Tribal movements and Sons of Iraq (SoI) groups have been a critical partner for coalition forces in stabilizing Iraq from 2006 onwards.

The relationship between the provincial governments and the central government in Iraq is complex; the issues involved relate to the core insecurities of each of the major political factions in Iraq.

As US forces in Iraq transition from a combat role to an overwatch role, Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) will take on an increasingly important role in the provision of security for the Iraqi people.

As the Sunni insurgency has receded, violence between two factions within the Shi'a community, the Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq (ISCI) and the Sadrist Trend, has become increasingly visible.

Iran has been actively involved in supporting Shi'a militias and encouraging sectarian violence in Iraq since the invasion of 2003.

Jaysh al-Mahdi, or JAM, is the militia of Muqtada as-Sadr, an influential political figure within the Shi'a community. His control over the militia's activities has recently come into question.

Although one of the smallest factions in the Sunni insurgency, Al-Qaeda in Iraq may be one of the most deadly. US operations have put tremendous pressure on the group in 2007.