Iraq progress

The rising U.S. death toll, presidential election and worsening security in Afghanistan have diverted American attention from the war in Iraq, where 120,000 U.S. troops remain. Iraq was once the front in the war on terror, but now that has shifted under President Obama back to Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Drawing less American attention has been the upcoming Iraq elections that are a key to continued U.S. troop withdrawals to reduce our military presence and role in Iraq. An internal political battle over the oil-rich northern province of Kirkuk, which is claimed by conflicting ethnic groups, had threatened to delay the parliamentary elections slated for January.

The dispute was resolved in a law approved Sunday by Iraq's parliament, which established specific voting procedures in Kirkuk with provision for United Nations oversight if fraud is suspected. The election commission has set the date for Jan. 21.

The law also takes a step forward by allowing Iraqis to vote for individual candidates, rather than for a political party that would make a decision, giving voters greater voice in who will represent them. There will be more seats in parliament, and refugees will be allowed to vote for a limited number of seats.

In another positive sign, all major groups are expected to participate, giving the government greater legitimacy. Sunni Arabs boycotted the 2005 elections.

President Obama praised the measure as an "important milestone as the Iraqi people continue to take responsibility for their future."

It also keeps plans for U.S. troop withdrawal on track. A decision on future drawdown of troops is expected 60 days after the elections. Combat forces are supposed to be out of the country by the end of August with a residual force of about 50,000 troops remaining until the end of 2011 to train and support Iraqi forces.

Some thorny issues and unanswered questions remain. However, the compromise allows Iraq's second elections since the fall of Saddam Hussein to go forward, which is another step toward stability in the country and bringing home our troops.