There were mixed feelings on the streets of Baghdad, the morning after Nuri al-Maliki finally stepped down as Iraq's prime minister
Some saw it as a victory for Iraq's fledgling democracy.
(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) IRAQI RESIDENT, AHMED, SAYING:
"It is a good decision and it shows the bravery of the man and his sacrifice for the people. It is a landslide victory for the people."
In the face of growing pressure to step aside, Maliki appeared on State Television Thursday night and dropped his bid for a third term.
He pledged support for his replacement, Shi'ite Haider al-Abadi, who stood by his side.
But not all Iraqis welcome the change:
(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) IRAQI RESIDENT, HUSSEIN HAMA, SAYING:
"The decision was prompted by internal and external interventions and this will usher in the start of what is called a compromised democracy. This will have a negative impact in the future and will stop people from taking part in elections."
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