[Calpernia]

Iraqi forces have the lead in providing security for national elections Dec. 15, officials said here today. This is a huge job, military and embassy officials said on background. Some 230,000 Iraqi soldiers and police will provide security for more than 6,500 election sites and polling centers in the nation. The election will select members of the first permanent democratic government in Iraq's history. More than 3,800 people are running for office, officials said. They can run as individuals or as members of parties, and parties may be connected to larger coalitions.

Iraqi airwaves are filled with campaign ads, and many are quite sophisticated, a translator at the embassy said. Others are less so.

[Alamo-Girl]

Thanks for the ping!

[smoothsailing]

This is looking real good!

IRAQI FREEDOM BUMP!

[RottiBiz]

Thanks, Calpernia.

Have my purple ink ready to show solidarity with the Free Iraqis.