March 16, 2005

And so it begins

Sherry at A Western Heart writes about a momentous event:
Amid explosions and low world expectations, Iraq's first freely elected parliament in half a century was sworn into office today.
iraq-parliament.jpg
Click for full-size Image
She also links to this story at MyWay/AP:
"It is a great day in Iraqi history that its elected representatives meet," said Fuad Masoum, a Kurdish delegate. "This day coincides with a painful memory that has many meanings. ... Today, on this occasion, we celebrate the inauguration of parliament after the fall of this regime."
They still have a long long way to go but as Sherry says:
There is no doubt that Iraq has a long way to go in becoming a fully functioning and self sustaining democracy.

They've yet to form their government. There are still problems with security and as in all nations there is infighting and bickering amongst the participants.

However the Iraqis have shown time and again that they have the heart and soul to see this process through to fruition.
This is such a wonderful time to be alive! Posted by DaveH at March 16, 2005 6:32 PM