Iraqi commitment

By now, Iraqis are expected to know the outcome of last weekend's referendum. By most accounts it is expected to pass by wide margins.

The citizens of Iraq have shown an amazing commitment to democracy and no small measure of tenacity by showing up to vote in huge numbers -- an estimated 60 percent -- to decide the future of the country's new constitution. Also, Sunnis turned out in a large way, which in effect puts to rest their boycott of the political process.

They all turned out to vote at their own peril. In last January's elections, there were a reported 347 terrorist attacks on voters and voting places. Last weekend only 13 such attacks occurred thanks to the new forces of the interim government and American troops.

The Iraqi citizens would not be intimidated out of their right to cast a vote.

The election is cause for celebration. But much work remains.

Some kinks need to be worked out in the balloting process. That needs to be addressed before the next big election in December, when the people of Iraq will vote for their first parliament.

In Fallujah, which is primarily made up of Sunnis, an estimated 93 percent voted against the constitution, which turns the country into a federation that acknowledges individual civil and minority rights. While Sunni participation alone represents a victory, the majority Shiites and cohesive Kurds must remain diligent in reaching out to their Sunni countrymen.

The constitution radification represents a monumental step for the people of Iraq.