threatening to “wash the streets” in blood. Iraqis will chose a 275-member National Assembly and provincial councils in Iraq’s 18 provinces. Voters in the Kurdish self-ruled area of the north will select a new regional parliament.
At a press conference, Allawi’s spokesman sought to boost Iraqi morale, appealing to his countrymen to take part in the election.
“I encourage the Iraqi people to overcome their fear. It is important. It will preserve the integrity of Iraq,” spokesman Thaer al-Naqeeb said. “If you vote ... the terrorists will be defeated.”
State of emergency extended
Allawi ordered a 30-day extension of the state of emergency in place across the country, except for Kurdish areas in the north, his office said in a statement. The current state of emergency, first declared in November, was to run out on Feb. 8. The decree gives the government the power to declare curfews, make arrests without warrants and launch police and military operations when it deems necessary.
President al-Yawer acknowledged that the violence and insurgent threats could keep many from voting — though he said he expected a majority to cast ballots and that few would stay away because of calls for a boycott by some Sunni clerics who say the vote is illegitimate.
“We hope, God willing, that turnout at polling stations will be high. The minority that will not participate, will do that because of the security situation and not to boycott,” al-Yawer told Al-Arabiya television.
A suicide attack occurred in Khanaqin, 70 miles northeast of Baghdad on the Iranian border. Police Col. Mohammed al-Khanaqini said the attacker was wearing an explosives belt and detonated himself outside a police station between a U.S. base and a courthouse.
Eight mortar shells landed at an Iraqi National Guard barracks in the central town of Suwayrah, killing one Iraqi soldier and wounding another, the Polish military said. South of Baghdad, rebels opened fire on U.S. Marines and Iraqi forces as they placed concrete blast barriers around polling stations south of the capital Saturday.
Leaflets in Mosul
In the northern city of Mosul, rebels distributed leaflets warning people to stay clear of polling stations to avoid getting hurt.
In Khaldiyah, about 50 miles northwest of Baghdad, insurgents burst into a school used as an Iraqi National Guard base, asked the few members there to leave and then destroyed it with explosives, residents said. No one was reported hurt.
Attacks on polling stations were reported in at least eight cities from Dohuk in the far north to Basra in the south.
U.S. and Iraqi forces have imposed strict security measures, including sealing the country’s borders, closing Baghdad’s international airport, extending the hours of the curfew to cover from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. and restricting private vehicles.
In Basra, however, hundreds of Iraqi police uniforms have gone missing in Iraq’s second largest city and may be in the hands of insurgents to help them slip through checkpoints, according to a report by the British media pool.
Four police vehicles were stolen by insurgents from a prison at Umm Qasr south if Basra, British authorities said, raising fears the cars could be used in suicide attacks.
Members of Iraq’s Shiite Muslim majority — estimated at 60 percent of the population — are expected to turn out in force for the ballot, encouraged by their clergy. A heavy turnout is also expected in Kurdish areas.
But the key issue is participation by Sunni Arabs, many of whom fear domination by the Shiites or face intimidation from insurgents active in Sunni areas.
Al-Yawer waned that “any political process that does not have the participation of the Shiites, the Sunnis and the Kurds will not be fated to succeed.”
An electoral commission official in one of the four Sunni provinces where turnout is expected to be light said voting would be “almost impossible” in some cities because of violence. Khalaf Mohammed Salih, a commission spokesman in Salaheddin province, said he expected violence to virtually shut down voting in the provincial towns of Beiji, Dour and Samarra.
The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.
Explosions reported as polls open in war-torn nation
BREAKING NEWS
NBC News and news services
Updated: 12:50 a.m. ET Jan. 30, 2005
BAGHDAD, Iraq - Against a backdrop of bloody violence that killed two Americans at the U.S. Embassy, Iraqis cast their ballots Sunday in the war-torn nation's first free election in more than 50 years.
Less than 90 minutes after voting had begun at 7 a.m. local time (11 p.m. ET Saturday), Reuters reported that a suicide car bomber near a West Baghdad polling place blew up his vehicle, killing a policeman. Police sources told Reuters that two Iraqi soldiers and two civilians were also wounded in the attack outside the Zahraa school, which is being used as a voting center.
A few moments later, Reuters said multiple blasts were being reported in the center of the city and the Associated Press said mortar fire also could be heard.
