Please see the speeches by Hilary Benn MP, Hashimia Muhsin Hussein (President of the Basra Electricity and Energy Union) and Subhi Abdullah al Mashadani (General Secretary of the Iraqi Federation of Trade Unions) here:
In addition to our role as trade unionists, campaigning for the welfare of working people through decent working conditions, we are also active participants in building a new politics, and working towards the elections that will take place on 30th January to elect a new democratic government that will represent the views of Iraqis.
.....
Terrorists and terrorism do not want to see democracy flourish, and do not want to uphold the rule of law. We want to support the political processes taking place in Iraq. We want civil society to flourish. We want the institution of democracy to take hold. We want to see elections taking place, and then we can call for the foreign troops to leave.
Also: Nick at 4Glengate reports on the resignation of Mick Rix, former General Secretary of ASLEF, from the Stop the War Coalition steering committee. Harry comments on the same news.