...and let me tell You, ITS A GOOD FEELING!
My family and me arrived one hour ago from one of the 4 German cities exil-Iraqis can participate at the elections at. It was the second time after the liberation @ the 9th of April 2003 the Iraqi People were called to vote for their Partys...When we arrived at the place, 100 Kilometers from home, we saw hundreds of Iraqis standing there, some dancing to music, talking and laughing together, no matter who they were going to vote for. They knew this election is another step on the long way towards security Iraq is on..
Before getting into the voting rooms we had to pass 2 or 3 security checks, with the police and security men there to avoid any criminal intentions or terrorist attacks. After entering the room the woman who hands out the papers received me with "Nice to have another young Iraqi man here.." After gettin into a small conversation I gave my vote and left the room. Outside there were Iraqis offering everybody Tea, Biscuits and letting everyone have a good time.
It was simply great! Im very proud of my country and I hope that we will win the fight against terrorism so my People will finally be able to be free and there will be no more tragic deaths of Iraqi People, American or Japanese soldiers or whoever...

The results will be announced by the end of the week. I hope there will be another change in the regime and it looks good so far.

Now I hope that this will no be another fight and arguing thread between liberals and conservatives or whatever. It is just another special day for my Country and an experience I had today I wanted to share with you..

Thanks for reading,
Atran

Just wondering, but are the rules the same to vote over there as here? Like, do you have to be 18 or older to vote?

And glad to here everything is going well for you and your family. Take it easy. -Pat

Great. Were there any poll predictions? Who were the favorites before the poll began?

Congratulations, Azi. I hope everything goes well for you and your family on this great day.

Thanks Pat. The rules are pretty much the same. You have to be 18 and older. And you have to be BORN in Iraq, now regarding the exil-Iraqis. Because in about 15 countries, inclduing the US and Germany for instance, you have to proof that You were born in Iraq, otherwise you are not allowed to.

Well, there are some preditions which say that there will be a government change. But what I forgot to mention, is that it isnt as simple as in the US or in Europe where are afew partys and where there are alot of polls BEFORE the election. 228 (!!!) "Lists" and Parties/Coalitions have participated at this election. Predicitons are based on experts who analyse how the reactions of the different groups of voters will be. For instance, many Shiites arent happy with Dschaafri so they will vote for another list. Like in most "groups" of voters the Shiites voted for Dschaafari in the last election because it was more an ethnical thing and he "represented" them. But it became a national thing this time and People were able to judge the actions of the regime to decide again...
What I predict is a big coalition with Allawi as the prime minister. It looks very good for him. He is truely someone who speaks and represents ALL Iraqis and he is someone who can lead a country like Iraq. Unlike Dschaafari unfortnately. But we will hope and see...

BTW not to get confused here. The election in Iraq ITSELF is in 2 days, 15/12/2005. Exil-Iraqis (in 15 countries) are able to vote in 3 days, beginning from today...

And this next government, will it be totally independent? Or will it have to listen to the American occupiers, in some way?

I have no idea where You got that from that the government have to "listen" to the "occupiers"
The current government is independent and so will be the next one. By the way, You call them "occupiers", I call them "liberationtroops". And in case you were talking about the troops leaving Iraq. The Iraq government can WHENEVER they want decide for the Allies to leave but it isnt in their interest, neither in the interest of most of the Iraqi people to leave. Not at the moment or the next years anyway.

Congratulations Azi. Here's hoping that you, your people and it's country fair better and better as time moves on with their continued quest towards living in a democracy. I wish you and your country much success.


Don Cardi

Me neither. That's why I asked it.
About 'occupiers': The USA invaded the country and kept their army there. That sounds like occupiers to me, altough I know there is a difference in what people normally consider occupiers; and what the Americans are doing now.

You should call them liberators then.

That's right, it's a better word. Didn't think of that.

Thanks, Italy girl

Aziatic, may I ask what plans. if any, you have to return to Iraq??

My pleasure, Flemish guy!

My pleasure, Flemish guy! [/b][/quote]Djeesh, now I'm getting sentimental. :p

But actually, I don't consider myself Flemish, I am Belgian.

That's good news.

I personally see 4 outcomes for Iraq myself. But this is just how I see things, not a reflection at all on anyone.

-Most Likely: Fragmentation of the country into Shi'ite (Arab), Sunni (Arab), and Kurdish (Sunni) regions with a very weak central government in central Iraq.

-Somewhat Likely: A Shi'ite state similar to and closely allied to Iran with a society based on Islamic religious values

-Less Likely: Liberal Democracy in Iraq closely allied with the United States.

-Least Likely: A Sunni Arab dominated Iraq(Similar to the state Saddam ruled)The Sunni cannot win through elections, or militarily because they are such a minority.


The are just The Doc's outcomes for the future of Iraq. I'm glad you're happy Aziatic, and I hope the future of Iraq is a peaceful one which you and your family may enjoy.

I don't think Kurds are Sunni Muslims, they are Shiite Muslims Doc.

Actually, according to wikipedia.org, a very reputable site for information, clearly stated right under their Religion section for Kurdish People:

Kurdish Religion

-The majority of the Kurds are Sunni Muslims, belonging to the Shafi and Hanafi Schools of Islam.


The Doc

I'm amazed as how they get along well with the Iranian government. Didn't think about the enemy of my enemy thing...