MSNBC-TV's David Shuster, reporting from Baghdad, confirmed that reporters had heard an explosion but had no other immediate details. "In addition to what sounded like an explosion, there was also the rattle of gunfire," Shuster said.
As the voting got under way, poll workers checked identifications. Iraqi President Ghazi al-Yawer was one of the first to vote at election headquarters in the heavily fortified Green Zone, calling the election his country’s first step “toward joining the free world.”
While workers watched, he marked two ballots and then dropped them into boxes. A poll worker handed him an Iraqi flag as he left.
“I’m very proud and happy this morning,” al-Yawher told reporters. “I congratulate all the Iraqi people and call them to vote for Iraq.”
Insurgents vow to block voting
Insurgents vowed to do all they could to stymie the process. Saturday, they hit the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad with a rocket, killing two Americans. They set off explosions that killed eight Iraqis and a U.S. soldier and blasted polling places across the country as Prime Minister Ayad Allawi’s government urged Iraqis to overcome their fears of violence and vote in the landmark elections.
The polls and were scheduled to be open for 10 hours, closing at 5 p.m. local time (9 a.m. ET Sunday).
The embassy strike in Baghdad’s heavily fortified Green Zone was a dramatic sign of guerrillas’ ability to hit at the heart of power in Iraq even as the U.S. and Iraqi militaries took some of their strictest security measures ever for the election, imposing a strict lockdown in the capital and large parts of the country.
The rocket hit the embassy’s compound after nightfall, near the building itself, an embassy official said. A civilian and a Navy sailor, both assigned to the embassy, died and four Americans were injured.
During the day, bursts of heavy machine gun fire rattled through central Baghdad at midday, and several heavy explosions shook the downtown area in the afternoon. A U.S. soldier was killed by a roadside bomb in a western district of the capital, the military said.
Iraqi police and soldiers set up checkpoints through streets largely devoid of traffic, with a nighttime curfew imposed across the country and the borders sealed. Seven American soldiers were killed Friday in the Baghdad area, including two pilots who died in the crash of their OH-58 Kiowa Warrior helicopter.
West of the capital, in the insurgent bastion of Ramadi, five Iraqis with hands tied behind their backs were found slain Saturday on a city street. One of the bodies was decapitated. Militants accused them of working for the Americans.
Sunni Muslim extremists have warned Iraqis not to participate in the election Sunday, threatening to “wash the streets” in blood. Iraqis will chose a 275-member National Assembly and provincial councils in Iraq’s 18 provinces. Voters in the Kurdish self-ruled area of the north will select a new regional parliament.
At a press conference, Allawi’s spokesman sought to boost Iraqi morale, appealing to his countrymen to take part in the election.
“I encourage the Iraqi people to overcome their fear. It is important. It will preserve the integrity of Iraq,” spokesman Thaer al-Naqeeb said. “If you vote ... the terrorists will be defeated.”
State of emergency extended
Allawi ordered a 30-day extension of the state of emergency in place across the country, except for Kurdish areas in the north, his office said in a statement. The current state of emergency, first declared in November, was to run out on Feb. 8. The decree gives the government the power to declare curfews, make arrests without warrants and launch police and military operations when it deems necessary.
President al-Yawer acknowledged that the violence and insurgent threats could keep many from voting — though he said he expected a majority to cast ballots and that few would stay away because of calls for a boycott by some Sunni clerics who say the vote is illegitimate.
“We hope, God willing, that turnout at polling stations will be high. The minority that will not participate, will do that because of the security situation and not to boycott,” al-Yawer told Al-Arabiya television.
A suicide attack occurred in Khanaqin, 70 miles northeast of Baghdad on the Iranian border. Police Col. Mohammed al-Khanaqini said the attacker was wearing an explosives belt and detonated himself outside a police station between a U.S. base and a courthouse.
Eight mortar shells landed at an Iraqi National Guard barracks in the central town of Suwayrah, killing one Iraqi soldier and wounding another, the Polish military said. South of Baghdad, rebels opened fire on U.S. Marines and Iraqi forces as they placed concrete blast barriers around polling stations south of the capital Saturday.
Leaflets in Mosul
In the northern city of Mosul, rebels distributed leaflets warning people to stay clear of polling stations to avoid getting hurt.
