News the Stars Bring Today

Today Major General John F. Kelly reported from Baghdad that for the first time in history there was a successful democratic election in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. It had previously been one of the most dangerous places on earth.

There was a full turnout of citizens, men and women all. The Anbar Sunnis did take precautions, however, they left their children at home and wives and husbands traveled separately, just in case of a suicide bomber or sniper.

As Major General Kelly said, these people were very determined to seize their independence, some of them walking for miles, and, of course, fearing death at every step.
There was such a turnout, in fact that they extended the poll closing to 6 PM, thus tempting fate again. Even the women tasted a little freedom as they were not accompanied into the voting booth by their husbands.

Major General Kelly gave all the credit to the Anbar Sunnis and was happy to have contributed a small part to their growing independence. Remember, this is in a country where a 51 yr old woman, Samira Jassam had 80 women raped and then shamed into becoming suicide bombers, according to Australian News. These people who voted had to be very brave and I congratulate them too.