the administration knew the score 15 minutes after the execution - that's why they hurried to make sure the body was properly handled, flying it to Tikrit.
in any case, this is behind us now. and I think this comment from the president sends the message to Maliki - YOU ARE A GOVERNMENT NOW, ACT LIKE ONE. and this is going to be the key concept iraq is going to have to demonstrate they can accomplish (or not) during this "surge", so we might as well set the tone early.
I agree. It's time for Iraq, with Maliki at the helm, to either do or die. This is their last chance. If they fail, it's their failure not ours anymore.