Rising Hegemon
BAGHDAD, Iraq - Prime Minister Ayad Allawi publicly acknowledged for the first time Tuesday that parts of Iraq (news - web sites) probably won't be safe enough for people to vote in the Jan. 30 elections, and he announced plans to boost the size of the country's army from 100,000 to 150,000 men by year's end.
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"Certainly, there will be some pockets that will not be able to participate in the elections for these reasons, but we think that it will not be widespread," Allawi said.
He still has enough of the happy juice running through his veins as evidenced by the fact that he and the White House are on the same page.
Allawi discussed preparations for the election by telephone with President Bush (news - web sites) on Tuesday, and both leaders underscored the importance of going ahead with the vote as planned, White House spokesman Scott McClellan said.
Why any pessimism?
Violence persisted, with at least 16 Iraqis killed in two bombings and the seizure of trucks carrying new Iraqi coins. A U.S. soldier was killed in action in Iraq's volatile western Anbar province, the military said.
The attacks this month have killed more than 100 Iraqis, mostly Iraqi police and security forces, who are seen by the militants as collaborators with the American occupiers.
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Anbar province — a vast area that stretches from west of Baghdad to the Jordanian, Syrian and Saudi borders — and the northern city of Mosul have seen little preparation for the vote because of tenuous security.
The capital also is experiencing an increase in insurgent activity, and residents of some districts may be reluctant to vote for fear of attacks on polling stations.
Something is on the march, but it sure isn't peace. But don't bore us with details. We want to live in our happy place, all gum drops and jelly beans, cookies and milk. Regular exercise and a regimented and predictable schedule. Most important, bring us only good news. Please, only good news.
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