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Iraqis brave bombs to vote

Jan-30-2005 » Filed Under: Iraq News

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By Luke Baker

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Some smile, some are stoic and others hide their faces as Iraqis go to the polls, braving anti-U.S. insurgents determined to drown the historic vote in blood.

Suicide bombs and mortar fire marked the event, the first multi-party poll in 50 years, killing at least 22 people countrywide. But still thousands dared to cast their votes.

In Falluja, the devastated Sunni city west of Baghdad that was an insurgent stronghold until a U.S. assault in November, a thin stream of people turned out, defying expectations.

"We want to be like other Iraqis, we don't want to always be in opposition," said Ahmed Jassim, smiling after voting.[...]

In Mosul, Iraq's third largest city in the north of the country, where there is a mixed Sunni and Kurdish population and where the insurgency has been strong in recent months, U.S. officials said voting stations were busy and attacks were few.

"So far it's gone very well, much better than expected," said a U.S. officer, as small arms fire echoed in the distance.

Baghdad's mayor was overcome with emotion by the turnout of voters at City Hall, where he said thousands were celebrating.

"I cannot describe what I am seeing. It is incredible. This is a vote for the future, for the children, for the rule of law, for humanity, for love," Alaa al-Tamimi told Reuters.


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