In Khaldiyah, about 50 miles northwest of Baghdad, insurgents burst into a school used as an Iraqi National Guard base, asked the few members there to leave and then destroyed it with explosives, residents said. No one was reported hurt.
Attacks on polling stations were reported in at least eight cities from Dohuk in the far north to Basra in the south.
U.S. and Iraqi forces have imposed strict security measures, including sealing the country’s borders, closing Baghdad’s international airport, extending the hours of the curfew to cover from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. and restricting private vehicles.
In Basra, however, hundreds of Iraqi police uniforms have gone missing in Iraq’s second largest city and may be in the hands of insurgents to help them slip through checkpoints, according to a report by the British media pool.
Four police vehicles were stolen by insurgents from a prison at Umm Qasr south if Basra, British authorities said, raising fears the cars could be used in suicide attacks.
Members of Iraq’s Shiite Muslim majority — estimated at 60 percent of the population — are expected to turn out in force for the ballot, encouraged by their clergy. A heavy turnout is also expected in Kurdish areas.
But the key issue is participation by Sunni Arabs, many of whom fear domination by the Shiites or face intimidation from insurgents active in Sunni areas.
Al-Yawer waned that “any political process that does not have the participation of the Shiites, the Sunnis and the Kurds will not be fated to succeed.”
An electoral commission official in one of the four Sunni provinces where turnout is expected to be light said voting would be “almost impossible” in some cities because of violence. Khalaf Mohammed Salih, a commission spokesman in Salaheddin province, said he expected violence to virtually shut down voting in the provincial towns of Beiji, Dour and Samarra.
The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.
Doesn't surprise me that "AlJazeera" is reporting this. It's probably their front page newstory, anything to influence American Public Opinion.
Why don't they mind their own business? I have a good idea where they can put their newscameras and pre-recorded videotapes!!
I saw some of these AlJazeera reporters/ whatever the heck they are being interviewed on PBS. They came across very angry, very anti-American, and very interested in making us look as bad as they possibly can.
Let's turn their reporting against them, shall we? :D
Why don't they mind their own business? I have a good idea where they can put their newscameras and pre-recorded videotapes!!
I saw some of these AlJazeera reporters/ whatever the heck they are being interviewed on PBS. They came across very angry, very anti-American, and very interested in making us look as bad as they possibly can.
Let's turn their reporting against them, shall we? :D
Several Explosions Heard Across Baghdad
By DEXTER FILKINS
Iraqis began voting this morning, and attacks began soon
after. A car bombing killed at least one police officer in
Baghdad.
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/30/internat...nd-iraq.html?th
By DEXTER FILKINS
Iraqis began voting this morning, and attacks began soon
after. A car bombing killed at least one police officer in
Baghdad.
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/30/internat...nd-iraq.html?th
The Vote, and Democracy Itself, Leave Anxious Iraqis Divided
By JOHN F. BURNS
Questions about the election go beyond U.S. stewardship, to
issues that touch on whether it is realistic to think that
democracy can be implanted in Iraq.
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/30/internat...mocracy.html?th
By JOHN F. BURNS
Questions about the election go beyond U.S. stewardship, to
issues that touch on whether it is realistic to think that
democracy can be implanted in Iraq.
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/30/internat...mocracy.html?th
Iraq's Election
NYTimes.com will cover all the breaking news from Sunday's election. Our coverage also includes an interactive graphic about the leading parties and some of their top candidates.
http://www.nytimes.com/index.html?th
NYTimes.com will cover all the breaking news from Sunday's election. Our coverage also includes an interactive graphic about the leading parties and some of their top candidates.
http://www.nytimes.com/index.html?th
--------------------
Iraqis Cast Ballots Amid Explosions and Anxiety
--------------------
Suicide bombers and mortar rounds kill at least 17 people. Hours earlier, a rocket hit the U.S. Embassy, killing two Americans.
By Patrick J. McDonnell and Edmund Sanders
Times Staff Writer
January 30 2005
BAGHDAD — As Iraqis began heading to the polls this morning in the nation's first free election in decades, insurgents launched mortar rounds and sent suicide bombers to attack voting places across the country, killing at least 17 people.
The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wo...0,1087949.story
Iraqis Cast Ballots Amid Explosions and Anxiety
--------------------
Suicide bombers and mortar rounds kill at least 17 people. Hours earlier, a rocket hit the U.S. Embassy, killing two Americans.
