* What were the crowds protesting?

A deal between the Iraqi and US governments known as the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), which defines the rights and obligations of foreign military operatives. The Pentagon’s official line on SOFA, which exasperated the Iraqis, is soldiers’ immunity from being tried in Iraq. In essence it protects “personnel who may be subjected to criminal trial.” 

* What does SOFA involve?

The Status of Forces Agreement is based on the presumption that the host country — Iraq — requests foreign presence. While accepting that the host country exercises complete control and authority over its territory and those resident within it, the Americans aim “to protect, to the maximum extent possible, the rights of United States personnel who may be subject to criminal trial by foreign courts and imprisonment in foreign prisons.”  

* What is the official Iraqi line on SOFA?

Talks on SOFA have been on since July and the official line has changed in response to powerful domestic factions. The initial stand from Nouri al-Maliki’s government called for the termination of “foreign presence on Iraqi lands and restoring full sovereignty.” Now, al-Maliki is looking for approval from his parliament, together with the Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq; and calls SOFA an “historic deal.” Opposition leaders are attempting to block the deal from passing in Parliament.

* Who is opposing the deal?

The most prominent sectarian leader, and the organiser of the recent protests, is Moqtada al-Sadr. He wants the US to withdraw immediately, and says “whoever tells you that this pact gives us sovereignty is lying”. Al-Sadr enjoys strong support among Shi’ites, and is known for anti-US rhetoric. Al-Maliki’s government has come under international scrutiny for not disbanding Al-Sadr’s militia, which has been accused of carrying out attacks against Sunni insurgents and coalition forces. His government relies on Al-Sadr’s thirty seats in parliament.

* Is there support for the deal?

There is a degree of support from the Sunni and Kurdish factions within Iraq. Sunnis have been shut out of national politics for an entire year, though al-Maliki has allowed for 6 Sunni members in Parliament. Some within this faction see the SOFA as a means to check Shi’ite power.

* Where does SOFA stand in the US?

It is controversial. The most contentious point is that SOFA will enable indefinite American military presence in Iraq. Further, President Bush is pushing for the deal to pass before his term ends in January. This implies that the US would be in Iraq at least until 2011. Democrat Senator Obama has, during his campaign, argued for withdrawal by 2010. Republican Senator McCain, however, has said that troops “will come home with honour and with victory and not through a set timetable.”