Obama calls Iraq vote an 'important milestone'

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100308/ap_on_go_pr_wh/us_obama_iraq;_ylt=AhyLSgIDoXSw9H643T2KcGGyFz4D;_ylu=X3oDMTJlbGJuZmtyBGFzc2V0A2FwLzIwMTAwMzA4L3VzX29iYW1hX2lyYXEEY3BvcwMxBHBvcwMyBHNlYwN5bl90b3Bfc3RvcnkEc2xrA29iYW1hY2FsbHNpcg--

Obama calls Iraq vote an 'important milestone'
By STEVEN R. HURST, Associated Press Writer Steven R. Hurst, Associated Press Writer

On Sunday March 7, President Obama, speaking from Washington, praised the recent Iraqi elections as "an important milestone" that "makes it clear that the future of Iraq belongs to the people of Iraq." The day's elections were the second national elections held since the US-led invasion began in 2003. Though there were several incidents of violence, the elections were largely hailed as a success. In the 2005 elections, the Sunni population largely boycotted, but this year's elections appear to have widespread participation. Obama called the vote "a tribute to all who have served and sacrificed in Iraq..." The apparent success of the elections were important steps in the planned withdrawal of American troops by Aug. 31.

This article seems in line with liberal theories about promoting the "universal" ideals of democracy. This case demonstrates, however, the difficulties that nations may face when trying to democratize, showing that democracy may not be suited to all situations. However, the apparent high turnout indicates that a majority of the Iraqi people want to have a voice in their government and make democracy work. It remains to be seen whether the national political scene will take a step away from the ethnic tensions. It also reminds me of what someone brought up in class about the US making "advertisements" for democracy. The US has a lot at stake here in making democracy work in Iraq. We have had troops on the ground there for 7 years, and in today's remarks Obama implied that the US casualties of the war were justified by the fact that they helped in the democratization process.