A tough hurdle as Iraqis talk security with Washington

These differences are further complicated by the political environment in the United States, Iraq and the region. First, the negotiations are taking place in the shadow of the November 2008 US presidential election and despite high American public opposition to the Iraq war. Second, the agreements are shaping up as a major political battleground between America and Iran. And third, the same agreements can exacerbate already existing divisions within Iraqi society.

Iraqis and Americans agree on the mission of the American forces in the long term - in other words training, equipping and providing expertise to Iraqi forces. However, the United Nations mandate under which the US-led forces operate in Iraq will end by December 2008. Iraq's government realizes that its security forces are not yet able to stand alone against foreign and terrorist threats. Hence Iraqis want a commitment from the United States to assist them to defend Iraq when requested.