The exercise of the voting power in definace of terror and armed force is all by itself a rejuvenating and awakening experience and thousands of the people of Iraq have now experienced what it feels like to have a franchise. Much to their credit, thousands and thousands more have stepped out and cast their ballots in spite of fear.

This election was to elect and build a parliament which could take on the task of building a viable constitution.

And just holding it has done some good.

Sure, it has flaws and under the circumstances anyone expecting it not to would be unrealistic, but it was a tonic.

A