Editorial #4- Iraq Counts Votes

This editorial is about the elections that were held in Iraq last Sunday. According to the author although the election started out violently it ended well with a better voter turnout than past elections, and even the last U.S. presidential election. So far it looks like it is a close race between the Shiite coalition of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, a second Shiite alliance and a nationalist and secular ticket that received heavy support in Sunni areas. The author also expressed that keeping competition among rival blocs confined to the vote count and the negotiations to form a new ruling coalition would be a huge feat for Iraq, in staying away from the sectarian violence that they often have problems with. According to the author of this editorial Mr. Maliki and nationalist leader Ayad Allwai have the best chance of winning the election and leading the new government as opposed to candidates from Iran. Mr. Maliki signed a strategic framework with the Bush administration and has already demonstrated his capacity to resist Iranian influence. Mr. Allawi is even more interested in an alliance with Washington and has good relations with Arab Sunni governments that have shunned Mr. Maliki's administration.

I agree with this editorial in that it seems like so far the election in Iraq is pretty successful. While there is talk about fraud because of the close results, it seems that the turnout, and limited amount of violence involved in the election are good signs for the direction in which Iraq is headed. I think it would be a very good thing if either Mr. Maliki or Mr. Allawi were elected, because they both seem to be working in the right direction for helping to develop a more stable government in Iraq. Also I think either of these candidates would be a good choice because both seem interested in keeping on good terms with the American government, which is a very good thing in my opinion!