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12/05/2004:

"Fresh doubts over Iraq elections"

raq's security forces are unable to handle the challenge presented by the first elections since the fall of Saddam, even with extra American soldiers being deployed to help them, according to one of the US military's most senior officers.

The comments from General John Abizaid, head of US Central Command, follows months of statements by senior officials - from George Bush downwards - talking up Iraq's new police and national guard forces.

It comes as UN election adviser Lakhdar Brahimi cast fresh doubt on whether elections could take place in the present circumstances.
Full Article: guardian.co.uk

It is darkly funny to listen to the flurry of politicians and pundits insisting that this election must take place on schedule, even if it is 'imperfect.'