Polls Close in Iraq Elections, No Major Violence

Fox News/AP ^ | 1-31-09

[STARWISE]

Iraq's provincial elections have wrapped up without any reports of serious violence.

Polls closed at 6 p.m. (10 a.m. EST) on Saturday — an hour later than planned — after millions of voters cast ballots for influential regional councils around most of Iraq. There were no reports of major violence.

Iraqi authorities imposed a huge security operation around the country that included traffic bans in major cities and extensive checkpoints and surveillance posts. The U.S. military also was out in force but did not take a direct role in the election security.

[STARWISE]

~~~~~

From our FReeper in Iraq, Allegra:

"I didn't bring my camera to work and I was regretting it when some of our colleagues stopped by early in the afternoon to show off their purple fingers.

One of my closest Iraqi friends rubbed some of her purple on to my finger so that I could stand in solidarity with them. Then a bucnh of other Americans started doing the same and getting the Iraqis to rub their index fingers on theirs so they could have some purple too."

~~~~

Thank you, God bless you for this historic progress to freedom:

Pres. George W. Bush and our awesome military, devoted contractors and freedom-loving Iraqis!

[nmh]

Thanks to Bush this is a reality there.

Kudos to GWB for completing this honorable mission.

[G8 Diplomat]

Mabruk (Congrats) Iraq!

I like the idea of dipping you finger in paint after voting. It helps prevents voter fraud. I remember in the 2005 elections something like 70% of the population came out to vote, despite roadside bombs and insurgents. Whereas here, less than half vote with nothing stopping them.

[STARWISE]

~~~PING!

[Earthdweller]

BTTT!!

[Ghost of Philip Marlowe]

“Nothing accomplished.”

Have I mentioned lately how much I hate Leftists and their tools in the Democrat party? And yet, they’re lies are winning.

[mort56]

Iraq's provincial elections have wrapped up without any reports of serious violence.

Bush's Fault!

[bray]

This is worth 20% approval ratings. Allowing oppressed people the chance to breath freedom. God Bless President George W Bush.

How many intellectuals told us that Mooselips couldn’t handle democracy?? One dumb chimp thought otherwise.

Pray for W, Our Troops and Iraq

[Edgewood Pilot]

Wow great news ! Thanks for your talents and time in sharing the info !

[tiredoflaundry]

Awesome!

[Kaslin]

Thanks for the report.

[Loyalist]

Isn’t it a shame that we can have more confidence that this Iraqi election was free and fair than we can about the last presidential election?

[jimbo123]

Freedom bump!

[Allegra]

The Iraqis are out there celebrating tonight and we can hear them. Sounds of horns honking and groups of people singing are drifting in from outside the wire.

But they're much more laid back about it now than they were four years ago. They are out on the streets partying which they did not dare do four years ago.

I am continuously amazed at the rapid progress I see here and it is all due to not tiring, not faltering and not failing.

I don't want to wash this purple bit off of my finger, but I have to take a shower. LOL

[4integrity]

“Isn’t it a shame that we can have more confidence that this Iraqi election was free and fair than we can about the last presidential election?”

Great observation! ...and, still in question in Minn. Senate election.

[Allegra]

Mabruk (Congrats) Iraq!

I've been telling them, "Tahaneena!"

[STARWISE]

Speech To American Heros Baghdad Iraq - Thanksgiving Day, 2003

"The regime of Saddam Hussein is gone forever."

Thank you. I was just looking for a warm meal somewhere. Thank you for inviting me to dinner. Gen. Sanchez, thank you, sir, for your kind invitation and your strong leadership. Ambassador Bremer, thank you for your steadfast belief in freedom and peace.

I want to thank the members of the Governing Council who are here, pleased you are joining us on our nation's great holiday, it's a chance to give thanks to the Almighty for the many blessings we receive.

[STARWISE]

~~Pres. Bush never wavered, never faltered .... PING!

[STARWISE]

Yay .... fantastic! Thank you for your relentless devotion to seeing this through to this day. God bless you and all your Iraqi friends.

[hdbc]

Congrats to the Iraqi people.
God bless George Bush. The first 10 days of Obongo has been a disaster already. We’re so screwed.