IRAQ: Election fever sets in

With just one week to go before millions of Iraqis vote in elections that could drastically alter the power equation across the country, campaigning is at a peak, and it's hard to find a signpost, wall or building facade not plastered with election material. More than 14,500 candidates are vying for 440 seats on the country's provincial councils, so there is stiff competition not only for seats but for places to hang campaign signs.

For more on Iraq's election frenzy, read on.
Babylon & Beyond

That's an emblematic picture, Maliki hard at work, but look down at the street, lots of work left to be done.

I wish for Iraq a successful election