The real struggle in the Middle East will be for the separation of powers and the separation of church and state. The later being a struggle the US has settled itself yet

If the Iraqis choose, thru the democratic process, a religious state, then so be it. That will be a democratic outcome and we have 'suceeded' in that export market. l suspect however, that democracy as we see it, is a euphemism for 'what we want them to have as it long as it serves our interests.'

"I take my at off" to the Iraqi's who risked death or being maimed by cowardly terrorists to do wahat we Australians take for granted, and even grumble about.

The big voter turnout was a setback to the terrorists and also the local vocal critics who have done nothing but snipe at the Coalition of the Willing, especially President Bush, Tony Blair and John Howard. There are still problems to be solved, but at least the people of Iraq now have the solution in their own hands. If they show the same determination in doing that as they showed in coming out to vote, there is cause for some optimism.

At least the Iraqis get to choose whether they vote or not. Not all democracies have such freedoms.

Seeker - Well said. Nothing annoys me more than having to haul down to vote in an election where I think none of the candiates have anything to offer.

When I moved overseas, I took the time to write to them so I wouldn't be fined for not excercising my democratic rights. The bureaucrats still couldn't work it out and sent a fine through to my mum's place for me. If I could have back the time and effort involved in straightening all that I'm sure I could find something better to do...

That voting is compulsory in a democratic election is contradictory and absurd.

The success of the elections in Iraq is a good thing for the country and Australia should be proud, but it is misleading to pretend NOW that we went to war to secure this liberation for the Iraqi people.

We do need to keep our troops there until the Iraqi security forces are in a position to safeguard the safety citizens of Iraq. We need to do it properly this time. If this had been done right at the time of the 1st Gulf War we wouldn't have needed to have the second. Now we are committed we must see it through.

The war was supposedly about WMD and the world was lied to. The fact that it has all worked out well in the end doesn't change this. It makes me wonder what these lies have done for the image of the USA and Australia etc in countries like North Korea, India, Indonesia and Pakistan. I would think they would be less likely to trust the intelligence our governments receive.