Two more commentaries on the Iraqi election

First, from Kevin Drum:

It's not clear that the fundamental ground rules of the insurgency have been changed much by the election, but at the same time, the immediate success of the election itself is good news no matter what.

Even if there turn out to be irregularities in the voting, even if the elected assembly has problems, even if _________________ (fill in the blank), the fact that this election took place at all is a positive step. I do have suspicions that all is not as sunny as it seems regarding this election, but I do concede that it is nonetheless a good thing that it happened.

The second commentary comes from Marshall Wittman at Bull Moose. The entire commentary is worth reading, but here is a key excerpt:

We should not fall victim to either sour pessimism or irrational exuberance. As the Moose pointed out yesterday, the outcome of this struggle is by no means certain. Iraq will not soon, if ever, enjoy a Vermont type town hall democratic life - hopefully it will not lapse into a Putin like authoritarian state or an Iranian style theocracy. Nevertheless, for the Arab world, what transpired Sunday is profoundly important. Millions braved threats and attacks from fascist terrorists to cast a vote for a democratic future.