After nearly one year of deliberation, U.S. and Iraqi governments are coming to terms over the highly contested ‘Status of Forces Agreement’ or SOFA.  It’s a hotly debated deal over whether to allow U.S. forces to remain in Iraq until the end of 2011.The current UN mandate says coalition troops can stay in Iraq until December 31, 2008.

We’re tracking perspectives from China’s Xinhua, Asia Times, the Los Angeles Times and Al Jazeera English. The Iraqi cabinet approved SOFA Sunday, and now the agreement will move to Iraq’s parliament for a final vote.

China’s Xinhua quoted high-level sources optimistic about the deal. Iraq’s Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari told the news service…

 “This is an historic day for the Iraqi and U.S. relations…there is a positive atmosphere among the political leaders.” (Xinhua)

Asia Times reports the agreement includes demands by Iraq’s Prime Minister that the Americans added only after Iraqi pressure.

“Apparently, he only accepted the current draft after emphasizing full withdrawal by 2011 and making sure that U.S. soldiers will not be immune to Iraqi law if they commit crimes on Iraqi territory.” (Asia Times)

We get the American perspective from MSNBC.

Reporter Ned Cole took a closer look at the Iraqi government’s motives, saying they’re looking forward to assuming full political and military control.

“Now, the Status of Forces Agreement clearly is the result of pressure by the Iraqi government amid confidence that it’s increasingly in control of the country.” (MSNBC)

The Los Angeles Times published an editorial saying the benchmarks set by SOFA will send clear signals about American intentions in the Middle East.

“Finally, we think we see light at the end of the Iraq tunnel….  The agreement sends two important messages to the international community: First, the United States truly does not plan a permanent military presence in Iraq, and second, it will not launch attacks on neighbors from Iraq.” (The Los Angeles Times)

The LA Times also reports Iraq’s highest religious leader will agree to the deal if a majority of legislators support it.

The plan even gained support from unusual places, including Iran, where the Times said the country’s judiciary approves of SOFA.

The plan does not enjoy unanimous support, however.

Iraqi nationalists, such as Shi’ite leader, Muqtada al-Sadr are fierce critics of the deal.

“This approval underestimates the blood of the martyrs, the opinion of the clerics, and the popular rejection of this agreement.” (The Los Angeles Times)

The paper also wrote, “Sadr announced the creation of a new militia… to fight the Americans.”

A reporter for Al Jazeera English summed up the feelings of Iraqi citizens.

"On one hand, everyone wants to see the last US soldier leave Iraq, but on the other hand, they are afraid of what could happen if there is a hasty withdrawal.”

"I think we are going to hear a lot of deliberation in parliament and we will see a lot of procrastination. The Sadrists are in the parliament as well as other groups who are also against the pact … there is going to be a lot of in-fighting.” (Al Jazeera English)

Do you think the Iraqi Parliament will pass this deal? How would a continued U.S. troop presence affect Iraqi sovereignty?

We invite you to share your views with us, and please check out our sources.