Iraq update

In all fairness, yesterday's update was fairly bleak. Maybe I should post some good news, too.
Global Summit Unites on Iraq Poll:

An international conference on the future of Iraq ended today with the G8 nations and the Arab League uniting in support of the Iraqi elections scheduled for January 30.

Meanwhile, Iraq Falls Short on Vote Security:

Iraqi officials and American commanders plan to rely on Iraqi security forces to protect 9,000 polling places during the coming elections, but there are far fewer trained security officers than Iraqi officials estimate are needed. Moreover, many have performed poorly in the Sunni Arab areas where the worst violence is expected.

Iraqi and American officials believe it is important to deploy Iraqi forces, rather than have American troops police the polls, to ensure the credibility of the vote. But American commanders say that only 145,000 Iraqi security personnel will be trained and ready by election day, now scheduled for Jan. 30, far short of the 270,000 that Iraqi officials say are needed.

Jordan weighs in:

The Jordanian foreign minister, Hani Mulki, said: "What's sacred in the democratic process is the full participation of all segments of the population. If the date comes and it was suitable and a good day for elections, that's fine.

"But the dates are not sacred. The process is the only sacred thing."

Shortly after, US Starts New Offensive South of Baghdad

Countdown to elections: 69 days.