Impact of Iraqi elections on the Middle East

Power Line notes that Iraqis living in Syria can vote in Iraqi elections. This will definitely influence Syrians who do not have the same priviledge. Now that the Iraqi elections are a success (72% voter turnout), pressure will be on despots in the Middle East to explain to their people why the same cannot happen in their countries. In fact, President Bush has turned the table by forcing Middle Eastern despots to be on the defensive. They can no longer deflect the simmering discontent among their populace onto the US and the Israel. For the first time in the history there is a real chance of peace in the Middle East.

Now that Iraq and Afghanistan are doing okay I hope US can turn their attention to other countries like Pakistan.