The story: Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani has set Oct. 20 as the date for repeatedly delayed elections for the regional parliament. The polls are slated to take place more than two years behind schedule. The move comes as federal authorities in Baghdad are running the process and have worked with Kurdish parties to resolve complaints. Observers say the latter is likely to help provide enough stability to ensure the process moves forward.

The coverage: President Barzani’s spokesperson on June 26 announced a new date for the elections. Political parties had long been...