From the BBC:

Q&A on Iraq elections. Good overall summary of how the elections will work. Answers the following questions: How will this election work? What powers will the Assembly have? When will there be a fully constitutional government? What about security? Who is likely to win? Will Iraqis living abroad be allowed to vote? What about the foreign troops?

Iraq election at-a-glance. The key dates. Purpose of the vote. Parties and candidates. The registration process. The day itself. Foreign forces and observers.

Paul Reynolds: While the world's attention has been on the disaster in Asia, the situation in Iraq has deteriorated so much that the insurgency has developed into near-open warfare.