The US has put in place numerous laws to protect US forces and contractors. On Saturday Bremer signed an edict that gave US soldiers and military contractors immunity from Iraqi laws even after the handover of power. The Washington Post reports Bremer has also issued a series of other edicts that could affect how Iraq will be governed for years. He has appointed at least two dozen Iraqis to government jobs with five-year terms including Iraq’s new national security advisor and national intelligence chief. This means the US will have high-placed allies in government regardless of who wins the upcoming Iraqi elections. Bremer has also formed a seven-member election commission that will have the power to disqualify political parties and candidates. Meanwhile it has been widely reported Allawi is considering imposing martial law or issuing special emergency laws.