The Good News? Halliburton is Hiring. The Bad? Can You Relocate?

Iraqis ignore U.S. poll amid bloodshed:

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraqis traumatised by violence have barely heeded the U.S. election as a suicide bomber attacked a U.S. checkpoint near Baghdad airport and kidnappers seized five more foreigners, including an American.

After President George W. Bush clinched victory over Democratic challenger John Kerry on Wednesday, one Iraqi in a Baghdad restaurant said it was time Washington altered course in Iraq.

"We hope the American president will change his policy towards Iraq ... because Iraq is oppressed and can't remain occupied," Salem Shummari told Reuters Television.

During vote-counting earlier, many Iraqis kept their television sets tuned to Ramadan religious programmes.

"Will Kerry turn occupation into liberation? No. Has Bush kept his promises? No. Whoever wins we will be at their mercy," said Raad Fadel, selling musical instruments in Baghdad.

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