A Day of Joy for the Iraqi People

It was a moment to savor.

Iraqis were united in celebration.

BAGHDAD -- Tens of thousands of Iraqis from the Shiite south to the Kurdish-dominated north poured into the usually treacherous streets Sunday to celebrate a rare moment of joy and unity when the national team won Asia's most prestigious soccer tournament.

The revelers spanning the country's sectarian and ethnic divisions danced, sang and waved flags and posters of the team after Iraq beat three-time champion Saudi Arabia 1-0 to take the Asian Cup.

Chants of "Long live Iraq" and "Baghdad is victorious" rang out across the country as Iraqis basked in national pride. Some of the revelers — mostly men — took their shirts off to display the red, white and black colors of the Iraqi flag painted on their chests.

Reporters of the state Iraqiya television wrapped themselves with the national flag as they interviewed people celebrating in the streets. Some joined in the chanting.

Within seconds of the final whistle, celebratory gunfire echoed across Baghdad and elsewhere despite a government ban and the threat of arrest by authorities.

At least four people were killed and scores wounded by the gunfire. But as night fell on the country, there were no reports of bombings such as those that killed at least 50 and wounded dozens in Baghdad during celebrations of Iraq's semifinal win over South Korea on Wednesday.

The Iraqis have to learn that celebratory gunfire is a dangerous thing.

Can you imagine if "celebratory gunfire" killed and wounded scores of individuals each year after the Super Bowl?

Iraqis really should reconsider the practice of firing guns to express happiness.

But what's great is that all Iraqis were united with national pride as their team was victorious.

The sectarian and ethnic divisions disappeared, even if it just was for a day.

This shows that it can happen. They can get along. They can chose a better future. It is possible.