Iraqi Elections Safe and Successful

Iraqi security forces, with the support of the U.S. military, successfully protected millions of Iraqis as they headed to the polls on January 31st. Over 14,400 candidates vied for 440 seats in 14 of Iraq's 18 provinces. There were no reports of deaths or major violence on election day.

This is continuing proof that not only did the Surge work, but that Iraq is fully on the path to complete self-determination as well as being solely responsible for its own security.

Army General David H. Petraeus, Commander of the U.S. Central Command issued a statement in which he said,

“Congratulations to the Iraqi Government, the Iraqi Security Forces, the Iraqi people, the United Nations, the international observers, and Coalition elements for their concerted efforts in making today’s provincial elections an event of which all Iraqis should be proud and an effort the world should applaud . . . . [The] elections are a cause for celebration as we salute the millions of Iraqi citizens who took to the streets to exercise their fundamental right to self-determination . . . . As we honor the courage and resolve of the Iraqi people who walked miles to a polling station and braved long lines and security concerns, I know that I can speak for all those who have been privileged to work with our Iraqi partners in the ‘Land of the Two Rivers’ in saying to the people of Iraq: ‘Mabruk.’”

Mabruk is Iraqi for congratulations. We all should congratulate the Iraqi people and the U.S. military for the outstanding job it has done over the last eight plus years.