And You Thought the US Campaign Season was Tough

The US has a lot at stake going into Iraq's planned elections in January. So much, that they're keeping their most experienced commanders and troops in place, even as fresh forces arrive to relieve them. Don't expect many people to come home until the Iraqi polls close. The US plans to have an extra 5,000 troops in place through the voting -- on top of the 138,000 stationed there already. Even so, expect insurgents to cause more problems -- and increase their attacks -- before the polls open. (USNews)