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Early Perception: Freedom Not Occupation
- Early 2004 coverage still cast the Iraq campaign as a fight for freedom rather than an occupation.
- Public opinion didn't shift to viewing the invasion as a mistake until months after the 2004 election.
Election Under Fire
- Iraq's January 2005 parliamentary election occurred amid rising violence and suicide bombings.
- The security environment made the vote more symbolic for the U.S. than genuinely inclusive for Iraqis.
Sistani Pushed Elections For Power
- Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani pushed for elections, using them to increase Shiite clerical influence.
- The U.S. backed elections partly to gain legitimacy and a morale boost rather than solve deep political fractures.