Nichervan Barzani, the prime minister of the Kurdish administration in Arbil, has ruled out compromise over the disputed northern Iraqi city of Kirkuk, reinforcing the growing assertiveness of the Kurds in the run-up to Sunday's election. (Financial Times)

What do the Iraqi elections hold for Syria? (aljazeera.com)

This weekend’s elections in Iraq might lend some legitimacy to the new government but won’t likely end the daily violence plaguing the war-torn country, a West Virginia University political scientist says. (Newswise)

Time Magazine: The Opponents: Insurgents, Boycotters, and Skeptics. Which groups are not participating, and why not?

As the controversial Iraqi elections are only three days away, the Arab League and the European Union have warned in unison of the grave consequences of a Sunni boycott of the January 30 polls. (Turks.US)

Iraqi elections cast spotlight on large Iraqi population in Nashville. (Boston Globe)