Iraq PM Nouri al-Maliki Says: "Iraq Can Find Some Friends Elsewhere"

[DeSwiss]

Iraqi PM Lashes Out at U.S. Critics

Associated Press
QASSIM ABDUL-ZAHRA
August 22, 2007 12:26 PM EST

DAMASCUS, Syria — Iraq's prime minister lashed out Wednesday at U.S. criticism, saying no one has the right to impose timetables on his elected government and that his country "can find friends elsewhere." Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki blamed the U.S. presidential campaign for the recent tough words about his government _ from President Bush and from other U.S. politicians.

Bush on Tuesday said he was frustrated with Iraqi leaders' inability to bridge political divisions. But he added that only the Iraqi people can decide whether to sideline al-Maliki. "Clearly, the Iraqi government's got to do more," Bush said. "I think there's a certain level of frustration with the leadership in general, inability to work -- come together to get, for example, an oil revenue law passed or provincial elections."

On Wednesday, however, Bush scrambled to show he had not abandoned al-Maliki, wary of how his comments the day before had been widely interpreted. "Prime Minister Maliki's a good guy, good man with a difficult job and I support him," Bush said in a speech to military veterans. "And it's not up to the politicians in Washington, D.C., to say whether he will remain in his position," Bush said. "It is up to the Iraqi people who now live in a democracy and not a dictatorship."

Al-Maliki, on a trip to Syria, reacted harshly when asked about the earlier comments from U.S. officials. "No one has the right to place timetables on the Iraq government. It was elected by its people," he said at a news conference in Damascus at the end of the three-day visit to Syria. "Those who make such statements are bothered by our visit to Syria. We will pay no attention. We care for our people and our constitution and can find friends elsewhere," al-Maliki said.

Read more: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/huff-wires/20070822/syria-iraq/

*** - Oh no, we can't imposed timetables on Iraq. WE CAN impose a timetable to bring our troops home though. I mean since they've got all that democracy oozing out over there, they might as well put it to use. "Hey, we'll see ya. Send us a card and let us know how things are working out!"

I don't know why the Bushitter is complaining. They picked Maliki out of the crowd. They got him elected with their superior "electing skills." They protect him from all those other democratic Iraqis that want to kill him. And they allow him and his people to rip off the US taxpayers with missing guns and money. In fact, if Bush and Maliki were to change places, would anyone notice????

[villager]

1. ...and with "friends" like the U.S....

n/t

[DeSwiss]

4. Bush said.....

"I think there's a certain level of frustration with the leadership in general, inability to work...." then he changes his tune.

What Bush was about to say was: "inability to get that natural resources bill passed in the Iraqi legislature."

And if they have any sense at all, they won't pass it. That's why we're hanging around, for the oil companies to divvy up the oil and gas assets among themselves. And they want the US armed forces to stay there until the Iraqi legislature "democratically gives them what they want."


Bush's "Blood-For-Oil-War"

on edit: spelling (dang it!!!)

[Donnachaidh]

2. Did Putin send flowers and candy shortly after Maliki's comments?

just asking... :evilgrin:

[eagler]

3. I think he's referring to Iran.

It's becoming quite obvious he's sympathetic to them.

[Donnachaidh]

6. either one -- do you think Putin would pass up an opportunity

to tweak Chimpie in public? I think he'd enjoy doing just that.

[DeSwiss]

5. Along with this lovely picture....

"I'm thinking about you Nouri"

[Donnachaidh]

7. ewwww

he's what -- 5 foot three or so? He looked pretty short next to the Chimp.

[Disturbed]

8. Where's that photo of al Malaki holding hands with the Pres of

Iran? Wasn't there an agreement about an oil pipeline from Iraq to Iran?