Hope grows in Iraq

A day after President Bush gives a speech about expanding freedom throughout the world, this story appeared in the WashPost: “Most Iraqis remain committed to elections, poll finds”

An overwhelming majority of Iraqis continue to say they intend to vote on Jan. 30 even as insurgents press attacks aimed at rendering the elections a failure, according to a new public opinion survey.

Western specialists involved with election preparations said they were struck by the determination and resilience of ordinary Iraqis as they anticipate their country's first free election in half a century.

Afghanistan, Iraq…will a democratic “domino effect” take hold in the Mideast? This is a good sign.