US Stands Up for Iraqi Democracy

Is Al-Maliki Arabic for cut-and-run? For a long time, the Bush administration and its supporters have rightly accused democrat members of congress who wish to cut-and-run of turning their backs on the Iraqi people.

So when the Iraqi government itself decides to cut-and-run on the Iraqi people by mandating a US troop withdrawal, the situation simply cannot stand. Fortunately, the Bush administration gets this:

Publicly, Administration officials say they remain committed to Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, even though his Government has failed to achieve any of the legislative "benchmarks" sought by US officials.

But privately, some US officials acknowledge that the clamour from Congress to find another approach will increase sharply as the months pass and no progress is made on national reconciliation.

Intervention "is the eternal temptation for the Americans", said one US official, speaking on condition of anonymity.

"As we get closer and closer to (northern autumn), and the benchmarks are not met … there will be a growing appeal to the idea that if we can replace the top guy, we can get back on track."

Replacing the top guy would be an incredibly simple solution. With obstructionist cut-and-run al-Maliki gone, we would finally have an effective government which is willing to help the Iraqis enjoy the fruits of their hard-won Democracy. Is it possible that George Bush is finally listening to Cheney?