Northeastern Town's Kurds and Arabs Split Over Participation
By Dhya Rasan in Jalawla (ICR No. 99, 25-Jan-05)
By Dhya Rasan in Jalawla (ICR No. 99, 25-Jan-05)
By Hazim al-Sharaa in Amarah (ICR No. 99, 25-Jan-05)
Relative calm means people are ready to take part in the election, and parties and blocs now have to compete for their vote.
Protesters say elections should only be held once the occupation is over.
Some residents of Sunni triangle town will boycott the vote out of conviction, others out of fear.
Police tighten up security as voting centre comes under fire just hours after its location is disclosed.
Residents say they feel personally threatened by the militant leader's call for a boycott.