Iraqis vote on future, await 'new beginning'

"We have suffered from the security situation, the lack of jobs and poor basic services," said Usra Abdullah, 48, in Baghdad. "If it means that I die while casting my vote then I die."
Imagine America once again with this same since of Freedom?

clipped from www.usatoday.com BAGHDAD — Millions of Iraqis voted in national elections on Sunday despite bomb and grenade attacks in a test of democracy and Iraq's ability to take over security from American troops. Election observers said the most open and competitive election since the overthrow of Saddam Hussein went smoothly. People emerged smiling from polling stations with purple-stained fingers, the signature Iraqi method to prevent vote fraud, and said they hoped for a better future. "We have suffered from the security situation, the lack of jobs and poor basic services," said Usra Abdullah, 48, in Baghdad. "If it means that I die while casting my vote then I die." Poll openings at 7 a.m. were met with numerous blasts. In an explosion near Sadr City, rescue workers said they could hear women and children under the debris screaming for help. The Interior Ministry said at least 35 people had died in the violence. Iraqis living in the United States also voted in six U.S. cities over the weekend.

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