Iraqis Vote
All signs point to a big victory for Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s Dawa party in Iraq’s provincial elections. Dawa enjoyed strong support in Basra, Baghdad and towns along the Tigris river.
Peace and Participation
Not all provinces voted, and many Kurds living in northern Iraq would rather declare their independence. However participation in al-Anbar province was high and the overall level of violence was low. These developments must encourage Iraqi voters. They are creating a vibrant post-Saddam democracy in a diverse, complicated country.
Blackwater Out
Prime Minister al-Maliki undoubtedly benefited from the sharp decrease in bombings and assassinations in Iraq over the past few months. But he also exercised sound political judgment by not renewing the operating license of Blackwater Worldwide. Blackwater Worldwide is currently providing security for US and Iraqi public officials.
Cutting Blackwater loose demonstrates to Iraqis that their prime minister is willing to act independently of the US when it comes to the security of Iraq.
Blackwater’s exit also helps the US cause. It shows that we are on our way out and that representatives of our country in Iraq will be subject to US laws and the US military code of conduct.
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