So Far, So Good

The Iraqi elections are so far going along with extremely high turnout in some areas. There are reports of several bombings and mortar attacks with up to 36 Iraqis dead--not really much different from other days. Meanwhile, the mood in some places seems downright euphoric:

Turnout was brisk in Shiite Muslim and mixed Shiite-Sunni neighborhoods. Even in the small town of Askan in the so-called "triangle of death" south of Baghdad, 20 people waited in line at each of several polling centers. More walked toward the polls.

Rumors of impending violence were rife. When an unexplained boom sounded near one Baghdad voting station, some women put their hands to their mouths and whispered prayers. Others continued walking calmly to the voting stations. Several shouted in unison: "We have no fear."

"Am I scared? Of course I'm not scared. This is my country," said 50-year-old Fathiya Mohammed, wearing a head-to-toe abaya.

At one polling place in Baghdad, soldiers and voters joined hands in a dance, and in Baqouba, voters jumped and clapped to celebrate the historic day. At another, an Iraqi policeman in a black ski mask tucked his assault rifle under one arm and took the hand of an elderly blind woman, guiding her to the polls.

As is often the case, Scrappleface nails the issue perfectly.

(Scrappleface link via Instapundit)

- posted by Base10 @ 8:37 AM