Iraq prepares for historic election

Troops were in place, the borders were closed and the ballots were ready today on the eve of Iraqi parliamentary elections that the US hopes will build democracy and set the stage for American troops to begin returning home.

Even though Sunni insurgent groups vowed not to attack the polls, angry Shiites protested a televised slur on the country’s religious leadership. Rumours spread of ballots smuggled in from Iran – signs of the sectarian tensions that threaten the nation’s future and the Bush administration strategy.