History will have to be the judge..........
of the vote in Iraq. When you say <"Something awful could still happen that will result in failure."> Keep in mind that unless you have a crystall ball the intended and unintended consequences of this election will be manifest somewhere down the road. It would be both naive and simplistic to take the position, "Oh, good. They had an election, the will of the people is known, and now everything is settled."
You know this election is only a first step towards a process that could bring either greater or lesser freedom and stability to the people of Iraq.
Those of good will everywhere are hoping the world of Iraq is coming to a start. However, hopes and wishes are not something to be celebrated like scores in a football game.
Publius