Of bombs, killers and governments

We have all three in Iraq. Though only one is a 'first.' The first freely-elected democratic government in the history of the nation was sworn into power in Baghdad.

After months of wrangling following historic Jan. 30 elections, al-Jaafari negotiated a Cabinet that includes 15 Shiite Arab ministers, seven Kurds, four Sunnis and one Christian. Two of four deputy prime ministers were also sworn in Tuesday, a Shiite and a Kurd.

The process continues. Having a government in place--and this isn't even completely 'in place' at this point--is only a step, not a conclusion. An important and positive first step.

But five ministries - including the key defense and oil portfolios - remained in temporary hands and two deputy prime minister's slots were unfilled as al-Jaafari struggled to balance the demands of Iraq's competing ethnic and religious factions.

Al-Jaafari particularly wanted the defense minister's job filled by a Sunni Arab as a way to draw the formerly dominant minority into the fight against an insurgency that is thought to be based primarily among Sunnis.He will act as defense minister until consensus can be reached on a new one.

This is important. Can't understate the importance of filling all the posts with permanent appointees and inclusion of Sunni minorities is still as important as it was when first discussed after the elections. If they have no stake in the new government, they have no reason to help quell the insurgency against it.

Meanwhile the violence continues, yet the process moves forward. That, more than anything, is the telling point. For now at least, Iraqi's are committed to building a new country even in the face of fellow citizens and foreigners who would kill them for it.