By Patrick J. McDonnell and Edmund Sanders
Times Staff Writer
January 30 2005
BAGHDAD — As Iraqis began heading to the polls this morning in the nation's first free election in decades, insurgents launched mortar rounds and sent suicide bombers to attack voting places across the country, killing at least 17 people.
The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wo...0,1087949.story
--------------------
A Taste of Democracy, a Hunger for Security
--------------------
The promise of safety and stability has mass appeal in a nation beset by violence and fear.
By Alissa J. Rubin
Times Staff Writer
January 30 2005
BAGHDAD — Today, Iraqis are summoning their courage and casting their ballots in a bold act of suffrage. But it remains unclear whether their bravery will put Iraq on the road to democracy, much less whether the election heralds a new era of participatory government in the Middle East as promised by the Bush administration.
The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wo...1,4029056.story
A Taste of Democracy, a Hunger for Security
--------------------
The promise of safety and stability has mass appeal in a nation beset by violence and fear.
By Alissa J. Rubin
Times Staff Writer
January 30 2005
BAGHDAD — Today, Iraqis are summoning their courage and casting their ballots in a bold act of suffrage. But it remains unclear whether their bravery will put Iraq on the road to democracy, much less whether the election heralds a new era of participatory government in the Middle East as promised by the Bush administration.
The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wo...1,4029056.story
--------------------
U.S. General Gets Earful From Men in Sunni City Who May Forgo Polls
--------------------
On an inspection tour the day before balloting, a Marine commander joins street-corner talk.
By Tony Perry
Times Staff Writer
January 30 2005
RAMADI, Iraq — A dozen Iraqi men were sitting in chairs on a residential street corner Saturday morning, vigorously discussing politics and the fate of their war-torn country.
The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wo...,0,831624.story
U.S. General Gets Earful From Men in Sunni City Who May Forgo Polls
--------------------
On an inspection tour the day before balloting, a Marine commander joins street-corner talk.
By Tony Perry
Times Staff Writer
January 30 2005
RAMADI, Iraq — A dozen Iraqi men were sitting in chairs on a residential street corner Saturday morning, vigorously discussing politics and the fate of their war-torn country.
The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wo...,0,831624.story
--------------------
Coming of Age in a Mosul Outpost
--------------------
Young soldiers bunk in a warehouse amid urban warfare. Camaraderie fills some of the gap created by a lack of heat, family and security.
By Louise Roug
Times Staff Writer
January 30 2005
MOSUL, Iraq — It's long after midnight when paratroopers from Alpha Company enter the house and start moving room to room.
The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wo...0,4707497.story
Coming of Age in a Mosul Outpost
--------------------
Young soldiers bunk in a warehouse amid urban warfare. Camaraderie fills some of the gap created by a lack of heat, family and security.
By Louise Roug
Times Staff Writer
January 30 2005
MOSUL, Iraq — It's long after midnight when paratroopers from Alpha Company enter the house and start moving room to room.
The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wo...0,4707497.story
--------------------
Al-Zarqawi Group Claims Credit for Attacks
--------------------
January 30 2005, 4:35 AM PST
CAIRO, Egypt -- A Web site statement purportedly from insurgency leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi's group claimed responsibility Sunday for at least four attacks on polling centers across Iraq.
The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wo...opinternational
Al-Zarqawi Group Claims Credit for Attacks
--------------------
January 30 2005, 4:35 AM PST
CAIRO, Egypt -- A Web site statement purportedly from insurgency leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi's group claimed responsibility Sunday for at least four attacks on polling centers across Iraq.
The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wo...opinternational
--------------------
Iraqis Express Pride, Hope at Election
--------------------
By ELLEN KNICKMEYER
Associated Press Writer
January 30 2005, 5:04 AM PST
ASKAN, Iraq -- Some couldn't read, but knew their party's identification number on the ballot. Others couldn't see, but were led to the polls by police. Across wide swathes of Iraq, especially in the southern Shiite and northern Kurdish areas, Iraqis went to the polls Sunday, expressing fierce determination and pride, together with hope that the election will improve their hard lives.
