"Freedom has won. We have conquered terrorism."

An historic day:

Joy explodes across Iraq

By Sharon Behn, The Washington Times

BAGHDAD -- Triumphant Iraqis yesterday defied the terrorists, turning out by the millions to vote in Iraq's first free elections in almost 50 years.

Voters joyfully waved celebratory purple-stained fingers aloft, proof that they had cast their ballots, defying a vicious campaign of assassination and intimidation to keep Iraqis from the polls.

"Freedom has won," said Adel Lami of the Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq. "We have conquered terrorism."