I know. I guess I just didn't read it the same way as you. I don't think it's a bad thing that the Iraqis have stopped incessantly talking about "the Americans" so I don't think it's bad that the Times article says that. Overall, it's a very positive article.
I look at placement within the article. Look at how it started:
BAGHDAD, Iraq — Through 22 months of occupation and war here, the word "America" was usually the first word to pass through the lips of an Iraqi with a gripe. Why can't the Americans produce enough electricity? Why can't the Americans guarantee security? Why can't the Americans find my stolen car?
It's never about the insurgents sabotaging the infrastructure. It's never about the remnants of the Saddam regime. It's the fault of the Americans.
And then, suddenly, the story isn't about realizing that the Americans brought the good of the election. It goes from BAD AMERICANS to BAD IRAQI GOVERNMENT. And no statement of the good of the election itself.