The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wo...opinternational
Iraqis Express Pride, Hope at Election
--------------------
By ELLEN KNICKMEYER
Associated Press Writer
January 30 2005, 5:04 AM PST
ASKAN, Iraq -- Some couldn't read, but knew their party's identification number on the ballot. Others couldn't see, but were led to the polls by police. Across wide swathes of Iraq, especially in the southern Shiite and northern Kurdish areas, Iraqis went to the polls Sunday, expressing fierce determination and pride, together with hope that the election will improve their hard lives.
The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wo...opinternational
--------------------
Each Vote Strikes at Terror
--------------------
By Walter Russell Mead
Walter Russell Mead, a contributing editor to Opinion and a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, is the author, most recently, of "Power, Terror, Peace and War: America's Grand Strategy
January 30 2005
The teleprompter providing President Bush with his second inaugural address had scarcely gone blank before American and European commentators turned to dismissing his calls for a "war against tyranny" and progress toward universal democracy as naive, dogmatic, overstated and a recipe for chaos in U.S. foreign policy.
The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-op-...0,1437355.story
Each Vote Strikes at Terror
--------------------
By Walter Russell Mead
Walter Russell Mead, a contributing editor to Opinion and a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, is the author, most recently, of "Power, Terror, Peace and War: America's Grand Strategy
January 30 2005
The teleprompter providing President Bush with his second inaugural address had scarcely gone blank before American and European commentators turned to dismissing his calls for a "war against tyranny" and progress toward universal democracy as naive, dogmatic, overstated and a recipe for chaos in U.S. foreign policy.
The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-op-...0,1437355.story
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=stor...acks_zarqawi_dc
Zarqawi Group Says 13 Suicide Bombers Hit in Iraq
Zarqawi Group Says 13 Suicide Bombers Hit in Iraq
BBC World reports a 72 percent turnout, truly a spectacular figure considering the risks involved.
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml;j...storyID=7474213
Bush: US Must Stay in Iraq After Election
Bush: US Must Stay in Iraq After Election
Election Coverage Around the Blogosphere
Thank to Jeff Jarvis for letting us reprint his massive link round-up here at TCP.
<note>each separate item listed here links to a different blog/source on the web if you go to the original linked above</note>
Jeff will be using this list of election coverage blogs when he appear on MSNBC Sunday from 6 a.m. to noon and again in the 5 p.m. hour. If you have more blogs to recommend, please add them. Jeff is also looking for links to current U.S. military blogs?
IRAQI BLOGGERS
: Friends of Democracy has citizen correspondents in each province filing reports, mostly in Arabic, which are translated and posted here. Michael J. Totten is acting as anchor-blogger through the election. Note that they will have a webcast show about this starting at 2p ET Sunday and it will also be aired on C-SPAN.
: Friends of Democracy was founded by Omar and Mohammed of IraqTheModel. They will be covering the election. Their brother, Ali, is covering things from here.
: Hammorabi has been critical of security and the current government but is excited about election day (a great post).
: Democracy in Iraq is a new one to me by a 26-year-old whose European-educated father taught his children English.
: Kurdo is blogging the election from Kurdistan, complete with pictures and an endorsement for List 173.
: Here is a Kurdish group blog. Read this post by Sami: One citizen talking about his choice in the election.
: A Kurd in London covered absentee voting there, complete with pictures of electioneering by the poll.
: A Family in Baghdad is written (in Arabic and English) by the other of Raed (Salam Pax' pal) and his brothers. It is generally against the occupation and recent posts include letters from the mothers of American soldiers killed there.
: Riverbend's latest post is about getting water, not the election.
: Live from Baghad is by Ayad, who just returned to Iraq from Cleveland.
: The Neurotic Iraqi Wife thinks that registration is light.
: Rose, a mother in Baghad, isn't sure she'll be able to get online for the election. She writes about daily life in her city.
: Fayrouz covers the news via Dallas.
: In Sun of Iraq, Alaasmary writes: "There are four days and the democracy will win; it will be a real war against the terrorists."
: Iraqi Thoughts is covering the election from Canada and today writes about the numbers in expat voting.
: Life in Baghdad.
: Baghdad Dweller is covering the election.
: Citizen of Mosul is a doctor who writes about a typical day there.
: Iraqi Comments is from a 25-year-old in Belgium.
: I expect to see Alaa posting here.
: Zeyad is in Jordan until after the election.
: Iraq Election blog with links to the parties.
: Iraqi Letter to America.
: Iraqi Enterprise is a company offering news links.
: Iraq Blog Count.
