Vote counting in Iraq after at least 38 die during elections (+ detailed election guide); China to let yuan rise once it exits stimulus; Burma passes key election laws; 200 killed in Nigeria attack; and more
Top of the Agenda: US Hails Iraqi Elections Amid Violence
Despite the day's violence, US officials hailed Sunday's elections (WashPost) in Iraq as an important step on the way to withdrawing US troops this summer. Many voters were deterred by fear of violence and doubts about democracy. US President Barack Obama voiced his support for the millions of Iraqis who did vote and reiterated his commitment to withdraw US combat troops by August. He also warned that violence in Iraq would likely continue for weeks or months. Dozens of explosions rocked the Iraqi capital and other cities Sunday morning, killing at least thirty-eight people and wounding eighty-nine. The deadliest attack occurred in the eastern Baghdad district of Ur, where building explosions killed at least twenty-five people.
Election workers at the nearly ten thousand polling centers started individual vote tallies (WSJ) late Sunday and early Monday, though an official count is not expected for several days. Fierce competition will likely mean that no single political bloc will win an outright majority of the vote.
Analysis:
On the Daily Beast, Peter Beinart says Iraq may be virtually government-less when US troops exit this summer.
A Times of London editorial says the bravery of voters suggests hope and progress in securing democracy in Iraq.
In the Washington Post, CFR's Meghan O'Sullivan says although many argue the United States has no influence in Iraq anymore, the hardest work there is yet to come.
Background:
Foreign Policy.com's Iraqi election guide examines the country's diverse parties, coalitions, and sects.
PACIFIC RIM: Chinese Central Bank Signals Yuan Rise
Chinese central bank governor Zhou Xiaochuan said exiting the stimulus would at some point spell the end of the "special yuan policy," (Reuters) or its de-facto peg to the US dollar.
CFR's Steven Dunaway, in a recent Expert Brief, urged continuing international pressure on China to allow its currency to appreciate and correct financial imbalances.
Burma: Burma's military rulers passed five key election laws (BBC) in preparation for expected elections later this year.
ELSEWHERE:
Hundreds Killed in Nigerian Ethnic Clash
US Fed Fights to Maintain Powers
This is an excerpt of the CFR.org Daily News Brief. The full version is available on CFR.org.