HANDICAPPING THE IRAQI ELECTION

Here is the best article I've seen thus far giving a complete overview of the Iraqi election schedule for tomorrow, with links to other related information. James Robbins is optimistic...

Then there are the terrorists, who will seek to disrupt the election through whatever violent means are at their disposal. It is impossible to predict what impact they will have, except that their activities will receive the most Western media coverage while surely deserving it the least. Al Qaeda prime contractor Musab al Zarqawi has been making almost daily rants against democracy, and carrying out operations against politicians, poll workers, and police. However, there is a sense that this is backfiring. Zarqawi is not an Iraqi, and most of his followers are also foreign-born and — funded. His increasing focus on Iraqi targets has raised questions about for whom he is fighting his liberation struggle. Zarqawi's threats and attacks have not been able to slow the growing election momentum. A spokesman for SCIRI memorably stated, "Saddam killed five million people. Do you think a man like Zarqawi, with his dozens or even hundreds of victims, can frighten us?" Once a legitimate Iraqi government is in place, Zarqawi has pledged to destroy it. This will spell the end of his movement as the Iraqis begin to defend what is truly theirs.

So far, it appears the Iraqi expatriates are coming out in large numbers and voting, often while singing the praises of the US for the opportunity. Meanwhile, the Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister is predicting a large turnout.