Iraq's Sunni Arab vice president vetoed part of the new election law today and a member of the electoral commission said all of activities to prepare for the vote have been suspended.

Another complication came yesterday when Kurdish leaders threatened to boycott the vote unless the three northern provinces they control are given more seats in the next parliament.

Gen. Raymond Odierno said today that if there is a need to change the U.S. troop withdrawal schedule, he has enough flexibility to put off that decision until late spring.