BAGHDAD - The election of a US president who wants to withdraw American troops from Iraq as soon as possible should surely make it harder for militants to whip up fury against the "occupiers".

BAGHDAD - The election of a US president who wants to withdraw American troops from Iraq as soon as possible should surely make it harder for militants to whip up fury against the "occupiers".

For that reason, at least, Barack Obama's poll victory could bring a honeymoon of sorts in Iraq.

The incoming US president's plans for withdrawal from Iraq have already cheered up Washington's friends and confounded some of its foes.

The prospect of a new US relationship with the wider Middle East, especially Iran, could also smooth out the remaining months of a six-year-old military campaign launched by outgoing president George Bush.

So far Iraqi politicians have welcomed Obama's victory and made it clear that they back his plans for withdrawal. - Reuters