Today is a HUGE day for Iraq. Those of you who follow soccer know that it is the biggest attended sport outside the USA. Today was the last day of the Asian Games - Iraq was playing Saudi Arabia for the Asian soccer championship.

The Iraqi national team is comprised of Kurds, Sunnis and Shias. This is the first time they have played in the Asian cup in their history. (Iraq was set up as an independent kingdom in 1921 after WWI and the breakup of the Ottoman Empire).

In addition to this being the first time Iraq has played in the Asian Cup, there is another factor: One of Saddam's now deceased sons was so intent on winning that he would physically torture the players if they lost.

Despite history and troubles, the Iraqis persevered. They upset teams all through the playoffs to reach the championship game. They WON!! Iraq the Model a blog established by two men since the downfall of Saddam has the detail. I'm sure the Americans in Iraq as well as those who have come back understand the importance of this victory. Please read the entire post but if not time, Iraq the Model's authors' last line says it all:

The fear is gone, the curfew is ignored, tonight Iraq knows only joy..