Iraqi elections - a tilted look

As much as I can't stand the Bush spin on this one, it looks like Iraqis turned out in big numbers to vote. There were 30,000 polling stations open and several million Iraqis turned out to vote. Let's see what happens. Maybe we can leave there someday.

As to what to really make of it, you should ready Juan Cole on Informed Comment. Here's a summary of today's analysis, warning about the US news boosterism of George Bush's spin:

Iraq now faces many key issues that could tear the country apart, from the issues of Kirkuk and Mosul to that of religious law. James Zogby on Wolf Blitzer wisely warned the US public against another "Mission Accomplished" moment. Things may gradually get better, but this flawed "election" isn't a Mardi Gras for Americans and they'll regret it if that is the way they treat it.