IRAQI YOUTH
: Aunt Najma gives us the perspective from Mosul.
: Nabil, Zeyad's teen brother, talks about the election in his school.
: Baghdad Girl, a 13-year-old who writes about living in fear and puts up pictures of her cats, like any self-respecting blogger.
: HNK is eager for the Americans to leave Mosul.
: Khalid, Raed's brother, blogs here.
: Then Some is an Iraqi college student already cynical about elected politicians.
MORE
: Hardblogger's David Shuster is reporting from Baghdad.
: Dahr Jamail, an independent journalist, reports from Iraq. [via Lost Remote]
: The BBC's reporter blog and citizens' blog.
: Mark Cuban's HDnet (high-definition TV) will be covering the election full-time.
: Later... Here's the Iraq Election Newswire.
: Here are Friends of Democracy's original Arabic-language reports (using the world's first Arabic-language blogging tool!).
: Here are the latest photos from Friends of Democracy.
Posted By Michele Catalano at January 29, 2005 05:23 PM | TrackBack
Comments
There is a roundup at Iraq Election Facts, Military Blogs and News on the Ground
It has some military bloggers in the post as well.
Thank to Jeff Jarvis for letting us reprint his massive link round-up here at TCP.
<note>each separate item listed here links to a different blog/source on the web if you go to the original linked above</note>
Jeff will be using this list of election coverage blogs when he appear on MSNBC Sunday from 6 a.m. to noon and again in the 5 p.m. hour. If you have more blogs to recommend, please add them. Jeff is also looking for links to current U.S. military blogs?
IRAQI BLOGGERS
: Friends of Democracy has citizen correspondents in each province filing reports, mostly in Arabic, which are translated and posted here. Michael J. Totten is acting as anchor-blogger through the election. Note that they will have a webcast show about this starting at 2p ET Sunday and it will also be aired on C-SPAN.
: Friends of Democracy was founded by Omar and Mohammed of IraqTheModel. They will be covering the election. Their brother, Ali, is covering things from here.
: Hammorabi has been critical of security and the current government but is excited about election day (a great post).
: Democracy in Iraq is a new one to me by a 26-year-old whose European-educated father taught his children English.
: Kurdo is blogging the election from Kurdistan, complete with pictures and an endorsement for List 173.
: Here is a Kurdish group blog. Read this post by Sami: One citizen talking about his choice in the election.
: A Kurd in London covered absentee voting there, complete with pictures of electioneering by the poll.
: A Family in Baghdad is written (in Arabic and English) by the other of Raed (Salam Pax' pal) and his brothers. It is generally against the occupation and recent posts include letters from the mothers of American soldiers killed there.
: Riverbend's latest post is about getting water, not the election.
: Live from Baghad is by Ayad, who just returned to Iraq from Cleveland.
: The Neurotic Iraqi Wife thinks that registration is light.
: Rose, a mother in Baghad, isn't sure she'll be able to get online for the election. She writes about daily life in her city.
: Fayrouz covers the news via Dallas.
: In Sun of Iraq, Alaasmary writes: "There are four days and the democracy will win; it will be a real war against the terrorists."
: Iraqi Thoughts is covering the election from Canada and today writes about the numbers in expat voting.
: Life in Baghdad.
: Baghdad Dweller is covering the election.
: Citizen of Mosul is a doctor who writes about a typical day there.
: Iraqi Comments is from a 25-year-old in Belgium.
: I expect to see Alaa posting here.
: Zeyad is in Jordan until after the election.
: Iraq Election blog with links to the parties.
: Iraqi Letter to America.
: Iraqi Enterprise is a company offering news links.
: Iraq Blog Count.
IRAQI YOUTH
: Aunt Najma gives us the perspective from Mosul.
: Nabil, Zeyad's teen brother, talks about the election in his school.
: Baghdad Girl, a 13-year-old who writes about living in fear and puts up pictures of her cats, like any self-respecting blogger.
: HNK is eager for the Americans to leave Mosul.
: Khalid, Raed's brother, blogs here.
: Then Some is an Iraqi college student already cynical about elected politicians.
MORE
: Hardblogger's David Shuster is reporting from Baghdad.
: Dahr Jamail, an independent journalist, reports from Iraq. [via Lost Remote]
: The BBC's reporter blog and citizens' blog.
