Iraq's interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi is urging his countrymen to work together following Sunday's election, while insurgents vow to press on with their campaign of violence.
Mr. Allawi discussed the election with President Bush, and said he will ensure all Iraqis are represented in the new government. Mr. Bush called the vote a great success. Mr. Allawi contended that the election was a major blow to insurgents. But on Monday, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi's al-Qaida in Iraq group posted an internet pledge to keep fighting democracy in Iraq.
Three U.S. Marines were killed in action Monday south of Baghdad. Meanwhile, election officials have finished the first round of vote counting and are sending tally sheets to Baghdad. Final results are expected in about a week. The election commission estimates that up to eight million people -- more than 60 percent of all eligible voters -- cast ballots.