* 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.”