What’s Ahead For Iraq After Historic U.S. Election

Baghdad, Iraq—On Election Day in southeastern Baghdad, soldiers on patrol were a long way from the voting stations where Americans were choosing their next Commander-In-Chief.

Soldier: “When I swore into the Army, I swore to defend the Constitution of the United States, no matter who’s president. I got a job to do.“

U.S. Military personnel aren’t allowed to express their political views publicly, but they certainly voted…

Lt. Col. Troy Smith, U.S. Army: “We’ve done a lot of absentee ballots from here. We encourage our soldiers to vote for who they think would be the best Commander-in-Chief.“

These soldiers have a strong interest in what their new boss does, back home…

Soldier: “Just help out the economy in America, for number one. It’s hurting, pretty bad.“

And, what he decides to do in Iraq…

Soldier: “Oh man, honestly. I hope there’s a change. I mean, this is my third rotation, here. And I don’t know if I could do a fourth, man. Just away from family so much…“

The numbers started coming in early the next morning, Baghdad time. At Forward Operating Base Falcon, in the south of the city, some got up especially to watch the result. Despite the rules about not showing their political stripes, Obama supporters couldn’t hide their feelings…

Soldier: “It’s a great accomplishment. They’ve broken a barrier. It’s history. So I’m pretty excited about it. Amazing. I’m shaking, I’m so excited. History right there. History being made right now. Hopeful for the future. I’m really excited for the country, right now.“

Most heard the news as they arrived for breakfast.

Phil Black, reporting: “Being a soldier, here in Iraq, what does this mean for you?“

Soldier: “What it means? It means good things about to happen. That’s all I can say. Good things about to happen.“

Phil Black: “On the streets of Baghdad, there are no official rules about expressing political opinions. And, many Iraqis have been glowing in their praise of President-Elect Obama.“

But, the main reason Obama is popular among Iraqis is his pledge to pull out American forces, quickly…

Soldier: “This is good point for the Iraqi people. They like this.“

And, for this country of religious and ethnic divisions, some here say the result carries a powerful lesson in democracy…maybe one day, Iraqis will choose their leaders, regardless of their origins.