[darieBarexish]

Finally the President says something about Iraq. Now we wont hear about it for 6 months. Great news for Iraq though, another successful election. Iraq will no doubt be Bush's greatest achievement if it continues this way. And more specifically the military and supporting groups that made it possible.

President Barack Obama praised the Iraqi people for braving a spate of violence to cast their ballots in the country’s first parliamentary polls since 2005, describing the event as an advance for Iraq’s democracy.

“I have great respect for the millions of Iraqis who refused to be deterred by acts of violence, and who exercised their right to vote today,” Obama said in a statement on Sunday. “Their participation demonstrates that the Iraqi people have chosen to shape their future through the political process.”

At least 25 Iraqis died in dozens of attacks around the country Sunday morning as voting got underway. But by late morning, the burst of violence appeared to have subsided in most places, and many Iraqis flocked to cast their ballots.

The elections mark a key moment for Iraq, with the U.S. sharply drawing down its forces in the country this year. The results – which were too close to call as polls opened — could show whether voters will continue to move away from sectarian politics and whether Washington will maintain its influence in the face of Iranian backing for many of the politicians. Obama Congratulates Iraqis on Parliamentary Polls - Washington Wire - WSJ