Michael Gerson writes that "administration officials believe they have taken precautions that will encourage Iraqi nationalism over a destructive pan-Shiism."

Iraqi lawmakers approved new ground rules for the U.S. troop presence, including a U.S. withdrawal by 2011. But questions about the accords' legal longevity remain.

The October 2008 update of this Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction (SIGIR) report states, "The theme of this Quarterly Report, "A Nascent Normalcy: The Evolution of U.S. Assistance to a Sovereign Iraq," reflects the recognition of a fundamental shift in the U.S. relief and reconstruction effort this year, which SIGIR dubbed in January "The Year of Transfer."

Barack Obama's wish to withdraw U.S. forces from Iraq within sixteen months played well at the polls. But experts suggest his plans may prove hard to implement as Washington's influence in Iraq wanes.

CFR.org provides a collection of resources on Iraq.

An official at the U.S. Government Accountability Office says Iraq will retain a healthy budget surplus in spite of falling oil prices. He also notes that auditors' access to Iraq's finances could be curtailed sharply after the end of this year.

U.S. troops in Iraq may guarantee security, but they will not bring about political reconciliation, the key to stability.

F. Gregory Gause III, a leading expert on Iraq and Saudi Arabia, says a lack of leadership among Iraq's Shiite politicians is holding up approval of a U.S.-Iraqi security pact. He also talks about new Saudi efforts to engage the Taliban in a peace parley.

Michael Gerson discusses the tactics of Gen. David Petaeus.

Iraq's finance minister asserts his country does not have a surplus of funds and expresses concern about the potential impact of the global financial crisis, and falling oil prices, on Iraq.

Baqir Jabr al-Zubeidi, Minister of Finance of the Republic of Iraq, speaks with Council members.

The New York Times offers an in-depth comparison of the presidential candidates' plans for Iraq, based largely off the candidates' comments in extensive interviews on the topic.

Passage of a long-awaited election law has renewed hope that Iraq can find political solutions to its many problems. But some Western observers still see trouble on the horizon.

Marc Lynch, an expert on Iraqi politics, says that despite security gains in Iraq, the political situation remains unsettled, suggesting progress might be ephemeral.

Listen to retired lieutenant general Jay M. Garner, former director of the Office of Reconstruction and Humanitarian Assistance in Iraq, discuss the situation on the ground in 2003.

Watch retired lieutenant general Jay M. Garner, former director of the Office of Reconstruction and Humanitarian Assistance in Iraq, discuss the situation on the ground in 2003.

A conversation with General Jay M. Garner, Lieutenant General (U.S. Army, Retired); Former Director, Office for Reconstruction and Humanitarian Assistance for Iraq

In this Associated Press article, John Daniszewski writes that Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki wants to create a new security accord with the United States, but is unwavering that it must respect Iraqi interests.