The Iraqi government has announced a law allowing it to impose emergency security measures.
Prime Minister Iyad Allawi signed the law on Wednesday giving the government the power to impose curfews, set up checkpoints and detain suspects.
But the measures can only be applied temporarily and in specific parts of the country.
There has been no let-up in violence, with street fighting and mortar attacks on buildings in central Baghdad.
Correspondents say that while the US-led coalition is already able to impose tough security measures, the law will give the new authorities a legal shield as it fights insurgents.
An interior ministry official told the BBC there had been extensive discussions during the drafting to avoid what he called "undue infringement of human rights".
Archived topic from Anythingforums, old topic ID:430, old post ID:3722
Iraq brings in tough security law
Iraq brings in tough security law
I hope this gets things under control.
Archived topic from Anythingforums, old topic ID:430, old post ID:3753
Archived topic from Anythingforums, old topic ID:430, old post ID:3753