Iraq's Election Day

I think by most accounts, expecially those who wants Iraqi to enjoy the same political freedom and power as in Western (and Eastern) democracies, today's election will be a success. Turn out perhaps is over 70%. As expected, polling stations are lively in Shia and Kurds dominated areas. But is is also remarkeable that there are voters in places like Falluja! Who would have though eh? ;)
Cheers to the Iraqi people for they truly appreciate the value of democracy, risking personal safety inorder to vote.

Islamism and Terrorism

A couple of interesting translation from Arab Editorials recently from MEMRI. The first distinguishes Islamism as a political movement premised on the religion of Islam, but should not and must not be viewed as representative of Islam the religion. A very good point for us westerners. The second is actually a compilation of 3 editorials highlighting the fact that Arab terrorists are not the economically oppressed and disenfranchised Arabs but frequently come from educated and affluent Arab families. Again this highlight the driving force of terrorism is political and not economic. Together with Zarqawi recent declaration of war against Democratic principles present a unifying recognition of the true nature the terrorism. Some have taken to use the term "Islamofascist", a term I have been reluctant to adopt personally, but certainly is gain greater credibility as the nature of terrorists is revealed. Most importantly, these articles suggest that the Arabs are also coming to the recognition that terrorism is a war against Arabs and Islam and they too must fight it with vigor.

Inauguration Post

Here is the reverse endorsement from Zarqawi of W's proclaimation for Democracy and Freedom.

“We have declared a bitter war against the principle of democracy and all those who seek to enact it,” a speaker identified as Zarqawi said in an audiotape on the Internet.

“Those who vote ... are infidels. And with God as my witness, I have informed them (of our intentions),” he said.

Inauguration

W was inaugurated today. His speech is here. This part i like:

We are led, by events and common sense, to one conclusion: The survival of liberty in our land increasingly depends on the success of liberty in other lands. The best hope for peace in our world is the expansion of freedom in all the world.

This is a declaration that our national interests, as manifested in our enduring valuation of freedom, can and must co-exist with the popular aspirations of the oppressed elsewhere. Perhaps this is a step toward the recognition that we are our brothers' keepers.

Cheers and best wishes for the next 4 years.

Inauguration Preliminary

ABC news is soliciting stories from families who will be burrying their loved ones who died in Iraq to ballance out the inauguration of W. Witness:

Jan. 19, 2005 — For a possible Inauguration Day story on ABC News, we are trying to find out if there any military funerals for Iraq war casualties scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 20.

If you know of a funeral and whether the family might be willing to talk to ABC News, please fill out the form below:"

ABC News

I gave them my thoughts.