Hiz Highness

What are everyone's reaction to the Jan 30th elections in Iraq? Looks like nine suicide bombings produced somewhere between 40 and 50 deaths. Voter turnout is being estimated somewhere in the 60%+ range.

My impressions:
1) Significantly fewer deaths than the global media seemed to be expecting. For the past month the media has been preparing the public for massive casualties surrounding this election.

2) Larger voter turnout than I was expecting.

I should note that this doesn't change my opinion that it is not the role of the United States to invade other nations and "give them democracy". I recall the president speaking out against "nation building" during his first run for president. It seems his second term will be largely focused on exactly that.

However, I am glad that the process did not turn out to be as bloody as many people predicted it would be. I'll withold further comments until others respond . . . so what are your impressions?

-HH