by TChris

Five members of the U.S. military were killed today in three separate attacks in Iraq. Additional bloodshed included the assassination of a political figure.

The Baghdad governor, Ali al-Haidari, was attacked and killed in a roadside ambush after he left his home, the Interior Ministry said. The Associated Press reported that six of the governor's bodyguards were also killed. He was the most senior official assassinated in the city since the head of the Governing Council was killed last May.

Iraq's interim president, Ghazi al-Yawar, questions whether elections should be held on January 30, given the lack of security. Iraq's defense minister, among others, has asked the same question. The White House denies that Prime Minister Ayad Allawi is considering postponement of the election, despite his decision to telephone President Bush to discuss "the many impediments still facing the country as it heads toward elections."

But some officials in Washington and in Iraq interpreted the telephone call as a sign that Dr. Allawi, who is clearly concerned his own party could be headed to defeat if the election is held on schedule, may be preparing the ground to make the case for delay to Mr. Bush.

Of course, if Iraq is truly sovereign, as President Bush claims, the decision to postpone the election does not require his approval.