January 30, 2005
ELECTION DAY
Today I joined the Minister in his hometown of Samarra, where I witnessed him and others take part in Iraq’s first open and democratic elections. Major General Aydin, the Election Security Coordinator for the Ministry of Interior summed up today's success much better than I ever could - "It is 5 o'clock in the afternoon on January 30th, 2005. Across Iraq polling centers are starting to close. It is a day that 26 million Iraqis will remember with joy - a day that will change the face of the Middle East, and of history. Iraq has not just accepted democracy, it has embraced it - setting aside all risks to stand up, men and women, Sunni, Shia, Kurds, and voted for their future." Now, a new and likely greater challenge begins - governing in a democratic society. 
The Iraqi Police have lost over 1,500 officers since May 2003 - no other security force in Iraq has suffered as much. Seeing them vote reaffirmed to me their dedication to defending their country, despite the naysayers. 
The Minister and Steve Casteel, Senior Advisor to the Ministry of Interior – Against the odds, they made today a success. 
The Golden Mosque - better known in the Muslim world as the Al-Askareyya Shrine which holds the tombs of the 10th and 11th Imams. Casting votes within eyesight of this structure added yet another layer of rich history to the city of Samarra. 
January 11, 2005
Tunisia
While on my trip with the Minister to the Arab League conference in Tunisia, I was able to duck off for a few hours and visit Dougga. The site dates back to the 3rd century BC and is quite easily the best preserved Roman ruins site in all of North Africa - and what made it real special was that there were virtually no tourists there. Perfect! 