: Mark Cuban's HDnet (high-definition TV) will be covering the election full-time.
: Later... Here's the Iraq Election Newswire.
: Here are Friends of Democracy's original Arabic-language reports (using the world's first Arabic-language blogging tool!).
: Here are the latest photos from Friends of Democracy.
Posted By Michele Catalano at January 29, 2005 05:23 PM | TrackBack
Comments
There is a roundup at Iraq Election Facts, Military Blogs and News on the Ground
It has some military bloggers in the post as well.
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/30/internat...html?oref=login
Bush Hails Iraq Vote as 'a Resounding Success'
Bush Hails Iraq Vote as 'a Resounding Success'
Statement by the President on the Iraqi Election
1/30/2005 1:37:00 PM
Contact: White House Press Office, 202-456-2580
WASHINGTON, Jan. 29 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Following is a statement by President Bush on the Iraqi election:
The Cross Hall
1 P.M. EST
THE PRESIDENT: Today the people of Iraq have spoken to the world, and the world is hearing the voice of freedom from the center of the Middle East.
In great numbers, and under great risk, Iraqis have shown their commitment to democracy. By participating in free elections, the Iraqi people have firmly rejected the anti- democratic ideology of the terrorists. They have refused to be intimidated by thugs and assassins. And they have demonstrated the kind of courage that is always the foundation of self- government.
Some Iraqis were killed while exercising their rights as citizens. We also mourn the American and British military personnel who lost their lives today. Their sacrifices were made in a vital cause of freedom, peace in a troubled region, and a more secure future for us all.
The Iraqi people, themselves, made this election a resounding success. Brave patriots stepped forward as candidates. Many citizens volunteered as poll workers. More than 100,000 Iraqi security force personnel guarded polling places and conducted operations against terrorist groups. One news account told of a voter who had lost a leg in a terror attack last year, and went to the polls today, despite threats of violence. He said, "I would have crawled here if I had to. I don't want terrorists to kill other Iraqis like they tried to kill me. Today I am voting for peace."
Across Iraq today, men and women have taken rightful control of their country's destiny, and they have chosen a future of freedom and peace. In this process, Iraqis have had many friends at their side. The European Union and the United Nations gave important assistance in the election process. The American military and our diplomats, working with our coalition partners, have been skilled and relentless, and their sacrifices have helped to bring Iraqis to this day. The people of the United States have been patient and resolute, even in difficult days.
The commitment to a free Iraq now goes forward. This historic election begins the process of drafting and ratifying a new constitution, which will be the basis of a fully democratic Iraqi government. Terrorists and insurgents will continue to wage their war against democracy, and we will support the Iraqi people in their fight against them. We will continue training Iraqi security forces so this rising democracy can eventually take responsibility for its own security.
There's more distance to travel on the road to democracy. Yet Iraqis are proving they're equal to the challenge. On behalf of the American people, I congratulate the people of Iraq on this great and historic achievement.
Thank you very much.
END 1:05 P.M. EST
http://www.usnewswire.com/
1/30/2005 1:37:00 PM
Contact: White House Press Office, 202-456-2580
WASHINGTON, Jan. 29 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Following is a statement by President Bush on the Iraqi election:
The Cross Hall
1 P.M. EST
THE PRESIDENT: Today the people of Iraq have spoken to the world, and the world is hearing the voice of freedom from the center of the Middle East.
In great numbers, and under great risk, Iraqis have shown their commitment to democracy. By participating in free elections, the Iraqi people have firmly rejected the anti- democratic ideology of the terrorists. They have refused to be intimidated by thugs and assassins. And they have demonstrated the kind of courage that is always the foundation of self- government.
Some Iraqis were killed while exercising their rights as citizens. We also mourn the American and British military personnel who lost their lives today. Their sacrifices were made in a vital cause of freedom, peace in a troubled region, and a more secure future for us all.
The Iraqi people, themselves, made this election a resounding success. Brave patriots stepped forward as candidates. Many citizens volunteered as poll workers. More than 100,000 Iraqi security force personnel guarded polling places and conducted operations against terrorist groups. One news account told of a voter who had lost a leg in a terror attack last year, and went to the polls today, despite threats of violence. He said, "I would have crawled here if I had to. I don't want terrorists to kill other Iraqis like they tried to kill me. Today I am voting for peace."
