victor: [regarding the iraq elections] I am a bit more optimistic about the results of todays elections. I think we here in the US are too detatched from events in the middle east to fully appreciate the "small and precarious step" that the nation of iraq took today. We have had over 200 years to work out the kinks of democracy (having seperated from a monarcy somewhat rooted in religion prior to it). I think if we are expecting the Iraqis to hit the ground running with democracy, we are going to be sorely dissapointed. Its not going to be a easy road, I agree with all of you, but I think if the will power of the people is strong enough, democracy could prevail. I understand the cultural differences and the social inhabitions that may make the transition more difficult but its moving (however slowly) toward democracy. If you consider the Japanese at the end of the 18th century with the Meiji revolution, there had been almost 1000 years or more of shogun/imperial rule. I believe the Japan culture is deeply rooted in its traditions and have very strong reverance for its culture, history, and subsequently its eventual destiny. Yet they managed to overcome the old system and transition into the new. I know it was a whole mess until the American's dropped those two bombs but that is why the international community is so intereted in assisting the development of the nation, to make sure that democracy is carried through properly and that things go well.  ¶ 6:31 PM