Milestone in Iraq

While the results in Iraq's parliamentary elections aren't in yet, the turnout of 62 percent constituted a fresh endorsement of democracy in a nation with a long tradition of dictatorship and sectarian tensions.

Despite a spate of terrorist bombs in the days leading up to the vote, U.S. officials said only three polling stations were closed, and those for only 15 minutes, on Sunday.

Although turnout was less than the 76 percent who voted in the last parliamentary elections in 2005, the Sunnis, who boycotted that vote, chose to participate this time.

Also notable was the strong showing of two slates that downplayed sectarianism and ran secular campaigns. The front-runner is believed to be Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki, who worked to broaden his coalition from its Shiite base. He was strongly challenged by Ayad Allawi, a former prime minister whose ticket includes a number of high-profile Sunni candidates.

Neither is expected to command a majority in the 325-member parliament, which means forging alliances with the Kurds, the dominant ethnic group in northern Iraq, or smaller religious parties, including the bloc of Muqtada al-Sadr, the anti-American rabble rouser whose influence has waned.

Although the various factions will likely face tough bargaining to try to forge a majority, the haggling could be constructive if it transcends sectarian rifts and fosters inclusiveness.

In any event, the election is a milestone on the path toward a stable democracy in Iraq, which hastens the day when U.S. troops can withdraw.