The Election In Iraq

It appears that the election in Iraq went better than had been expected. Of course there was loss of life, including a British plane being shot down. And, the Sunni didn't vote in number sufficient to indicate their presence (it would have been foolhardy to vote in a Sunni area and risk you life for naught.)

However, the anticipation that real control in Iraq will be passed to the Iraqi is proably destined to be squashed. For one thing, it is known that most people there want the US to leave. Yet, it is probably true that we are building permanent bases:

Chicago Tribune March 23, 2004
14 `enduring bases' set in Iraq Long-term military presence planned

In-Depth Coverage
By Christine Spolar

From the ashes of abandoned Iraqi army bases, U.S. military engineers are overseeing the building of an enhanced system of American bases designed to last for years.

It will be interesting to see how these two opposing ideas: the US leaving Iraq and the US building permanent bases will work out in the short and long run.

Stay tuned.