In the run up to the American presidential elections we will be asking a panel of BBC News Online users - selected from as wide a cross-section of people as possible across the US - to share their views.

Between now and November, the panel will be giving us their personal opinions about key events and themes in the race.

In the first instalment in the series, eight members of the panel give their verdict on the situation in Iraq, following the handover of power.

We asked them: Will the transfer of power to the provisional authority help end the violence? How will events in Iraq shape the election fortunes of President George Bush and Democrat challenger John Kerry?

We also want to hear what you think, so send us your comments using the form after each person's views.

Click on a person above to read their views