Iraq’s electoral commission today ruled that more than 99% of the ballots from the December 15 elections were valid, opening the way for a new government to start coming together.

IRAQI militants are claiming to hold a US soldier hostage and have threatened to behead him in 72 hours unless the US releases Iraqi prisoners.

Iraqi authorities will impose “restrictions” on the movement of cars throughout Iraq and throw security cordons around polling stations, a Cabinet minister has said today.