The Iraqi parliament convened Thursday for the first time under tight security measures after three months of the Dec. 15 general elections. Iraqi lawmakers take their oath during the opening session of the new parliament in Baghdad March 16, 2006.
Shi'ite leader Adbul-Aziz al-Hakim (C) talks with Iraqi President Jalal Talabani besides Iraqi Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari, (R), before the start of the parliament in Baghdad, March 16, 2006.
An Iraqi soldier stands guard at a checkpoint after authorities imposed a vehicle ban to prevent violence in Baghdad March 16, 2006.
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