DON'T POSTPONE THE ELECTION

Jim Hoagland writes in the Washington Post that the election in Iraq must be held at January 30th, even though the situation isn't optimal. I agree. It is true that the election turnout in the Sunni dominated areas of the country probably won't be even close to as high as one would wish, but that can't be helped. The situation will hardly improve if the election was postponed - in fact it would likely get worse as the terrorists feel that they've won one battle.

Another Washington Post columnist, Charles Krauthammer, argues as cleverly as usual, that an election in which 80 per cent of the population can participate, should still be considered legitimate. In fact, considering the circumstances, it would still be a good start on Iraq's long road to democracy. And long it is, with many hardships surely waiting on the way, but it is imperative that they walk it and the rewards are well worth the trouble.

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