IRAQ:U.S. Admit Worry over a ‘Difficult" al Maliki

[Nonno (Premo)]

IRAQ: U.S. Officials Admit Worry over a ‘Difficult’ al-Maliki

WASHINGTON, Aug 15 (IPS) - U.S. officials privately admit being concerned that Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al- Maliki has become "overconfident" about his government’s ability to manage without U.S. combat troops, according to an Iraq analyst who just returned from a trip to Iraq arranged by U.S. commander General David Petraeus.

Colin Kahl, a fellow at the Centre for a New American Security (CNAS) -- which has supported a long-term U.S. military presence in Iraq -- told the press this week that there was "a certain degree of grudging respect for al- Maliki" among officials with whom we met, "but more often concern about his emerging overconfidence which is making it difficult to interact with him."

That assessment contrasts with statements of George W. Bush administration officials implying that al-Maliki’s public demands for a timetable for U.S. military withdrawal are merely negotiating ploys or political grandstanding.

[ImnoMensa]

I dont know why Al-Maliki wants us out of Iraq so soon, since it is likely he will be among the first casualties after we pull out.

Having said that I would start the pull out and let Al-Maliki and the rest fend for themselves . Be careful what you ask for, it may come true.

If they can handle it fine , That a plus, if they cant ,tough .