Friday, August 26, 2005

Good News: Commander Says North-Central Iraq Ready for Elections

Not much to comment on... just more positive news that you probably won't see in the MSM.

I suppose it is not technically "news" since nothing actually happened, but it is a welcome perspective to counteract the impression in the media that" everything is doomed and it is all going to fall apart and everyone thinks so."

Election Preparations Not Disrupted in North-Central Iraq

WASHINGTON, Aug. 26, 2005 – Despite continued efforts, insurgents have been unable impact preparations for elections in the north-central region of Iraq, and that region has a strong plan in place for security during elections scheduled in Iraq in October and December, the commander of U.S. operations in the area said today.

Iraqi leaders in the area are confident about the elections, mainly because they remember the success they had in the Jan. 30 elections, Taluto said. Confidence is also derived from the better equipped and trained Iraqi security forces, a stronger independent electoral commission, and the growing sense of support for the elections among Iraqi citizens, he added.

As the elections draw nearer, insurgent attacks most likely will increase, Taluto said, but U.S. and Iraqi forces are capable of responding and keeping the area secure.