Election impression

At this writing, as the early results have come in, it seems that the elections in Iraq have been a success. There is no indication about who might have won, but turnout has been high, even in Sunni areas. The turnout and the high spirits of the people in Baghdad both suggest that support for the insurgents is low and, perhaps more importantly, that many Iraqis are willing to risk much to defy them.

Let us hope this is true. I opposed the war; I have thought our policies since to have been ridden with error; I have had little hope that elections would turn the tide. Let us hope that they have.

But even if it has, there is much work to do; there will be setbacks to come. This election day impression may fade quickly. The results seen so far may prove illusions. Sunni rage may boil into civil war. The joy of the Shiites and Kurds may led to ill-considered actions that irrevocably divide the country. The insurgents could gain strength. But perhaps not. Let us hope that this day's impression proves lasting.