Unity in adversity

A successful national election hands Iraq—and the Middle East—a historic opportunity | Mindy Belz

Across Iraq the violet-stained index fingers that became a symbol of Jan. 30's successful election have faded. Poll workers told voters that the indelible ink would take at least three days to go away—long enough to certify once-only participation without turning into an annoyance. But in the days preceding the election, voters swapped advice on Baghdad call-in shows on how to remove the ink, fearful the stains could mark them for terrorists. Paint your finger with skin lotion before entering the polling station, then wipe it clean before reentering the street, some advised. Dip your finger in boiling detergent and rub vigorously, others counseled.

Instead, a strangely sanguine YaYa brotherhood—and sisterhood—took hold on Election Day in Iraq. As more and more Iraqis filed into the polling stations, the inky finger bruise became a badge of courage, a mark of achievement, a symbol of defiance of the terrorists, the doomsayers, and the prevailing miasma of uncontrollable chaos. Now most Iraqis hope the adrenal flush over high voter turnout and low violence won't wear out like indigo ink.