The scene of Iraqis voting on Sunday was reminiscent of other elections in which long-oppressed people in Africa and other parts of the world showed remarkable determination in voting. These voters' determination also provides a sobering contrast to many U.S. voters, who can be kept away from the polls by a little rain or chilly temperatures. In Iraq, months of deadly attacks on civilians as well as soldiers and police appeares to have produced defiance - rather than intimidation - in millions of Iraqi voters.

Still, Sunday's election is only a first step. The winning candidates will be charged with crafting a constitution. Then, another election is to be held by the end of the year to select the people who will actually run a free and democratic Iraq.

But the acts of bravery, determination and defiance displayed by Iraqis this past weekend are seen as a sign that the murderous insurgents are not winning. Though they are unlikely to suddenly end their deadly attacks, the insurgents must now see that the will of the Iraqi people is for self-determination rather than a return to abusive, minority-party rule that controlled the population by violence and intimidation.

Reaction to the election for many people still appears subject to political bias, but it is impossible for anyone to discount the actions of the Iraqi people in casting votes in the first free election in that country in 50 years. Many serious challenges remain, but those Iraqis who voted have demonstrated the necessary will to see the process through.

Some of the various factions in Iraq are already calling for reconciliation and suggest using the election as something of a new beginning. Majority Shiites are speaking publicly about ensuring Sunni participation, despite that minority group's relative lack of participation in the election. With civil war considered a real risk in Iraq, this attitude is welcome.

In the U.S., some prominent Democrats are now calling on President George W. Bush to map out precise details and a timetable for a full U.S. exit from Iraq. That would be difficult and a draw down of U.S. forces clearly depends on events in Iraq. Still, some U.S. troop withdrawal would be welcome in Iraq and the Middle East as well as at home.

Ultimately, Iraqis will have to provide for their own security and defense. But until adequate numbers and training levels are reached, international assistance will be required.

Suppressing insurgent attacks cannot be done with fewer trained soldiers, and it could be a year before significant numbers of adequately trained Iraqi forces are ready. In the meantime, troops from the United Nations would be a welcome addition to the effort in Iraq.

The U.N. supplied people to help set up and monitor the election and U.N. officials generally praised Sunday's election. If progress building on the election is to continue, U.N. peace-keeping troops would be helpful.

More than 60,000 U.N. forces of are already deployed around the world, but the opportunity to help nurture the emerging democracy in Iraq should justify expanding U.N. troop deployment into Iraq.

Replacing some U. S. troops with U.N. forces would signal America's commitment to ultimately leave the country in the hands of the Iraqis. The recent election was a first step in that process, and the replacement of some U.S. troops with U.N. forces would be welcomed at home and in Iraq.