On the purple fingers

I want today's Iraqi election to be the event that finally turns the country away from its increasing levels of insurgent violence and terrorism and sectarian strife.

I want this to be the day when Iraq begins at long last to become a stable, non-dictatorial, non-theocratic republic that serves as a role model and a trail blazer for the Middle East.

I want the heavy turnout among Kurds and Shiites and Sunnis to be the signal that Iraqi citizens once and for all will stop killing American troops and each other and start living together in peace.

I fear that after this election has passed, just as with the last Iraqi election and the one before that, we'll all still be left wanting.