photo MSNBC
CONGRATUALTIONS PM MALIKI, CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CITIZENS OF IRAQ, CONGRATULATIONS TO THE AMERICAN MILITARY AND THE COALITION FORCES, CONGRATULATIONS PRESIDENT BUSH, CONGRATULATIONS AMERICA..."Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave..."

Another historic event takes place in the Middle East. There is a major reformation taking place in the Islamic world right in front of our eyes.

We need not apologize for having been and being an active part. The ultimate responsibility lies with the Islamic peoples of course... and here is just one more evidence that they are grasping hold of... freedom.

bbc UK

IRAQI PM HAILS VOTE AS "VICTORY"

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki has hailed a largely peaceful vote for new provincial councils across the country as a victory for all Iraqis.

Voting was extended by one hour due to a strong turnout, including among Sunni Muslims who boycotted the last polls.

The first nationwide vote in four years is being seen as a test of Iraq's stability ahead of a general election due later this year.

Thousands of soldiers and police were deployed around polling stations.

The election is also being seen as a quasi-referendum on the leadership of Mr Maliki.

"This is a victory for all the Iraqis," he said, after casting his vote in Baghdad's highly-protected Green Zone.

He said a high turnout would be an indicator of "the Iraqi people's trust in their government and in the elections" and "proof that the Iraqi people are now living in real security"...