Iraqis Race to Finish New Constitution by Deadline
Facing significant obstacles and growing dissension, the head of the panel drawing up Iraq's new constitution announced on Monday that a draft would be ready by a mid-August deadline. "We can get it completed by August 15," Humam Hammoudi, head of the 71-member drafting committee, told parliament. (Reuters)

Ten years ago, another country with a violent history and ethnic divisions a similar situation. Filmed during the closing stages South Africa’s Constitutional Assembly, THE DEADLINE is an inside look at the realpolitik negotiations. As in Iraq, Tension grew as the deadline loomed, and cameraderie gave way to open antagonism, accusations, and counter accusations. A deadlock over outstanding issues continued until the final night, threatening to derail the transition to democracy.