Not to be outdone by India on the international stage, Pakistan declared that two brigades of troops could be sent to Iraq, after taking the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) into confidence. They are likely to form part of the first international force of two divisions expected to arrive in Iraq by the end of this month. - Adam Geibel

Throughout Iraq, the coalition is setting up Iraqi advisory councils. Neighborhoods or towns select their representatives and these men and women advice the coalition on policy matters. This process is the beginning of a program to establish a voting capability so that elections can be held to select officials at all levels. The Baghdad advisory council, of 37 members, began operating today.