Expatriates eager to rock the Iraqi vote. With hopes high, they are scrambling to be able to cast ballots at 'a pivotal point in history.' (LA Times)

Op-ed: Iraq's best chance lies in holding elections. Iraq isn't ready for elections. In the past few days alone, the insurgents have intensified their campaign of killing Iraqis cooperating with the United States, including the governor of Baghdad and nearly 80 police officers. Three militant groups have warned Iraqis against taking part in the Jan. 30 vote, and all 700 electoral-commission members have reportedly resigned. Suicide car bombs are so frequent they are routine. But not holding the elections would be worse. [...] (Herald News [New Jersey, USA])