The democratic urge

Chrenkoff has the latest installment of good news from Iraq. This edition focuses on news relating to the upcoming elections. He begins with the results of a recent poll of 5,000 people in and around Baghdad, which suggests that “an overwhelming majority are prepared to make a clean break with the past and pursue democracy–now.” To this end, 220 registered parties are expected to field approximately 5,000 candidates. This means that the candidates, their family members, and friends may well outnumber the insurgents. The Iraqi Islamic Party, the main Sunni party, will participate. Until recently, it had been threatening to boycott the election.
There’s much, much more on the political situation, as well the economy and the matter of security.