Picture Of The Day

BASRA, IRAQ - JANUARY 30: A British soldier from a Military Transition Team (MiTT), joins a Iraqi Army patrol close to a polling station which will be used in tomorrows election on January 30 2009 in Basra, Iraq. While most British soldiers are being confined to their bases and all non-essential movements restricted during the elections, security in Iraqs second city is being increased with a curfew and total vehicle movement ban imposed from this evening in an attempt to ensure the elections run as smoothly as possible. Many areas in Iraq are preparing for provincial elections which are being closely watched as a way of evaluating how peaceful and stable the country now is. British forces are due to withdraw from Iraq later this year and the results will also determine how quickly the number of US troops serving in Iraq can be brought down too. Getty Images

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