Yesterday the world witnessed a milestone in Iraq-a free and open election. In a sharp rebuff to the insurgents who have worked hard to derail the budding electoral process, the mood on Iraqi streets was festive, with voters throughout the country showing their ink-stained fingers as a matter of pride. However, while we must not overlook the sheer magnitude of the transition that is occurring in the Middle East, we also must not forget the many challenges that still lie ahead for both the Iraqis and the Americans that are on the ground in Iraq.
Perhaps the greatest relief about yesterday's events was the relative lack of violence, especially considering the threats and the violent run-up to the elections in the past few weeks. We must not forget, however, that the "calm" streets of Baghdad, Basra, Mosul and other cities were the result of military roadblocks that shut down vehicle traffic in many parts of the cities. While such roadblocks seem to have proven effective at reducing election day violence, the threat of violence against civilians and military personnel will persist long after the returns are tallied.
Much of this violence has been and will continue to be propagated by the Sunni minority, the main beneficiaries of former dictator Saddam Hussein's rule. Many Sunnis boycotted yesterday's election at the urging of their leaders, so it would be reasonable to expect that they will not feel as connected to the resulting transitional democracy.
The problem typified by Sunni nonparticipation in elections is one of sectarian clashes that have long haunted occupied Iraq. The new government will face the enormous challenge of building a peaceful and secure democracy consisting of Shiites, Kurds and Sunnis without the perception that the Shiite majority is ruling with a deaf ear towards the concerns of others. A democracy is not a license for the majority to strong- arm the minority, but all too often this is unfortunately the case. A truly democratic Iraq must give voice to populations that lack electoral majorities; otherwise, it risks descending further into ethnic conflict.
Like the character of the democracy which they are now occupying, the role of American troops in the region seems uncertain at this point. President Bush has pledged that American commanders will heed the wishes of the new government; however, it seems unlikely that we will see a significant reduction in Americans on the ground anytime soon. The precarious security situation combined with weak local defense forces will equal an extended (and probably unwelcome) American presence for the foreseeable future.
The Iraqi elections that we witnessed yesterday were no doubt an inspiring event that will find their way into history books. The question that remains, however, is whether the pictures and words reported from yesterday will lead a new chapter in Middle Eastern history or simply serve as a brief island of peace in a sea of violence and desperation. It is incumbent for the Bush administration to ensure that our children read about the former.
