U.S. sway dwindles in Iraq ('Iranian ambassador has a bigger role in Iraq than Biden,' says Kurdish

[Poll_Blind]

...lawmaker)

From http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39788625/ns/world_news-mideastn_africa/">MSNBC:

BAGHDAD — American influence has so dwindled in Iraq over the last several months that Iraqi lawmakers and political leaders say they no longer follow Washington's advice for forming a government.

Instead, Iraqis are turning to neighboring nations, and especially Iran, for guidance — casting doubt on the future of the American role in this strategic country after a grinding war that killed more than 4,400 U.S. soldiers.

--snip--

Vice President Joe Biden, the administration's point man for Iraq, has doggedly lobbied Iraqi leaders, both on the phone and in six trips here over the past two years.

--snip--

"The Iranian ambassador has a bigger role in Iraq than Biden," said a prominent Kurdish lawmaker, Mahmoud Othman. He said the Americans "will leave Iraq with its problems, thus their influence has become weak."

--snip--

U.S. officials initially encouraged the Iraqis to form a government quickly, but recently started pushing for a slowdown after it became apparent that a party led by anti-American cleric Muqtada al-Sadr was poised to play a major role.

So much worth reading in this article, snipping doesn't do it justice. Please read the whole article at the link, it's worth your time!

Q:Hey, and who is this Muqtada al-Sadr character, anyway?

A:Ah yes, I remember now. Recall the execution of Saddam Hussein? These supposed state execution where everyone involved was to terrified to fucking do anything but wear ski-masks? Those guys- they were chanting "Long live Muqtada al-Sadr!" as they hung him.

One of the many signs even back in 2006 that things were terribly amiss.

PB

[aquart]

1. Iran wants to run Iraq? YES!

Oh, I do so wish them joy of it. Let's pack up everything and leave them the keys.

[Submariner]

2. Ruh roh

Any takers on a lottery on how soon Iraq tells the U.S. to get the hell out of the billion $ U.S Embassy the Bush/Cheney Junta built inside the Green zone?

I don't think the Iraqi's want ANY American presence in their country at all. It's just a matter of time.

My guess is sometime in 2012 in the run up to Obama's re-election.