Iran expects benefits from democratically elected Shiite government in Ira

[True_Blue]

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) Iran strongly criticized the U.S. invasion of Iraq that toppled Saddam Hussein and opposed the American occupation of its neighbor, but with Iraqis voting Sunday for a new government, Iran stands to reap huge benefits.

``This is a unique opportunity, not seen for centuries, for Iraqi policy to go in Iran's favor,'' said political analyst Hamid Reza Jalaipour.

Iran's state-run television hailed the vote as ``the beginning of democracy and the end of occupation and insurgency in Iraq.''

``I hope the election leads to the exit of the occupiers from Iraq,'' Defense Minister Ali Shamkhani said, according to the official Islamic Republic News Agency.

more....
http://cbsnewyork.com/international/Iran-Iraq-Elections-ai/resources_news_html

[durablend]

1. Yep...the "occupiers" are definitely going to exit Iraq

Unfortunately, you're next on the hit list!

[w4rma]

2. Ironic. (nt)

[no_to_war_economy]

3. snip from juan cole

At a little after noon EST, Jane Arraf on CNN is reporting about 30 percent turnout in Baqubah, a mixed Sunni-Shiite city to the northeast of Baghdad. It seems clear that the turnout was largely Shiite.

Although the violence and attacks have been extensive and took place all over the country, the security measures put in prevented massive loss of life. Suicide bombers clearly could not get close enough to crowds to take a big toll.

On the other hand, if the turnout is as light in the Sunni Arab areas as it now appears, the parliament/ constitutional assembly is going to be extremely lopsided. It would be sort of like having an election in California where the white Protestants all stayed home and the legislature was mostly Latinos, African-Americans and Asians.

http://www.juancole.com/

[durutti]

4. There will be no democratically elected gov't in Iraq. n/t

[daleo]

5. I wouldn't get excited, it I was Iran

This will be a BFEE/PNAC production, all the way.