Across Iraq today, men and women have taken rightful control of their country's destiny, and they have chosen a future of freedom and peace. In this process, Iraqis have had many friends at their side. The European Union and the United Nations gave important assistance in the election process. The American military and our diplomats, working with our coalition partners, have been skilled and relentless, and their sacrifices have helped to bring Iraqis to this day. The people of the United States have been patient and resolute, even in difficult days.
The commitment to a free Iraq now goes forward. This historic election begins the process of drafting and ratifying a new constitution, which will be the basis of a fully democratic Iraqi government. Terrorists and insurgents will continue to wage their war against democracy, and we will support the Iraqi people in their fight against them. We will continue training Iraqi security forces so this rising democracy can eventually take responsibility for its own security.
There's more distance to travel on the road to democracy. Yet Iraqis are proving they're equal to the challenge. On behalf of the American people, I congratulate the people of Iraq on this great and historic achievement.
Thank you very much.
END 1:05 P.M. EST
http://www.usnewswire.com/
Iraqis crowd the polls
Despite insurgent attacks, initial reports of strong turnout in Iraq's
landmark vote lend air of legitimacy. By Scott Peterson
http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0131/p01s02-woiq.html?s=hns
Despite insurgent attacks, initial reports of strong turnout in Iraq's
landmark vote lend air of legitimacy. By Scott Peterson
http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0131/p01s02-woiq.html?s=hns
For Shiites, a sense of triumph
The people of Najaf, the symbolic heart of Shiite Islam, came out in
force to vote in Sunday's election. By Dan Murphy
http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0131/p01s03-woiq.html?s=hns
The people of Najaf, the symbolic heart of Shiite Islam, came out in
force to vote in Sunday's election. By Dan Murphy
http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0131/p01s03-woiq.html?s=hns
I wish there was a way to tell the Iraqi's that voted how impressed and inspired I am by their determination and courage. I am very proud of these people that I have never met, whose country is so far away and different from my own. I hope this vote brought the Iraqi people a new light however big or small for a future that will hopefully be better. It is much deserved! May God Bless the Iraqi's and keep them safe in the coming days and years.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
World leaders hail Iraq vote
Messages of support pour in after landmark elections hailed by bothsupporters
and opponents of the US-led war as a key step towardsrestoring Iraqi sovereignty.
http://newsletters.fairfax.com.au/cgi-bin1...SLZ0Bnf0BizS0Er
Annan appeals for Iraqi reconciliation
http://newsletters.fairfax.com.au/cgi-bin1...SLZ0Bnf0BizT0Es
US mishandled $11bn Iraqi funds
http://newsletters.fairfax.com.au/cgi-bin1...SLZ0Bnf0BizU0Et
Over 200 contractors killed in Iraq
http://newsletters.fairfax.com.au/cgi-bin1...SLZ0Bnf0BizV0Eu
Troops killed in British plane crash
http://newsletters.fairfax.com.au/cgi-bin1...SLZ0Bnf0BizW0Ev
World leaders hail Iraq vote
Messages of support pour in after landmark elections hailed by bothsupporters
and opponents of the US-led war as a key step towardsrestoring Iraqi sovereignty.
http://newsletters.fairfax.com.au/cgi-bin1...SLZ0Bnf0BizS0Er
Annan appeals for Iraqi reconciliation
http://newsletters.fairfax.com.au/cgi-bin1...SLZ0Bnf0BizT0Es
US mishandled $11bn Iraqi funds
http://newsletters.fairfax.com.au/cgi-bin1...SLZ0Bnf0BizU0Et
Over 200 contractors killed in Iraq
http://newsletters.fairfax.com.au/cgi-bin1...SLZ0Bnf0BizV0Eu
Troops killed in British plane crash
http://newsletters.fairfax.com.au/cgi-bin1...SLZ0Bnf0BizW0Ev
Attacks Kill 35; Turnout Heavy Among Shiites and Kurds
By DEXTER FILKINS
At the day's end, election officials in Baghdad estimated
that the nationwide turnout could exceed 60 percent.
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/31/internat.../31iraq.html?th
By DEXTER FILKINS
At the day's end, election officials in Baghdad estimated
that the nationwide turnout could exceed 60 percent.
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/31/internat.../31iraq.html?th
This is a "lo-fi" version of our main content. To view the full version with more information, formatting and images, please click here.