Iraqis Want to Be Martyrs More Than Ever

says Anthony Shadid in the Washington Post as he reports on what a terrible, bloody, horrifying mess Iraq has become since Americans made the "mistake" of (illegally!) overthrowing Saddam.

"Going to the polling stations is a victory for the Iraqi people," said Ali Danif, a 45-year-old writer. …

"It's one of my wishes to die at the gate of the polling station," [a smiling Suheil Yassin] said, a gesture that was self-consciously dramatic. "I want to be a martyr for the ballot box."…

(Shookhran to Iraq the Model)