Iraq: Elections and the Kurd-Arab Struggle

Iraqis head to the polls Jan. 31 for provincial elections. The competition for this vote is fierce both among and within Iraq's rival factions, as each party is looking to undercut its opponents, make up for past boycotts or desperately hold onto seats. This vote will play a major role in influencing U.S. President Barack Obama's agenda to accelerate the U.S. withdrawal from Iraq against the backdrop of a long-anticipated battle between Iraqi Kurds and Arabs.