I've been scanning the regular papers and more obscure sources and the news is erratic, at best. I have no idea how this is going to pan out, but those who claim Iran is going to take over Iraq don't have a real good idea how even Iraqi Shiites feel about Iran.

U.S. and U.N. officials keep insisting the election was as fair as could be expected. Also, Iraqi politicos have a long reputation for slinging rumors around.

Right now, looking at all my usual sources, I've got almost nothing consistent. Remember, the constitution is laid out so the parliament has certain limits on the power of one faction. Still waiting to see what happens.